I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

Easily the biggest piece of Right wing non sense propaganda I ever saw.

The movie really just wants to entertain people.

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties.

I was watching TCM to see who the actor of the day was since it is summer series. They were focusing on Alan Arkin. But it intrigued me that Cicely Tison and Sondra and Rodrigues were in the film! So, I decided to watch. Oh I had no idea what I was in for! I especially in my aging as a single person and a minority so understand the sensation of profound loneliness. It can twist your mind. You want to be with people and you want people to get along and see how they have a gift of relationships. I appreciate how the movie showed we all can be vulnerable...no matter the situation. Even when aggravated, frustrated or mad at each other we must see the value in our relationships. We need to value each other. Now more then ever in our technical age. My heart broke that he died feeling lonely. No connection. I hope I never make anyone feel unworthy!!! I will never forget this movie. Never!

When his intellectually-challenged companion is committed to the state mental hospital, deaf mute silver engraver Alan Arkin (as John Singer) decides to move to a nearby Southern town. He rents a room, for $20 per week, from a family trying to make ends meet after an accident puts breadwinner Biff McGuire (as Robert Kelly) in a wheelchair. The room given to Mr. Arkin belonged to pretty blonde teenager Sondra Locke (as Margaret "Mick" Kelly). At first she resents Arkin renting her room, but Ms. Locke gets to know, and like, Arkin. His host family continues to struggle financially, and it appears Locke may have to quit school and help support the family...Arkin gets to know others in the small town, most notably physician Percy Rodrigues (as Benedict Copeland) and his daughter Cicely Tyson (as Portia). Arkin is able to convince Mr. Rodrigues to treat alcoholic Stacy Keach (as Jake Blount), although the black doctor usually refuses to treat white people. Rodrigues tells Akin the tragic secret he is concealing from his daughter...The combination of small screen (TV) director Robert Ellis Miller and veteran motion picture photographer James Wong Howe works magic on this story, based the best-selling novel by Carson McCullers and adapted by Thomas C. Ryan. The film should have been considered for one of those "ensemble" acting awards given in more recent years, which honor minor cast members...Arkin and Locke were considered for several 1968 awards. He won the lead "New York Film Critics" award and she was noted in as one of the year's best supporting actress. It should be noted, however, Locke is the lead actress in this film; arguably, Ms. Tyson should be considered the main supporting actress. In her first role, Locke impersonates a younger woman very well...Like real life, "The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter" shows everyone as afflicted, or challenged, in some way. The characters in the story face physical, financial and mental challenges. Some are successfully managed. Some are not. There are lessons about drawing and giving strengths to each other. While the story is outstanding, one serious weakness stands out. This is the film's never showing us Arkin's companion Chuck McCann (as Spiros Antonapoulos) in a positive light. He is revealed as trouble-maker in each appearance. Some scenes showing the mentally challenged man's positive traits would have made Arkin's final decision even more powerful.********* The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter (7/31/68) Robert Ellis Miller ~ Alan Arkin, Sondra Locke, Percy Rodrigues, Cicely Tyson

This movie shows the hurt that a number of characters suffer as a result of disability, race, or personal circumstances. Into their lives comes an intelligent, caring person who happens to be deaf. He helps each through the tough times and yet at the end of the day, he too had to deal with own hurts and rejections. The leading character is a young man named Singer, performed by Allan Arkin, who is still going strong forty years on.The movie presents the viewer with a number of sub-plots that become slightly unwieldy. Yet all the characters feel the ray of light and hope that their friend brings into their lives. The ending is puzzling at first but we can see that the problems of some people are often easier to handle than those who are their strength and support.A fine movie with a great performance by Allan Arkin. Cicely Tyson, Steacy Keach, Chuck McCann and Sondra Locke give great performances as well.This unassuming movie has a lot heart and maybe that's why it works so well.

Alan Arkin stars in what may be his finest hour on screen, playing a deaf mute in a small Georgia town who befriends the daughter of his boarder (Sondra Locke), a young girl just coming of age. Thomas C. Ryan adapted the novel by Carson McCullers, and his passages with these two sensitive, interesting people forms the lovely centerpiece of the picture. Director Robert Ellis Miller handles Arkin and Locke just right, but unfortunately there's a subplot shoehorned in about racial tensions in the town which plays like irrational soap opera (and just gets in the way). Miller's finale feels truncated, chopped short, so that the feelings we have for the characters are not quite resolved, and the heart of the story doesn't completely reach us. Nevertheless, many lovely sequences; simple, perceptive and sympathetic. *** from ****