First, I read a review saying that Joan van Ark's acting was bad in this and I strongly disagree! She was fantastic with a wonderful comic touch playing the spoiled, immature Claire.
I know I saw this ABC TV movie when it originally aired in 1988 , but like with most movies of the week back in the 80's and 90's , you probably saw it once and forgot it- I don't think it was ever re-aired. I rediscovered it recently on YouTube and really enjoyed it.
Well worth a look for Bea Arthur fans, it's unlikely to win her any new ones. However I found Miss Arthur's overall performance to give the plot a depth that would have been lost otherwise.
Bea Arthur is wonderful (as always) playing a widow who becomes reacquainted with her high school squeeze; trouble is, he's got a relationship going with a young sexy thing, but may just dump the nubile girl for this older, more sensuous woman. One of the best lines has Arthur dressing herself up for a date in frilly clothes, looking in the mirror and dead-panning, "I look like Dolls From Around the World.
A feelgood Valentine for the over-40 (50?) set, this romantic tale offers nothing that hasn't been done before, but is offered here with such a deft touch and with such command of nuance that it will win your heart - provided that you are in the proper age bracket.
