Maddyclassicfilms 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.

rickdumesnil-55203 Never knew who Richard Todd was.....but i like forties war movies so i watched it.....eating salsa. THE film captured me in the first ten minutes and i was glued to the screen. Ronald REAGAN a handsome suppose to be a so so actor...was surprisingly awesome in this one. Not a fan of PATRICIA NEAL either she won me over with that warm devoted friendly face. But my biggest shock.....the Scotsman.....RICHARD TODD what a tour DE force of impeccable acting. his different registered emotions made my salsa unable to pass my throat...i just stared with amazement. What a darn good movie that could have easily fallen soap operas with a good ending as not to displease the audience. This one didn't...he was gonna die......but not alone......OK i will admit..I'm 66....i didn't sniff..........i cried like a baby. Please take a minute to buy it.

hawkcj30 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.

MartinHafer This film is set just after WWII and is set in a hospital in Burma---filled with soldiers who can't wait to be sent home. At this point, most of the patients have left and there are just six left. One of them, Corporal MacLachlan, is a thoroughly unpleasant person. What he doesn't know is that he's dying. Back in the old days, if your kidneys gave out, they apparently didn't have dialysis and it certainly was in the days before transplants. MacLachlan's lost one kidney and the other is so badly damaged it's only a matter of weeks until he dies. To help boost his morale, they decide to move him in with the last five patients. And, to try to help him in his final days, they tell the five about MacLachlan's dilemma and ask that they all become his friends and assist him. But, sadly, MacLachlan is so horrible a personality, that it's practically impossible for the men to like him--and he pushes everyone away at every opportunity. I actually like this because too often dying people are noble in films's--this guy defies the cliché, that's for sure! Can he make any connection with these men and can MacLachlan make peace with life? Tune in and see.This is an interesting film because Richard Todd stars as the angry Scotsman. It's interesting for several reasons. First, he was not a Scot but Irish--and he still did a great job. Second, while a famous actor, he's not that well known outside Britain and it's a chance to see him in a mainstream Hollywood film. And, in addition, Ronald Reagan and Patricia Neal do very well in their important roles. Finally, I liked the emotional component--particularly towards the end of the film. It took a lot of risks and in the process yanked the viewers' hearts--it's an excellent tear-jerker. As I said above, the dying man, at least initially, was quite unlikable. And, the acting is very nice as well. Overall, it's a very good film. About the only serious problem I saw in the film was the Nigerian character, Blossom. He has almost no discernible personality or intellect. Could any person be this stupid or sub-human? Having him never say anything other than this patronizing name seemed sad and reinforced the idea of black men being less intelligent--a sad stereotype to say the least!