What do you think is the most romantic movie of all time? Do you agree with my assessment of Somewhere in Time or do you think I've lost it?
Check out my poll on the sidebar and vote for your favorite - - the one that makes your heart sing, the one that makes you cry, the one that you think captures the essence of what a romance film should be.
Don't agree with the choices? Simple. Select "none of the above" and leave me a comment here and let me know what movie should have been included.
And please feel free to leave me comments about your choice if included in the poll. I'd like to know why that particular movie is your choice and I love comments!
Starring: Christopher Reeve, Jane Seymour and Christopher Plummer
Director: Jeannot Szwarc
Writer: Richard Matheson (novel and screenplay)
Release Date: October 3, 1980
Running Time: 103 minutes
Synopsis: A Chicago playwright uses self-hypnosis to find the actress whose vintage portrait hangs in a grand hotel and sacrifices his life in the present to find happiness with her in the past.
Flick Facts:
* Dustin Hoffman was initially considered for the role of Richard Collier but it was determined that Hoffman, while a great actor, was not attractive enough to inspire love at first sight.
* Jane Seymour was cast in the role of Elise McKenna after being the only actress to answer in the negative after being asked if she had ever been in love.
* The moment when Richard first sees the portrait of Elise in the film was also the first time Christopher Reeve saw the portrait. The director's objective was to get a genuine reaction from him, so it was kept hidden from Reeve until the moment Richard first turns and sees it.
* The professor in the movie is named "Finney" in tribute to the science fiction writer Jack Finney.
* Hotel del Coronado, the main setting of the novel, was found unsuitable due to many of the modern changes, such as a modern tennis court, antennas on the roof and aluminum windows and the Grand Hotel at Mackinac Island, Michigan was selected as its replacement.
* Automobiles are not allowed on Mackinac Island and so the use of cars for the movie required special permission from the town. Although cars were allowed for filming, the cast and crew weren't allowed to drive them outside of actual filming for the movie.
* This was the first film for both William H. Macy (billed as W.H. Macy), playing a critic, and George Wendt, playing a student.
* Christopher Reeve's biggest concern about the film was its ending (watch it and see!)
* The film's estimated cost was $5.1 million; its total domestic gross was just over $9.7 million.
She Said, He Said:
* "Come back to me."
* "Is it you?"
* "Excess within control."
* "I am an actress, Mr. Robinson, not a doormat. Do not attempt to wipe your boots on me."
* "There is so much to say... I cannot find the words. Except for these: 'I love you.' "
* "That watch was very precious to her. She never left it out of her possession."
Chic Chick Sounds:
The Somewhere in Time soundtrack captures the romance and emotion of the movie perfectly. Be prepared for your heartstrings to be tugged while listening. Somewhere in Time - John Barry
The Old Woman - John Barry
The Journey Back in Time - John Barry
A Day Together - John Barry
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini - Chet Swiakowski
Is He The One - John Barry
The Man of My Dreams - John Barry
Return to the Present - John Barry
Theme from Somewhere in Time - Roger Williams
Somewhere in Time has been coined "The Most Romantic Love Story Ever Filmed" and I certainly will not argue with that accolade. Christopher Reeve, coming off his huge Superman success, took this "small" role so as not to be typecast in action roles and brings to the role of Richard an earnestness, a wholesomeness and a beauty that no other actor of the time could ever have showcased. He and Jane Seymour are so beautiful together and their chemistry so palpable that it makes your heart ache just watching them.
The time travel aspect of the story will appeal to any sci fi fan, as well as those intent on piecing the puzzle together (such as "where did the watch come from?"). Viewers who enjoy vintage clothing and costumes will have a field day with Somewhere in Time, as well as classical music lovers. But the real draw is in the romance. Romance fans who haven't seen this movie don't have the right to call themselves that, as this film set the standard for what romance should be.
Somewhere in Time has no special effects, no action scenes, no car chases, no profanity and no nudity. It relies on the solid script, strong direction, its two leads and incredible story to win you over. And that it does.
It is unfortunate that during the movie's initial release there was an Actor's Strike going on, preventing the stars from attending the film's premiere, and due to the minimal or outright lack of marketing and promotion, the film only spent 3 weeks in theaters before quickly disappearing. Thanks to cable, VHS and DVD rentals and sales, the film has gotten the appreciation and love it deserves. The film is officially 30 years old next month and as breathtaking today as it was when first released.
Best Parts of Somewhere in Time: Everything is phenomenal, from the utterly gorgeous sets, costumes, breathtaking music, stunning Grand Hotel locale, to the storyline and actors. The chemistry between Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour cannot be topped.
Worst Parts of Somwhere in Time: Nothing. The film is flawless.
Spawns and Sequels: There has never been a sequel to Somewhere in Time, nor a remake. However, the devout following of film appreciators led to the International Network of Somewhere in Time Enthusiasts (INSITE), as well as an annual weekend each October at the Grand Hotel celebrating this beautiful film. There has also been a sequel of sorts written, based on Elise's life between 1912 and 1972.
The Final Word: This is my absolute favorite movie of all time. I fell in love with it on first viewing, when I was 12 years old, watching a 10 a.m. show on HBO on summer vacation. So obsessed with it that I watched a repeat viewing the same night at 6 p.m. I have owned the VHS tape, the DVD, the original soundtrack, the revised soundtrack, the novel the movie was based on, the "making of" book, a "sequel" written by a fan and composed music to go along with reading the sequel, and a framed replica of the original movie theater poster, in addition to playing the stunningly gorgeous theme music for my last piano recital and at my wedding. I have seen this movie a minimum of 50 times and quite likely nearly 100 and I still yearn, pine, hope and cry as if each viewing is the first. (So be warned: have a box of tissues handy). This movie bred in me the fascination with time travel that continues to this day so I can honestly say that Somewhere in Time changed my life. It is, without a doubt, the most romantic and emotional movie ever put on film.
Somewhere in Time is available for purchase at major retailers, including Amazon. (What are you waiting for? Go, go, GO get this movie!)
Sliding Doors Starring: Gwyneth Paltrow, John Hannah, John Lynch, Jeanne Tripplehorn
Director: Peter Howitt Writer: Peter Howitt
Release Date: April 24, 1998
Running Time: 99 minutes
Synopsis: Helen Quilley is a young Londoner who, after getting sacked at work one morning, dashes to catch the tube and just misses it as the sliding doors close on her. We then see how Helen's life turns out, having missed the tube, and what her life would have been like had she made the journey home.
Flick Facts:
* The role of Helen was initially offered to Minnie Driver before Gwyneth Paltrow signed.
* The book Helen spills tea on in the beginning of the film and is reading later is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
* Anna's address in the film, per her instruction to the cab driver, is 9 Menlove Avenue, the childhood home of John Lennon.
* Rowers were specifically cast to be John Hannah's rowing buddies so that Hannah appeared tall and athletic.
* Writer/director Peter Howitt was on a drinking spree in a London pub when Sydney Pollack called from Hollywood to offer financing. Howitt was wisely sobered up before speaking to Pollack.
She Said, He Said:
* "Everybody's born knowing all the Beatles lyrics instinctively. They're passed into the fetus subconsciously along with all the amniotic stuff. Fact, they should be called "The Fetals".
* "Haircut suits you, by the way. . . No, it does, it does! No gag. 'Never make a joke about a woman's hair, clothes or menstrual cycles' - page one."
* "Gerry, I'm a woman! We don't say what we WANT! But we reserve the right to get pissed off if we don't get it. That's what makes us so fascinating! And not a little bit scary."
* "Come on! If you don't drink your fatty drinks, you'll never really achieve quality cellulite."
* "I must say, being friends with you certainly makes the wait for the next episode of "Seinfeld" much easier to bear."
* "Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!"
Chic Chick Sounds:
The Sliding Door soundtrack has an absolutely wonderful, eclectic mix of mid to late 90s music, everything from Dido to Aimee Mann to Elton John. The tracks include:
Have Fun, Go Mad - Blair
Drug Soup - Space Monkeys
Turn Back Time - Aqua
Good Enough - Dodgy
Thank You - Dido
Use The Force - Jamiroquai
Miracle - Olive
On My Own - Peach Union
Amateur - Aimee Mann
Honky Cat - Elton John
Don't Feel Like Cryin' - Abra Moore
Call Me A Fool - Those Magnificent Men
More Love - Brand New Heavies
Sliding Doors was released the same year that Gwyneth Paltrow won the Oscar for her part in Shakespeare in Love and its the latter film that gets the recognition for Paltrow's efforts that year. And a shame too because I think Sliding Doors is the superior film.
Paltrow always excelled at British accents, and she's no exception here. Her Helen is a delightful character, witty and relatable. Despite proving to be somewhat irresponsible in the beginning (where she filches vodka from the PR firm she works for to bring home for her birthday party - - the act that leads to her dismissal) I liked her and I wanted things to work out for her.
Paltrow's chemistry with co-star John Hannah was a delight and it was the banter and warmth between these two that really made the movie for me. Sure, maybe their relationship moved a bit more speedily than it would in the real world but this is a chick flick. Hannah was just strong enough as a leading man to compliment Paltrow and I'm sorry that these two actors have not co-starred as of this date in another film.
I loved the alternate parallels going on in the film - - which was made easier for us by having the alternate Paltrow (the one that catches the tube) cut her hair. Completely shallow but I think it was a darling style on her. Seeing how many times Helen and James nearly crossed paths in their parallel worlds and "near misses" there were was an interesting commentary on fate.
Best Parts of Sliding Doors: The wonderful scenes (all of them) between Paltrow and Hannah. Watch the film yourself and tell me you don't pine away for a James Hamilton yourself.
Worst Parts of Sliding Doors: The scene where Helen walks in on a cheating Gerry. Nothing wrong with the scene itself but . . . OUCH.
Spawns and Sequels: No sequel to Sliding Doors. Watch the film and I think you will agree that the ending is a marvelous one that leaves you on a happy, high note. Certainly, the theme of "what if" has been done many times in different formats but it's done to a wonderful perfection here, showing that there is such a thing is destiny and things happen for a reason. And yes, things work out for the best in the end.
The Final Word: I love this movie. Passionately. If you are a fan of Gwyneth Paltrow, you won't be disappointed. If you don't care for her, you may find that you actually enjoy her in this film. And I truly love that the alternate Paltrow, finding her cheating boyfriend en flagrente, dumps his sorry ass and goes on not only to find love with Hannah but finds professional success as well. And the soundtrack seriously rocks.
Sliding Doors is available for purchase at major retailers, including Amazon.
Starring: Joan Crawford, Melvyn Douglas, Roland Young, Billie Burke Director: Alexander Hall
Writers: Andrew Solt, Gina Kaus, P.J. Wolfson, and Henry Altimus
Release Date: June 11, 1942
Running Time: 86 minutes
Synopsis: Margaret J. ("M.J.") Drew is a tough as nails career woman, running the Drew Trucking Company with an iron fist and achieving a less than pleasant reputation from her employees. While she has time to arrange for her overly emotional younger sister to marry the right kind of man, she has no time for a personal life of her own, especially in the romance department. Until she meets Mike, who not only sweeps her off her feet but brings out the softer side of M.J.
Flick Facts:
* The role of M. J. Drew was originally slated for Carole Lombard, who was killed in a January 1942 plane crash after filming had already begun. Joan Crawford stepped into the role and donated her entire salary ($128,000) to the Red Cross in Lombard's name.
* When Crawford's agent took his usual 10% commission for this movie, instead of donating it as she had done, Crawford promptly fired him.
* At the time, Crawford was contracted to MGM. As this was a Columbia Pictures production, the film's end credits state: "Miss Crawford appears through the courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer."
* Billie Burke, who played Crawford's mother in this film, is perhaps best known as Glinda The Good Witch in The Wizard of Oz.
* Originally a dancer prior to being signed by MGM, Crawford does a little bit of dancing (and slight singing) as M.J. Her dancing, in fact, is the jitterbug, a throwback to the dancing she did in the 20s.
* Cinematographer Joseph Walker reportedly used a special lavender lighting technique on Crawford to enhance the brilliance of her eyes.
* This was the fourth and final film pairing of Joan Crawford and Melvyn Douglas (the previous three being The Gorgeous Hussy in 1936, The Shining Hour in 1938 and A Woman's Face in 1941).
* The original print ads for They All Kissed the Bride had taglines of A TENDER WARMLY HUMAN ROMANCE! and There's Never Anything Wrong with a Woman That a Man's Lips Won't Cure.
* The working title was originally He Kissed the Bride.
* "The title was silly, but the picture had a nice flair, and it came off better than anyone expected." - Joan Crawford
She Said, He Said:
* "Do forgive me, Margaret says I have no control."
* "Are you sure when Margaret was born they didn't make a mistake at the hospital and give you the wrong brat?"
Chic Chick Sounds:
No soundtrack for obvious reasons for this movie classic but Joan does sing "You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby" (Johnny Mercer/Harry Warren).
Joan Crawford wasn't known for comedy and she only acted in two screwball-type comedies during her long career, which is an absolute shame for us viewers. While I do like Susan and God (her other screwball role), it's They All Kissed the Bride that really holds my affection.
Crawford excelled in her women's roles (just check out Mildred Pierce, A Woman's Face or Possessed if you have any doubts) but under the right direction and with the right co-star, she obviously could pull her weight in comedies as well and it's nowhere more apparent than with her portrayal of M.J. Drew.
Crawford had a truly phenomenal chemistry with Melvyn Douglas, her leading man here and in other films, and that was no easy feat as Crawford possessed a strong and almost overwhelming screen presence. Many a leading man was nearly devoured by her on screen but perhaps Douglas worked so well due to his polar opposite laid back and humorous personality? Regardless, these two made their portrayals of M.J. and Mike a delight and a joy.
And to be utterly and completely shallow . . . Crawford was absolutely stunning in this picture. She was at the height of her beauty, before Warner Bros. made her severe and angular. She wears her hair longer and fluffier and she looks downright radiant. Her face is appealingly soft when she realizes she has fallen for Mike. Awwww. . .
Best Parts of They All Kissed the Bride: Any scene with Joan Crawford and/or Melvyn Douglas. Their chemistry was real and although the two were never involved off camera, they appeared to genuinely like one another and enjoy working together (or they at least used some incredible acting prowess!). Second to that, the dance contest scenes are a real joy.
Worst Parts of They All Kissed the Bride: None, really.
Spawns and Sequels: The overall theme of They All Kissed the Bride has likely been remade throughout the decades but, sadly, this would be Crawford's last zany type of comedy, as well as her last film appearance with Melvyn Douglas. She would return to Columbia Pictures for Sudden Fear in 1952.
The Final Word: Any fan, existing or new, of Joan Crawford absolutely must view They All Kissed the Bride, not only to see how lovely Joan looked at the time but also to see her portray a strong businesswoman who is tough and yet tender and who doesn't lose her strength by gaining the love of a man. Despite being made in 1942, the overall theme of They All Kissed the Bride hasn't dated and the movie has been remade in many different incarnations over the decades, with professional women finding love.
They All Kissed the Bride is available for purchase at Amazon through the following link:
