The Sterile Cuckoo (released in the UK as Pookie) is a 1969 American comedy-drama film by producer-director Alan J. Pakula that tells the story of an eccentric young couple whose relationship deepens despite their differences and inadequacies.

[2] The film received two Oscar nominations for the 42nd Academy Awards: Liza Minnelli for Best Actress in a Leading Role, and Fred Karlin and Dory Previn's song "Come Saturday Morning" (performed by the Sandpipers) for Best Original Song.

Jerry notices that Pookie is different, unpredictable: she even lies to a nun on the bus so she can sit closer to him.

As Jerry settles into college life, the aggressive Pookie arrives unannounced one Saturday morning.

When the pregnancy scare is over, Jerry decides to spend spring break alone to catch up on studies.