evanston_dad
"Dear Heart" is more interesting for its examination of cultural and gender norms of the 1960s than it is as a movie. It's about two lonely souls (Geraldine Page and Glenn Ford) who meet in a hotel where they are both staying for business reasons and find comfort and understanding in each other that neither finds elsewhere. Glenn Ford is really winning in a lighter and more comedic role than I'm used to seeing him, and it's refreshing to see Geraldine Page take a break from the heavy roles she was most often associated with. The film is kind of slow and a little blah actually, but it does manage to create a satisfying feeling of melancholy and capture that unique quality that business trips have when the realities of one's real life seem far away and moments seem full of the potential for excitement.The warbly title song, written by Henry Mancini, Jay Livingston, and Ray Evans, was nominated for an Academy Award.Grade: B-
GeoPierpont
How many sexy socialites with mink wraps, up-dos, and designer luggage have you ever seen in Altoona? WOW! Angela Lansbury who I first saw in "Gaslight" was stunning. But not believable visiting from a hick town in the middle of nowhere. Geraldine Page on the other hand was the most annoying woman on the planet imho. I get the lonely hearts single spinster deal, depressing and desperate. However, everyone really seemed to like her and found her most kind. Perhaps Avalon, Ohio is even worse than Altoona? A dashing Glenn Ford would most likely pass on this lady for a serious adventure but there we see him pining away for this screecher from his hotel room with his fiancé.I always try to appreciate the time, tone and morale of a films date and handicap the script to reflect code restrictions, current affairs, etc. There was no way to explain away the droll attempts at humor and elevated relationship themes. One kick was to see the two Gladys's from "Bewitched" together with the ever reliable Mary Wickes to complete the lonely hearts club.One way to sum up this film: you want to sit outside in winter vs a cozy warm restaurant and then choose the coldest seat in the house - cement! Avoid.
atlasmb
The lives of a woman and man intersect at a New York hotel in this sentimental story from 1964. Glenn Ford plays Harry Mork, a traveling salesman who has decided to slow down and settle down after years of schmoozing, boozing and extracurricular intrigues. Geraldine Page plays Evie Jackson, a small-town postal worker who annually visits the big cities for the industry convention and a chance to let loose a little and take in the sights.Evie is the person who has never met a stranger. Outwardly she is an eternal optimist and delights in knowing everyone's names, as if that knowledge makes them friends. Under the surface, though, she might be "Miss Lonelyhearts" from Hitchcock's "Rear Window" in a few years, if her life situation doesn't resolve into a satisfactory conclusion. Ms. Page's portrayal of Evie is so fascinating that she dominates the film. Frankly, my attention is always riveted to the screen when this film plays, even though I know how it turns out. As others have pointed out, this is a performance worthy of an Oscar.The screenplay is very well written, allowing the viewer to observe every aspect of the characters, learning their way of life, their fears, and even their hidden dreams. The acting is good across the board. The end result is very satisfying, especially for viewers who can identify with the emotional vulnerability of the two main characters.
edwagreen
The best thing about this 1964 is Henry Mancini's title song.After giving brilliant performances in "Summer and Smoke," and "Sweet Bird of Youth," Geraldine Page portrays Evie Johnson, an outspoken postal worker from Ohio coming to a New York convention and finding love with salesman Glenn Ford who is engaged to Angela Lansbury, a widow with a very quirky son.Ford passes himself off as already married man. Is Page believable as Evie, methinks not.Alice Pearce is reduced to telling everyone to go to bed and Richard Deacon is denied the lines that made him in pictures-often standoffish and dictatorial. Even the usually funny Mary Wickes has little to do here.The story in itself is difficult to believe. Evie is the Helen Trent of her times.
AD
