Just for perspective's sake, let's keep in mind tha Erich Segal, who wrote not only LOVE STORY the original novel but also it's screenplay, got his START as a professional non-academic writer as one of the screenwriters of the Beatles' animated magnum opus YELLOW SUBMARINE. "How do I begin...?"
I was a High School Senior in 1970, attending a Private Boys School in Boston, when a classmate offered me the chance to be an extra in this film, as his father was in SAG, and an exam would keep him from doing it. So I skipped school, headed over to Cambridge, and gladly stepped in. I showed up in a long winter coat, and a pair of cherished Stewart plaid pants. Though I was in close proximity of the leads, I was relegated to walking behind them for a stretch, when they both walked through “Hahvid Yahd”. I was paid $60.00 for the day’s work, which was punctuated with repeated calls for “Background People into position”, with directives to once again enact an unassuming, continuous stroll. In viewing it a few times, it appears that I, and others, ended up on the cutting room floor, as what I presumed to be a long shot, turned out to be a close up of our fateful lovers. While the experience never inspired me to become part of a movie crew again, in hindsight my only regret is that I didn’t tell the Director: “If you need me, just cough”!
Great review----from Grandma Arkush. I do agree with Alan on the generation-gap aspect with their parents, though (in the same league as "The Graduate" and "Five Easy Pieces), which is the only reason to rewatch this weepie.
I have soft spot for Love Story. I saw it when it aired on network tv as a Movie of the Week. I read the book shortly afterwards. Being in my preteen years it left an impression on me. But with the passing of time it's hard to overlook how shamelessly manipulative it is and how cringeworthy most of the dialogue is. If it wasn't for the charm of Ali MacGraw and Ryan O'Neal it'd be unwatchable. They make that embarrassing dialogue tolerable. Whenever I am looking for a quick read I might grab a copy of the book at the local library. From what I discovered it began as a screenplay that Erich Segal couldn't sell and decided to turn it into a "novel". In his memoir On Writing Stephen King suggested that reading bad books was as valuable as a semester of a creative writing class (he cites Valley of the Dolls as his own example), but Love Story would yield some tips on what to avoid. Both the novel and movie are a product of their time and will probably evoke more laughs than tears nowadays. At least Ryan O'Neal got to lampoon the iconic "Love never means having to say your sorry" line in What Up, Doc.
In its defence, its short and free of unnecessary sub plots. Its told from an unfussy male perspective and therefore easy to sit through and (maybe) enjoy.
ah, Love Story! oy vey! This treacle was everywhere you turned for a hot minute there! On the scale of 1970's popular trends I put this slightly ahead of mood rings and far behind pet rocks!😑 Ryan O'Neal was great tho - I get the star making.
Only good thing about Love Story is that its huge box office success at the time gave sleaze bag Robert Evans the power to green light Godfather, Chinatown other goodies. My Love Story, the raunchier more real Love Story with an epic puke scene this side of Possession Verhoeven's 1973 Turkish Delight, Rutger Hauer and Monique van de Ven. Similar ending to Love Story handled with less sap and sentimentality.
"It's just like life. It's full of love, a little bit of sex, and a sad ending." I love that!!!!
Just for perspective's sake, let's keep in mind tha Erich Segal, who wrote not only LOVE STORY the original novel but also it's screenplay, got his START as a professional non-academic writer as one of the screenwriters of the Beatles' animated magnum opus YELLOW SUBMARINE. "How do I begin...?"
I was a High School Senior in 1970, attending a Private Boys School in Boston, when a classmate offered me the chance to be an extra in this film, as his father was in SAG, and an exam would keep him from doing it. So I skipped school, headed over to Cambridge, and gladly stepped in. I showed up in a long winter coat, and a pair of cherished Stewart plaid pants. Though I was in close proximity of the leads, I was relegated to walking behind them for a stretch, when they both walked through “Hahvid Yahd”. I was paid $60.00 for the day’s work, which was punctuated with repeated calls for “Background People into position”, with directives to once again enact an unassuming, continuous stroll. In viewing it a few times, it appears that I, and others, ended up on the cutting room floor, as what I presumed to be a long shot, turned out to be a close up of our fateful lovers. While the experience never inspired me to become part of a movie crew again, in hindsight my only regret is that I didn’t tell the Director: “If you need me, just cough”!
Love means you always are saying I'm sorry
Saw it one time in the 90‘s. That‘s enough.
Your grandmother made a great review of Love Story!
I couldn't agree more.
Thanks. Glad I found this channel.
that's the best introduction.
Great review----from Grandma Arkush. I do agree with Alan on the generation-gap aspect with their parents, though (in the same league as "The Graduate" and "Five Easy Pieces), which is the only reason to rewatch this weepie.
Great story and what a great t shirt
🎼Saw this in Jr. HIgh and still enjoy Francis Lai! And before long, came MIchel LeGrand and Brian's Song. 🎹🎶
😊good movie
I have soft spot for Love Story. I saw it when it aired on network tv as a Movie of the Week. I read the book shortly afterwards. Being in my preteen years it left an impression on me. But with the passing of time it's hard to overlook how shamelessly manipulative it is and how cringeworthy most of the dialogue is. If it wasn't for the charm of Ali MacGraw and Ryan O'Neal it'd be unwatchable. They make that embarrassing dialogue tolerable. Whenever I am looking for a quick read I might grab a copy of the book at the local library. From what I discovered it began as a screenplay that Erich Segal couldn't sell and decided to turn it into a "novel". In his memoir On Writing Stephen King suggested that reading bad books was as valuable as a semester of a creative writing class (he cites Valley of the Dolls as his own example), but Love Story would yield some tips on what to avoid. Both the novel and movie are a product of their time and will probably evoke more laughs than tears nowadays. At least Ryan O'Neal got to lampoon the iconic "Love never means having to say your sorry" line in What Up, Doc.
Well put
Gaaawd . ..
In its defence, its short and free of unnecessary sub plots. Its told from an unfussy male perspective and therefore easy to sit through and (maybe) enjoy.
Where do I begin, Alan?
I'm sorry but I still haven't seen this flick. Too late now.
ah, Love Story!
oy vey! This treacle was everywhere you turned for a hot minute there!
On the scale of 1970's popular trends I put this slightly ahead of mood rings and far behind pet rocks!😑
Ryan O'Neal was great tho - I get the star making.
PS - Thank you Allan! Love you Allan!
Sorry it wasn't Wild Strawberrys or Last Year at Marienbad - but it was a fine movie. no need to get snarky
Tommy Lee Jones's first movie.
Only good thing about Love Story is that its huge box office success at the time gave sleaze bag Robert Evans the power to green light Godfather, Chinatown other goodies. My Love Story, the raunchier more real Love Story with an epic puke scene this side of Possession Verhoeven's 1973 Turkish Delight, Rutger Hauer and Monique van de Ven. Similar ending to Love Story handled with less sap and sentimentality.
it’s hollywood, stupid 😂
The author Eric Segel wanted to make a Romeo and Juliette set in the Ivy league so many men were dragged to this movie
What are u planning to live to 125 or something.
That is my hope but it's a long shot.
I would be happy if I make to the return of "Slow Horses" at the end of August.
Boak.
To quote Lisa Simpson: “This movie is complete drivel”