Mary Tyler Moore

Robert Preston

Sam Waterston

Sylvia Sidney

David Huddleston

Bob Gunton

Giancarlo Esposito

Russell Horton

Avery Brooks

Peter Friedman

Jon DeVries

Frederick Strother

Ron McLarty

Rick Warner

Jan Guarino

Judith Drake

Alan Sader

Russel Davies

Ed Broaddus

Dwayne Eddings

Tyrone Nelson

Otha Edawrds

Ashley Worrell

Lynsey Worrell

Leslee Oberg

Robert Francis

Carl Lester

Clover Smith

Jemia Smith

Jan Wieringa

Gower Frost

Michael Deeley

Jay Freund

Michael Colina

David Sanborn

Mary Colquhoun

David Nichols

Florence Fellman

Jane Ruhm

Joel Israel

Blair Nalley

De'Ann Power

Michael Stein

Bill Chase

Paul Moen

Victoria E. Rhodes

Anne Warner

Fred Styles

Billy Dowd

Sharon Spradlin-Barrett

Nancy Attas

Fred Koevary

Laura Perlman

Bill Carraro

Gwendolyn Glenn

Vivian Guardino

Edna Tromans

Paula Randol-Smith

Victor Magnotta

Christy Addis

Larry Alexander

Michael Bauer

Joan Micklin Silver

Walter Lockwood

Robby Müller

Comedy

Drama

Romance

TV Movie

Finnegan Begin Again

Consolidated Productions

HBO Films

Jennie & Co.

Zenith Entertainment

United Kingdom

United States of America

Peter McGinn

This is one of my favorite movies, ever since I first watched it on HBO decades ago. I write this not knowing if anyone will even be able to see the movie, as it is quite rare. I saw old VHS copies selling for almost $30. Yikes. 

It is a movie you can watch with just about anyone and not worry about offending. Robert Preston plays a former investigative reporter whose career has entered the doldrums as he reaches retirement age. He takes over a column with advice to the lovelorn, but his advice is basically for them to snap out of it and stay with their spouses. The truth is not romantic, though, and the incoming letters dwindle, threatening to end his new career.

He meets Mary Tyler Moore's character and in a way, becomes one of those lovelorn persons himself, which allows him to be more gentle in his advice. That is just one part of the plot, however, as mostly the story revolves around these two characters as they get to know each other and help each other bring their respective messy lives in order.

The movie is an intelligent romantic comedy, both funny and mildly dramatic, with interesting lesser characters, especially featuring a superb performance by the actress who plays Preston's ailing wife.

Do watch it if you get the opportunity, though as I described above, I'm not sure when you'll get the chance!.

English