A man and woman meet by chance at a romantic inn over dinner and, although both are married to others, they find themselves in the same bed the next morning questioning how this could have happened. They agree to meet on the same weekend each year—in the same hotel room—and the years pass each has some personal crisis that the other helps them through, often without both of them understanding what is going on.
Similar titles
Reviews
I found this movie very appealing and human. Sure, it brings out guilt feelings if you are married, but critical reviewers need to note it is really based on a fantasy, so may not be realistic. Ellen Burstyn is the better actor of the two. The song sung by Johnny Mathis suits the story admirably. I've seen this movie several times now and never get bored with it.
I have always wanted to see this movie but hadn't had the opportunity until now. It was well worth the wait! I absolutely loved it! Being a long time fan of both Burstyn and Alda, their performances did not disappoint. The subtle comedic jabs of Alda's guilt ridden George added strength to the already deep soul searching hearty dialogue. While Burstyn's ever evolving Doris balanced out the emotional ups and downs of their 25 plus years affair. The in-between pics of the events that shaped the times was a seamless way to move the years along. With such a sensitive subject as this movie examines; it is done in such a way that it leaves the viewer non judgmental but instead routing for their relationship to go the distance. And of course who could go wrong with a soundtrack by Johnny Mathis. SUPERB!
This was a movie that should have been a 21 minute sitcom episode. The minute I heard that sickeningly sweet, syrupy song sung by Johnny Mathis (Mr. Wobbly Vibrato himself) and Jane Oliver I knew this movie was doomed. The other thing is I just don't find anything remotely romantic about Alda and Burstyn. When Ellen Burstyn's character showed up in her hippie phase I just rolled my eyes and thought what BAD acting. I bet both Burstyn and Alda were very self satisfied with their performances. In the final scene, it is just one beige color after another. Ellen is wearing beige, Alan Alda is wearing beige, the furniture is beige. Even Ellen's wig is beige. I guess that kind of sums this movie up for me. It is a very beige movie.The only costume I liked on (blonde-wigged) Ellen Burstyn was the gorgeous black dress she wore with the rhinestone brooch and her lovely shiny dangle earrings. This, I believe, was their second meeting. Unfortunately for me, this is the one thing that I liked about the movie. Yes sadly I liked her black dress. That was it.
This is a film that has stuck with me for many years. If your interested in a film that celebrates the nuances and broad absurdities of human behavior, than this one is for you. The fact that it's based from a play and performed conspicuously in mostly one set, makes us focus on their every word and detail as their lives are revealed to us; along with their own unfolding self-discoveries. It's most surely not a nail-biting super adventure flick such as the Transformers Franchise. For starters, what wonderful performances by Alan Alda and Ellen Burstyn! What is most interesting for me, is that I first saw it when I was 15 yrs old. And by myself. The tittle song that meanders through the film is lovely, and has helped to attach the memory for me all these years as well.The premise is so simple. It's about personal growth, life experiences; and the sharing of those experiences. The fact that Doris and George are both married to other people is a philosophical one, and a personal challenge for the viewer. The truth is, we all age, enter new stages in our lives; and the possibility that an additional love can be apportioned to all of us is put up for consideration. It's in this perspective that George and Doris share intimate chapters of their lives with each other while not able to do so with their respective spouses. A poignant example of this in the film describes George finally revealing to Doris that his son Michael was killed by a sniper during the Vietnam war, but though he loved him, had admittedly been unable to cry about the event until it was Doris's unique understanding and physical touch that finally broke George's angry facade; unleashing a watershed of built-up despair. I think at it's core, the film is able to offer all of us through a unique perspective, the importance of compassion, understanding, communication, and unconditional love. Even through unconventional ways.