Really Surprised!

It isn't all that great, actually. Really cheesy and very predicable of how certain scenes are gonna turn play out. However, I guess that's the charm of it all, because I would consider this one of my guilty pleasures.

I enjoyed watching this film and would recommend other to give it a try , (as I am) but this movie, although enjoyable to watch due to the better than average acting fails to add anything new to its storyline that is all too familiar to these types of movies.

This movie feels like it was made purely to piss off people who want good shows

..............NOW WHY WOULD a burly, blue collar and rather gruff retired ex copper like you be reviewing some picture like this? It has everyday type characters that are put through their paces against what surely would be considered to be some very unglamorous scenario in ordinary, working class settings.WELL THE ANSWER that we must give to Schultz and all the rest of you doubters is a resounding, No! This is far more complex a story than that and cannot be pigeon holed so easily. In fact if one would give it another (or even first) viewing then just what we mean would become apparent.WE FOUND THIS to be a very compelling story, even at the time of its premier telecast over forty years ago. (My God, Schultz, where has the time gone!) No doubt the reason is that it is well mounted with great scenes, intelligently written and is not a bit pretentious. The story is brought to life by a fine cast which is headed up by Miss Maureen Stapleton (Award Winner) and Mr. Charles Durning.IT THE INCLUSION of the latter which is what proved to be a surprise in the cast, essentially stealing the show. Although he had perhaps been under-appreciated for his acting skills, he had established the reputation of being the most dependable of supporting players in so many character acting parts.WITH THIS FILM, a "Made for TV" movie, Charles put himself onto yet another level in his public persona. His skills in bringing off his characterization of Al Green, Letter Carrier, U.S. Postal Department was bolstered by and possibly eclipsed by his skills as a ballroom dancer. Few if any knew that the rather stout physique of his concealed the grace and skills that he had honed up in previous years while working as a dance instructor.ONCE AGAIN, WE must repeat and cannot overemphasize the wide appeal that this story has. It surely could have been made as a theatrical film; but alas, was relegated to the "lesser" venue of the small screen in our living rooms.WELL AS EVEN Schultz and myself have come to realize, this was Oscar's loss and Emmy's windfall.

Maureen Stapleton gives a fine performance in this simple and straightforward story of an older woman trying to get on with her life after her husband dies.Stapleton's performance aside, the film has the look and feel of a typical 1970's made-for-TV movie of the week. In addition to period costumes and props, the visuals are very dark. And the background music is annoyingly nondescript. Further, I did not care for the plot device wherein Stapleton's character suddenly bursts into non-melodic song, at odd moments. It seemed unnatural and intrusive.A big part of the plot takes place at the ballroom. Here, the filmmaker could have included well-known songs from the big band era, songs that viewers could identify with. But, for whatever reason, the filmmaker passed up this opportunity, and chose instead more nondescript music that quickly becomes tiresome.Although this film is not bad, it was a disappointment to me. But other viewers may find interest in it, especially if they're looking for a low-key, sentimental story, or a film with a fine performance from Maureen Stapleton.

I wish that IMDb.com would have added the soundtrack listing because the songs and melodies were so beautiful.I enjoyed the film immensely for the nostalgia, for a moment to see Maureen Stapleton & Charles Durning once more, for the lovely, wistful songs and much more.Like many audiences, I would have appreciated the ending to be more upbeat. Maureen was only 48 yrs old at the time she performed in this film and I assumed she was playing a 50 to 55 year old lady, therefore, it was not necessary to end the relationship in such a sorrowful way because this is not a normal age for a person to pass away, although it certainly does happen.I think it would have been more realistic to show that middle and old age is not just for dying. There is still a lot to learn and time to grow. It's been said, "It's never too late to change your life (or fall in love)".The choice for them to end the movie as they did was not a major flaw, however.It was still a terrific movie and one I had not seen before. Hope they show it on TV again in the near future.

The pacing is overly rapid in certain places, Bea's sister and daughter are painted with a cartoonish brush, but the film manages to be genuinely moving and poignant throughout.We are never asked to condone every change Bea makes; only to understand. Maureen Stapleton's human, subtly-keyed performance is the perfect centerpiece. Charles Durning is also wonderful in a role many actors would coast through. Once you see him here you'll never think of him in quite the same way again. These characters are so real, so everyday, that we can feel their joy and sorrow in ways cardboard types can't transmit.The singing is jarring at first, but their shaky voices add to the realistic undertone of the fantasy.Bea's unapologetic stance in her relationship with Al typifies the 70's and the 70's willingness to shake off conventions; I'm not sure if this tv-film would be made today with the same viewpoint.I loved the atmosphere of the Stardust Ballroom, the different relationships and the nostalgia for days gone by. Bea comes alive in a room where most are trying to relive their past glories.Flawless it may not be, but if you want to believe in love, in having a second chance at life no matter what your age is, this is the film to see.