Sadly Over-hyped

A film of deceptively outspoken contemporary relevance, this is cinema at its most alert, alarming and alive.

The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

The Hasty Heart is directed by Vincent Sherman, has a screenplay by Ranald MacDougall and is based on the play by John Patrick. The film stars Ronald Reagan, Richard Todd, Patricia Neal, Orlando Martins, Ralph Michael, John Sherman and Anthony Nicholls.Burma in 1945. The Second World War is over. In a MASH unit several injured soldiers are recovering and waiting to be told they can go home. One soldier is not so lucky as his comrades. Lachie(Richard Todd)has a serious injury to his back which has destroyed one kidney and made the other one fail, there is no way he can be saved.The doctor won't tell Lachie the truth apparently to give him peace of mind. This has the opposite effect as Lachie gets angry and frustrated that he is not allowed to go home but isn't being told why. Lachie is moved to a ward where the other occupants have been told by ward nurse Sister Parker (Patricia Neal)to befriend Lachie and make him happy. The most outgoing of the group is Yank(Ronald Reagan)who tries his hardest to make Lachie welcome, only to have his kindness thrown back at him. As time goes on Lachie feels lonely and slowly comes to realise that he needs friendship.This film really makes you realise how important friendship is, we all need to build a connection with someone else so we know we're not alone and have some good times amongst the bad. This is one of the best films about friendship that I've ever seen.Richard Todd is very good as the introverted and awkward Lachie, he conveys his concerns and fears well. I love how overjoyed he becomes when he finally makes friends with his comrades and feels a part of the group.Ronald Reagan is someone who I've never thought much of as an actor, he is very impressive here as the witty and outgoing American soldier.Patricia Neal is heartbreaking as the nurse who knows the truth and tries to be kind and supportive despite Lachie proving a difficult patient, the relationship between her and Lachie is beautifully done and both Neal and Todd do such a good job of portraying the many difficult emotions involved for their characters.Orlando Martins steals all his scenes as Blossom, a soldier who doesn't speak any English, he grows to like Lachie and is the only one in the group who has no idea about his situation. He spends ages making Lachie a gift, when he rejects the gift he has made for him Yank reacts angrily, disgusted by his treatment of Blossom. Orlando is an actor who conveys so much with just a look and makes Blossom really likable and sweet.I don't understand why the doctors keep silent about Lachie's condition. Surely it is better for a patient to know the truth, even if it is unpleasant? I actually think it's cruel because if you feel ill and you are being told you're fine you will end your days distressed and anxious. I found this difficult to accept and support.

This movie really touches on a subject most of us choose to overlook, "self inflicted loneliness". The movie revolves around a young Scottish soldier who due to his upbringing (or lack there of) has chosen to live his life in emotional solitude. He assumes his self importance above all others. The writers do a fine job of bringing the players together. Ronald Reagen is excellent in this film but Richard Todd steals the show. It is his finest work as far as I'm concerned.I watched this film a second time with my "Self Centered" son and he was engrossed and drew many parallels to his own actions.Watch this movie - you will be pleasantly surprised.

A poignant film dealing with relationships in crisis.Richard Todd gave an absolutely fabulous performance as the dying soldier who does not know his fate. Totally alone in the world with a terrible attitude, the film deals with his coming to realize that there is kindness in the world. Naturally, this is put to the test when he discovers that he is terminally ill.Ronald Reagan is excellent as the American soldier who works with the others in the Burma Hospital to bring happiness to the Scot. (Todd)Todd received a best actor nomination for his performance. He certainly gave winner Broderick Crawford ("All the King's Men") a run for his money.This is really an outstanding film dealing with human kindness during such adversity.Patricia Neals shows her mettle as the nurse who went the extra mile for the Scot.

It has been some time and dozens of films since I've been so moved. Although no fan of Reagan, I appreciated him here. And I've always been charmed by Neal. The supporting cast was also quite fine. But the performance by Richard Todd deserved every bit of critical praise he's received. Was Broderick Crawford's award win more deserved that year? Tough to say now, in light of this screening. Of course, it matters not. It is history. What I can say is that of all the nominated performances from 1949, I was no where near as moved, as touched. The emotional depth caught me by surprise. The bits of humor welcome and appropriate. Albeit somewhat melodramatic, I was reminded of the decency there is. Watch this one. It'll stay with you a while. You won't be disappointed.