Not gonna lie the soundtrack to this film is probably one of my favourites I have heard in a while. I LOVED the end of this film, and while I thought some of it was a bit mediocre, I think Christopher Reeve was excellent and that the premise was cool! Actually listening to the soundtrack while I write this and it is just so beautiful. Thanks for watching! Have a great day! :)
Chris Reeves and Jane Seymour became very close friends after this movie. She was one of the first people at his bedside when his accident happened. Jane even named one of her children after Chris. I love your reactions, but I don't know if I can watch this reaction. This is more than a movie to me. Not just that Chris was my childhood hero and Jane Was my childhood crush and Richard Matheson is one of the great writters of all time. This movie touched my soul when I saw it in the theatre in 1980. I know I'm not alone.
@@reesebn38 You're BOTH right. The love theme is indeed Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody, just Richard states in the movie. It's a core plot point. The rest of the score is John Barry's. (By the way, the _choice_ of Rachmaninoff is also Barry's. In the book, the music was Mahler, but Barry realized it was completely wrong, so he chose the Rhapsody instead.).
This film does give some very subtle hints about Elise's character: in her monologue she says this is the first time she has experienced love, is this romantic love or platonic love (the love among family members)? So did Elise have an unhappy and lonely childhood? And when Richard visits Elise's housekeeper / maid in Chicago the old lady says that Elise was strong and wilful- yet we see Elise's manager is extremely controlling of her. Does this mean she often challenged her manager and only stayed with him due to ambition- because she wanted to be the greatest actress of her generation? And in the last moments where Richard and Elise are together she says that she may not want to act again after meeting him. So perhaps she never found acting to be truly fulfilling. And, this may just be the casting, but Elise sounds English, middle to upper class English, and she and her manager act very restrained like English of high society did in old times. This makes it hard to read into her character when she reveals so little. Finally, Elise has great strength of will. She endured sixty years of loss and continued acting. She also spent years secretly investigating the reason for Richard's disappearance- so clearly her character is a bit more than just a love interest. If anything Richard is the love interest as he falls apart when he returns to the present, whereas Elise soldiers on and continues to live- albeit as an actress with an extremely reclusive private life.
She had been controlled all her life and not allowed to feel anything for anyone . All her decisions were made for her. Remember , she was a kid star .
This is my FAVORITE romance film! It’s so beautiful, and I love early 1900s period pieces. Rachmaninoff’s rhapsody is perfect for this film. The “off script” monologue that Jane Seymour does during the play is one of my go-to monologues to audition with 🥰 Also it’s funny that you were going to be watching two of Christopher Plummer’s films; this one and the Sound of Music!
Glad you're reacting to this movie. Not too many people do. I've always loved Somewhere in Time! Can't wait to watch your reaction. VERY GLAD you'll be reacting to The Sound of Music!!!! Can't wait to see that one!
If you are a fortunate man you'll meet that woman who captures your mind, heart, and your soul. She'll take your breath away and haunt your mind and heart until you can be together. She'll make you feel like you've known her all your life even though you've only just met her. She'll change your life in the very moment you meet her and you'll never be able to live without her. And, unlike the characters in this movie, when you do meet her may you have a lifetime filled with that love. Then you will look back and see, you didn't need to "develop" love, because you were consumed by it the moment you met her, and that this movie portrayed well something you've experienced. It actually happens. It did for me.
"Please, don't leave. You have no idea how far I've come to be with you." Fun Fact: Look closely and in the scene in which Richard Collier (Christopher Reeve) does historical research in the local library, you will catch a fleeting glimpse of Meg Ryan as an extra. Pivotal Joke Fact: Playing the older Elise McKenna, actress Susan French only has four words of dialogue in the whole film. These were spoken when she gives Richard Collier (Christopher Reeve) the antique gold fob-watch. The four words of dialogue were "Come back to me," a very serious key scene in this film. During one take, as a joke, French said instead four other words, "Have it fixed, dear," which caused the whole set to crack-up with laughter. Automobile Enthusiast Fact: The movie was filmed on location at the Grand Hotel and the Mission Point Fine Arts building of the former Mackinac College (now Mission Point Resort), both located on Mackinac Island, Michigan. Automobiles are not allowed on Mackinac Island. The use of cars for the movie required special permission from the town. Although cars were allowed for filming, the cast and crew weren't allowed to drive them outside of actual filming for the movie.
Deathtrap (1982) Christopher Reeve and Michael Caine - Dark comedy mystery Time after Time (1979) Malcolm McDowell, Mary Steenburgen and David Warner - HG Wells chases Jack the ripper through time to modern day San Francisco.
2:52 - 'GROUNDHOG DAY' shares not only 'time-travel' as a common factor with this movie but also the theme from 'Somewhere in Time', which Bill Murray's character begins to play, as his piano solo, the instant he noticed his love interest enter the room.
Three movies which are undeniably connected are: TITANIC, GROUNDHOG DAY and SOMEWHERE IN TIME. No one can deny that James Cameron is an excellent writer and director, but it is clear he took most of his "secondary" story elements for the Titanic movie from the Somewhere in Time movie... An old woman, a picture, piece of jewelry connects us to the past, love at first sight, conflict between the male lead and a male from the upper class, 1912 (though this is purely coincidence because Titanic sank in 1912), the two love interests are separated by death and reunited LITERALLY in "heaven" in the final shot of the film. I'm sure I'm missing several other literary connections. The same thing with Groundhog Day... An old hotel, male lead wakes up in the past/time travels, a love story, and Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody is prominently played over and over again throughout both films (Phil even plays it on piano at the end of Groundhog Day). Whomever created the Groundhog Day/time travel concept of just waking up in the past clearly drew those elements from Somewhere in Time. Probably the funnest trivia is that The Grand Hotel does exist. I've been there 3 times. It's in upper Michigan. They have "Titanic/Somewhere in Time" events (look for past events on youtube, even with stars from the SOT film). People actually dress up in 1912 attire and stay in the huge hotel for these events. It's on an island where no cars are allowed. The lighthouse is beautiful. Would love to tell you more about the island, but you can find tons of info online if you want. Loved watching this reaction.
He researched a lot and figured out time traveling to find her. That is true. However, that was only a few days. He didn't know her before and he wasn't suffering from not having her in his life. She on the other hand, lost the man she loved, after only spending a fleeting couple days with him. He disappeared and never returned. She spent the rest of her life doing her research, figuring out what happened, and tracking him down to give him the pocket watch and ask him to go back to her. She suffered a lifetime for the love she had and lost. His suffering was visible. Hers was not.
The levels of depth that you reach are far beyond most college students. Great review. I personally have a more favorable opinion of the film because of where I was (relationship-wise) when I saw it in the theater, but your impressions were well-supported. Good job.
Jane Seymour has actually very recently admitted publicly that she and Christopher Reeve literally fell madly in love with each other during the making of this film, and so the passion and chemistry that you see in the movie is very real. Though at the time they were both single, their affair was never revealed or spoken about because during filming Reeve learned that his ex-girlfriend was pregnant with his child, and as a result Seymour and Reeve never took their relationship further. They did however remain extremely close with each other through the rest of their lives until Reeve's death.
To me the only other film that achieves something similar in terms of romance and bending time and space is Titanic, where you actually believe that Kate and Leo were in love on that ship. It's kind of fascinating that they both take place in 1912, there's something very spiritual about that pre ww1 era.
Thanks, Oliver! ♾ I love movies that explore temporal mechanics, even tear-jerkers like this one. The Grand Hotel is located on Mackinac Island, Michigan. My friend visited there a few years ago. He knew I was a fan of SOMEWHERE IN TIME and asked if I wanted a souvenir? I asked him to send my mother a postcard from Christopher Reeve's character, 'Richard Collier'. She was so surprised and thrilled, as she loves the movie, too. ❧ If you'd like to see another with Mr. Reeve, I loved DEATHTRAP (1982).
Ollie, I was excited to hear you say "I love this woman," referring to the friend of the elderly Elise McKenna, played by the wonderful actress Teresa Wright. You may recognize her as having played Charlie in Hitchcock's "Shadow of a Doubt"
Just so you know, a lot of people from my generation loved Chris Reeve before his accident as well. I personally followed his films hoping he’d get good material to work with outside of Superman. Death Trap and this were probably the best. Also, it wasn’t just the tragedy of what happened, it was his how he handled it and continued to work to help others.
I agree totally - this movie was about the character of Richard. It was also eerily a Christopher Reeve foreshadowing of his passing way too early. It was also a great work of time travel - and having seen it for the first time IN 1980, I can say with certainty that you will return to it many times, and enjoy new layers of YOUR time.
This is one of my mom’s favorite movies and I admittedly haven’t seen the whole thing. But after watching your reaction I’m gonna check it out (there were no spoilers because I had to read the plot on wiki to understand what the heck was going on lol.) Thanks for another great reaction! 👏
Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson did two Period Piece films, Howard's End (1992) and The Remains of the Day (1993). You might like them. Christopher Reeve also has a role in the latter one.
I first saw that movie when I was just about the same age you are now, and it hit me in pretty much the same way you describe: the melancholy feeling that his death instilled in me is one that I've never gotten over even though I've watched it over a dozen times. I listen to that soundtrack often and it always takes me right back to scenes in that film. I enjoyed watching you react to it.
i have seen this film many times but if it was rereleased into the theater id go see it on the big screen. i'd also love to go to one of the conventions they have for this movie at the grand hotel
"Somewhere in Time" was a box office bomb but thanks to airing on television, it garnered a rather cult following in the eighties. It most definitely had it's fans well before Reeves' accident and death. I really think Reeves, Seymore, their chemistry, the setting, and soundtrack captivated people and remained a favorite movie for decades.
For more Christopher Reeve, check out “Noises Off,” a very funny adaptation of a comedy play from 1992. Also stars Michael Caine (Alfred in the Nolan Batman films) & Carol Burnett.
Great, in depth review. Very fair. Most reactions it's all emotions, but you have a great eye for thoughtful criticism. 👍 I saw this as a kid in the early 80s on HBO. The music the music the music.....
Mostly filmed on Mackinaw Island MI, [I am a Michigan resident and native] No cars allowed, just bikes and horses, carriages. emergency vehicles on the Island are the exception. Except the one car Chris Reeve drove up to the REAL Grand Hotel. Christopher Plummer is the Jane Seymour's sinister manager, he was the dad in Sound of Music, and was always good at playing Sons of Bitches anyway. Teresa Wright, famous actress of the 1940's to 60's, Oscar Winner, plays the old lady's caretaker or landlord. The place in the trees where the characters first meet in 1912 has a plaque on the movie made there. Fun fact: Jane Seymour will be returning to Mackinaw Island this year October 7-9, for the annual Somewhere in Time Festival, she does that every so often. She is a way better actress than she's given credit for.
I absolutely love this movie. And I have never watched it and not bawled at the end. And it is my favorite instrumental soundtrack of all time. During the most recent White House correspondents dinner, they played the theme over the video of reporters killed in ukraine. And I recognized it on the first note
This movie shows us how talented Christopher Reeve was. When they did the screen play, they would have done better to lose the time travel, and have Reeeve buy the condominium or co-op apartment that woman used to own and he bought bit furnished. and thus bought most of the furniture and other things she had collected during her life. After looking at her portrait and her other things he finds himself falling in love with her. He visits the Grand Hotel and goes to sleep in his room. When he closes his eyes a dream sequence begins and the audience goes back in time thru his dream.
Jane Seymour and Chris Reeve were very close friends, originally meeting when she read for Lois Lane during Reeve's "Superman" audition. Seymour named one of her sons after Reeve.
This movie gets me every time! You actually felt him fall in love. And yes, this movie is famous for its haunting soundtrack. PLEASE! Listen to one of the suggestions below.....Noises Off. You will have a blast. It is so funny, one of the best stage plays made into a movie that I have seen. I saw a movie the other day that I had not seen before, which is rare to be honest. I can't do reaction videos because I've already seen most of them. But you might enjoy this other movie...The Age of Innocence 1993. When it came out, it looked like a movie I would not watch, in fact it looked improper for my age, so I ignored it. Recently I heard an old Siskel and Ebert review of it and got curious because they raved about it. It was a very well done movie and I think you would like it as well. Martin Scorsese directed!
This movie tanked in the theaters, but man did it gain a massive following first on cable TV and later on VHS. This movie is filmed on Mackinac Island, Michigan. The Grand Hotel is still there and rooms are over $1000 a night. Every year there is an event at the Grand Hotel for lovers of this movie.
Somewhere in Time (1980) is such a rare fusion of "time-travel" with romance and resulting drama. (A delicate topic in order to avoid Phillip J. Fry's "I'm my own grandpa" dilemma for sure.) This is actually only my second favorite time-travel / romance, my favorite is The Time-Traveler's Wife (2009). I highly recommend it for reaction.
FYI...The Grand Hotel, on Mackinac Island has the longest porch in the world, at 660 ft. long. It was built in 1887. It has been the visited by 5 US Presidents, Thomas Edison and Mark Twain.
Yes. No motorized vehicles allowed on the island, except emergency vehicles. And it's a bit pricey to stay at the real Grand Hotel. They even charge you for walking up onto the porch. Several interesting attractions on the island, though.
The Book had him dying of cancer.... The ending tore me up as a kid... My mom had to convince me that Chris was alive and I was hitting and kicking her.... Hit me hard....
Until recently, they held an annual reunion at the Grand Hotel on Macinac Island where the movie was filmed with most of the cast. I always wanted to go since they dress in the clothes from that period
Watch it again, I think you with love it even more. Christopher Reeves, and Jane Seymour, took pay cuts because they believed in the script. John Barry wrote the score as a favor to Jane Seymour his friend, because his rate was higher than the budget. The director wanted a difference in filming for the 1912 versus 1980 . Hence the soft focus on the 1912. I saw it a ton of times in the cinema, when it came out, knowing it would be forever until it was on TV. Remember no VCR ‘s back then. Stalking was not a thing in 1980’s you are viewing it with today’s. Me to movement eyes. Watch it as a romantic sci fi, fairy tale, It is such a beloved movie, that once a year there is a Somewhere in Time weekend at the Grand Hotel. Watch it again…
I got to have breakfast in the hotel on the island they filmed this movie. Mackinac island in Michigan. They sell the movie there. Many vendors on the island. So many people selling fudge. No vehicle is allowed on the island except for 1 emergency vehicle. You can take a tour on a horse drawn carriage.
Dude...a penny? A 1979 penny. This is a tragic tear jerker because Christopher Reeves is a knuckle head??? He's a complete knuckle head! What a goober. 😑
I love old movies with grainy crackly ambiance. Excellent thoughtful review. You could be the next Ebert. I’m a numbers-nerd (not math). Angel #313 was a room-number at the beginning. Going to watch the full film so I can see all the number sequences lol
Believe it or not, this version is FAR cheerier than the book. In "Bid Time Return" by Richard Matheson, Richard Collier is dying of cancer. That is the reason for him taking off and going to the Coronado Hotel in San Diego (you can see it in the film "Some Like It Hot") and trying to make sense of his life before he dies. The story unfolds more or less the same way, but much darker and sadder. There is no happy ending, Richard never sees her again and dies in pain. It's his brother that finds his "diary", believes Richard to have lost his mind, but still publishes it to honor his brother. It's so much sadder than the film, I've never been able to read it again. It just hurt too much. The film, as heartwrenching as it is, is far lighter in tone, and sweeter in its developments. As an example of the contrast, in the book, the portrait of Elise is not smiling or happy. She is, in fact, visibly heartbroken. That's what draws Richard's eye, her terrible inner unhappiness. She is lovely and desperately sad, and he feels a kinship because of his own oncoming death. There is no personal connection in that photo; it was taken long after he had disappeared. (That's another way the stories differ - Richard's final snap of connection is when he realizes, not that he put a smile on her face, but that he put _that pain_ there.) There was also no watch, and no meeting at the university play - Richard never met her before seeing her photograph. She was in his future, but he was only ever in her past. The entire impetus for the relationship was one-sided, as Elise had lived and died knowing he was gone forever. She was asleep when the time displacement happened, so she never even had the comfort of a bizarre occurrence. As far as she knew, he just left. (There really is no way in which that book is not tragic.) P.S. The form of time travel portrayed in this story is very 70's. The decade saw the rise of psychology movements based on self-development and growth, and that really colored the cultural mindset - it was known as the Me Decade. The idea that the mind could be harnessed and developed to the point of real power was being explored (sometimes to risible extremes), so this story of a man focusing his mind strongly enough to pull himself physically out of the timestream is right on par the times. After all, time travel isn't possible, not in any way we know of (except maybe forward, and only once), so every story about it will be correct. Since it's impossible, you can just as easily do it with your mind as you can with a machine. I rather like the idea, myself, as it opens the door to stories that have nothing to do with science fiction or tech or modernism. Hell, you can tell a story like this about people in the medieval era, or ancient Rome. Finney wrote about it in his book, but where did he get the idea? (Finney is named for Jack Finney, who wrote time travel novels - very good ones - and inspired Matheson's book.)
I remember seeing it randomly on TV long time ago while being a teen. Not even from the beginning. And the story and time travel and romance made an impression on me. I have rewatched it a few years ago. And while it is not that great of a movie, it still holds up in nostalgic/sentimental feeling. Was not expecting to see anyone reaction to it. But in connection to Superman now it makes more sense :)
The reason why I saw this movie was because of the John Barry score. Jane Seymour championed for Barry to write the score. The central theme was by Rachmaninoff and Barry integrated the music into his score; like Maurice Jarre did for Righteous Brothers' "Unchained Melody".
So, I showed it his movie to my husband, and the first words he said to me when it was over were, "So... where did the the watch come from?" I have no answer.
PLEASE WATCH DEATHTRAP! Christopher Reeve and Michael Cane it’s like a play - intense and lots of twists. NOISES OFF as well - same description for a very different comedy!
Love this film. Wish it was more appreciated not only in its it era but also in retrospective of great films in history. My 2nd favorite romance film after Vertigo.
Question you may not have thought about: where did the watch comes it from? She gives it to him, he takes it back with him and leaves it with her. Cycle repeats. At no point is it ever made or bought.
I realize old-timers like me would consider it heresy, but this movie could actually use a remake. "Somewhere in Time" is all premise, and very little incident. For example, they could've shown Richard's returning to the 70s from HER POV. But there's enough to like about the movie to carry it over: Reeve, Seymour, Plummer, the MUSIC, perhaps one of the Top Ten best. Can't really go wrong with John Barry and Sergei Rachmaninoff, ffs. I also think James Cameron was inspired by this film when he made "Titanic". Both movies are set in 1912, after all, and the endings are suspiciously similar.
As Christian Bale in the role of strike-leading newsboy Jack Kelly said to Robert Duvall's scenery-chewing Joseph Pulitzer in the original movie version of the musical *Newsies* (1992), which later found success on Broadway by interpolating a romance swiped from the romance that Cameron swiped from *Somewhere in Time* for *Titanic* (1997), "We only use the best. So, thanks a lot ... " I'm reminded again of the immortal words of a famous and successful comic book artist: "Never draw what you can trace, never trace what you can. cut up and paste down."
I think this is about soul mates. Which is a fun idea. I know I have many people that I felt close to with no reason. Who knows? I like to think we connect with loved ones regardless
I would suggest you react to Time After Time. I came out in 1980 or so. It’s about HG Wells following Jack the Ripper to modern day San Francisco. Very entertaining, and with a happier ending.
Ollie if you're seeking out other Christopher Reeves movies,I suggest Street Smarts; it's quite a departure from his usual wholesome Superman persona. And the story on how the movie was made is even more interesting than the movie itself!
I just rewatched movie for tenth or fifteenth time (not sure) and can't get out of the mood ut dragged me in. So, I'm watching random videos about it. As this is being my all time favorite romance movie some of your statements almost hurt me but we're all different, accordingly see different, feel different etc. But I have to give it to you, underdevelopment definitely was an issue in this movie, if it wasn't, this movie could be one of the best. Then again, it grows on you, no matter what it's lacking. Maybe just because you kind of acknowledge, or better put, sense that some people may feel what you've never felt... Cheers sweetie! Great work!
Not gonna lie the soundtrack to this film is probably one of my favourites I have heard in a while. I LOVED the end of this film, and while I thought some of it was a bit mediocre, I think Christopher Reeve was excellent and that the premise was cool! Actually listening to the soundtrack while I write this and it is just so beautiful.
Thanks for watching! Have a great day! :)
Much of the soundtrack is based around Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini, variation #18
@@peterphilly4148 No most of the soundtrack is based on the death of John Barry's parents.
Chris Reeves and Jane Seymour became very close friends after this movie. She was one of the first people at his bedside when his accident happened. Jane even named one of her children after Chris. I love your reactions, but I don't know if I can watch this reaction. This is more than a movie to me. Not just that Chris was my childhood hero and Jane Was my childhood crush and Richard Matheson is one of the great writters of all time. This movie touched my soul when I saw it in the theatre in 1980. I know I'm not alone.
@@reesebn38 You're BOTH right. The love theme is indeed Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody, just Richard states in the movie. It's a core plot point. The rest of the score is John Barry's. (By the way, the _choice_ of Rachmaninoff is also Barry's. In the book, the music was Mahler, but Barry realized it was completely wrong, so he chose the Rhapsody instead.).
Try Summer of 42, a gorgeous movie with a fantastic soundtrack.
This film does give some very subtle hints about Elise's character: in her monologue she says this is the first time she has experienced love, is this romantic love or platonic love (the love among family members)? So did Elise have an unhappy and lonely childhood?
And when Richard visits Elise's housekeeper / maid in Chicago the old lady says that Elise was strong and wilful- yet we see Elise's manager is extremely controlling of her. Does this mean she often challenged her manager and only stayed with him due to ambition- because she wanted to be the greatest actress of her generation?
And in the last moments where Richard and Elise are together she says that she may not want to act again after meeting him. So perhaps she never found acting to be truly fulfilling.
And, this may just be the casting, but Elise sounds English, middle to upper class English, and she and her manager act very restrained like English of high society did in old times. This makes it hard to read into her character when she reveals so little.
Finally, Elise has great strength of will. She endured sixty years of loss and continued acting. She also spent years secretly investigating the reason for Richard's disappearance- so clearly her character is a bit more than just a love interest. If anything Richard is the love interest as he falls apart when he returns to the present, whereas Elise soldiers on and continues to live- albeit as an actress with an extremely reclusive private life.
Wow! That is a very studious analysis!
She had been controlled all her life and not allowed to feel anything for anyone . All her decisions were made for her. Remember , she was a kid star .
Both Reeve and Seymour were perfect together in this movie. Yeah it's a little sappy but c'mon aren't all love stories?👍
This is my FAVORITE romance film! It’s so beautiful, and I love early 1900s period pieces. Rachmaninoff’s rhapsody is perfect for this film. The “off script” monologue that Jane Seymour does during the play is one of my go-to monologues to audition with 🥰
Also it’s funny that you were going to be watching two of Christopher Plummer’s films; this one and the Sound of Music!
Look up "A Portrait of Jennie" some time if you're a fan of old school love stories masterfully told.
this is one of my all time fav movies. it is the best romance film ever. the end is devastating and heartfelt at the same time. thanks for watching.
Glad you're reacting to this movie. Not too many people do. I've always loved Somewhere in Time! Can't wait to watch your reaction.
VERY GLAD you'll be reacting to The Sound of Music!!!! Can't wait to see that one!
I always think on this movie when people say that you can't die of broken heart
people do all the time. my husband's aunt died and two week later her husband died. I can tell you a few couples who ha e done that
@@susanharrah3462 Yes... it happened in my family too.
One giant example would seem to be Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds.
If you are a fortunate man you'll meet that woman who captures your mind, heart, and your soul. She'll take your breath away and haunt your mind and heart until you can be together. She'll make you feel like you've known her all your life even though you've only just met her. She'll change your life in the very moment you meet her and you'll never be able to live without her. And, unlike the characters in this movie, when you do meet her may you have a lifetime filled with that love. Then you will look back and see, you didn't need to "develop" love, because you were consumed by it the moment you met her, and that this movie portrayed well something you've experienced. It actually happens. It did for me.
PENNY: 1979
"Please, don't leave. You have no idea how far I've come to be with you."
Fun Fact: Look closely and in the scene in which Richard Collier (Christopher Reeve) does historical research in the local library, you will catch a fleeting glimpse of Meg Ryan as an extra.
Pivotal Joke Fact: Playing the older Elise McKenna, actress Susan French only has four words of dialogue in the whole film. These were spoken when she gives Richard Collier (Christopher Reeve) the antique gold fob-watch. The four words of dialogue were "Come back to me," a very serious key scene in this film. During one take, as a joke, French said instead four other words, "Have it fixed, dear," which caused the whole set to crack-up with laughter.
Automobile Enthusiast Fact: The movie was filmed on location at the Grand Hotel and the Mission Point Fine Arts building of the former Mackinac College (now Mission Point Resort), both located on Mackinac Island, Michigan. Automobiles are not allowed on Mackinac Island. The use of cars for the movie required special permission from the town. Although cars were allowed for filming, the cast and crew weren't allowed to drive them outside of actual filming for the movie.
How did you find out about Meg Ryan? Could it be that it was an extra who looks like her?
It is not Meg Ryan. That claim was debunked a long time ago.
Christopher Reeves and Jane Seymour were so beautiful.
Deathtrap (1982) Christopher Reeve and Michael Caine - Dark comedy mystery
Time after Time (1979) Malcolm McDowell, Mary Steenburgen and David Warner - HG Wells chases Jack the ripper through time to modern day San Francisco.
Both of those are GREAT movies!!!!
2:52 - 'GROUNDHOG DAY' shares not only 'time-travel' as a common factor with this movie but also the theme from 'Somewhere in Time', which Bill Murray's character begins to play, as his piano solo, the instant he noticed his love interest enter the room.
Three movies which are undeniably connected are: TITANIC, GROUNDHOG DAY and SOMEWHERE IN TIME. No one can deny that James Cameron is an excellent writer and director, but it is clear he took most of his "secondary" story elements for the Titanic movie from the Somewhere in Time movie... An old woman, a picture, piece of jewelry connects us to the past, love at first sight, conflict between the male lead and a male from the upper class, 1912 (though this is purely coincidence because Titanic sank in 1912), the two love interests are separated by death and reunited LITERALLY in "heaven" in the final shot of the film. I'm sure I'm missing several other literary connections.
The same thing with Groundhog Day... An old hotel, male lead wakes up in the past/time travels, a love story, and Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody is prominently played over and over again throughout both films (Phil even plays it on piano at the end of Groundhog Day). Whomever created the Groundhog Day/time travel concept of just waking up in the past clearly drew those elements from Somewhere in Time.
Probably the funnest trivia is that The Grand Hotel does exist. I've been there 3 times. It's in upper Michigan. They have "Titanic/Somewhere in Time" events (look for past events on youtube, even with stars from the SOT film). People actually dress up in 1912 attire and stay in the huge hotel for these events. It's on an island where no cars are allowed. The lighthouse is beautiful. Would love to tell you more about the island, but you can find tons of info online if you want. Loved watching this reaction.
I just saw SIT for the first time the other day and got the similarities with Titanic almost immedietely, with the ending cementing it.
The character of McKenna was inspired by a real stage actress named Maude Adams.
Not the Bond girl obviouslt
This is such a great and underrated movie. So glad you reacted to it.
I'm giggling at the thought that you'll see Christopher Plummer and a good gazebo in a near future reaction
I chuckled too 😊. I love Christopher Plummer (RIP).
He researched a lot and figured out time traveling to find her. That is true. However, that was only a few days. He didn't know her before and he wasn't suffering from not having her in his life.
She on the other hand, lost the man she loved, after only spending a fleeting couple days with him. He disappeared and never returned. She spent the rest of her life doing her research, figuring out what happened, and tracking him down to give him the pocket watch and ask him to go back to her. She suffered a lifetime for the love she had and lost.
His suffering was visible. Hers was not.
The levels of depth that you reach are far beyond most college students. Great review. I personally have a more favorable opinion of the film because of where I was (relationship-wise) when I saw it in the theater, but your impressions were well-supported. Good job.
Jane Seymour has actually very recently admitted publicly that she and Christopher Reeve literally fell madly in love with each other during the making of this film, and so the passion and chemistry that you see in the movie is very real. Though at the time they were both single, their affair was never revealed or spoken about because during filming Reeve learned that his ex-girlfriend was pregnant with his child, and as a result Seymour and Reeve never took their relationship further. They did however remain extremely close with each other through the rest of their lives until Reeve's death.
To me the only other film that achieves something similar in terms of romance and bending time and space is Titanic, where you actually believe that Kate and Leo were in love on that ship. It's kind of fascinating that they both take place in 1912, there's something very spiritual about that pre ww1 era.
Thanks, Oliver! ♾ I love movies that explore temporal mechanics, even tear-jerkers like this one. The Grand Hotel is located on Mackinac Island, Michigan. My friend visited there a few years ago. He knew I was a fan of SOMEWHERE IN TIME and asked if I wanted a souvenir? I asked him to send my mother a postcard from Christopher Reeve's character, 'Richard Collier'. She was so surprised and thrilled, as she loves the movie, too. ❧ If you'd like to see another with Mr. Reeve, I loved DEATHTRAP (1982).
Ollie, I was excited to hear you say "I love this woman," referring to the friend of the elderly Elise McKenna, played by the wonderful actress Teresa Wright. You may recognize her as having played Charlie in Hitchcock's "Shadow of a Doubt"
And Superman: The Movie, she plays Martha Kent.
Just so you know, a lot of people from my generation loved Chris Reeve before his accident as well. I personally followed his films hoping he’d get good material to work with outside of Superman. Death Trap and this were probably the best. Also, it wasn’t just the tragedy of what happened, it was his how he handled it and continued to work to help others.
How the Chicago skyline changed. I lived there in 1991 and it looked totaly different that in this film.
his reaction to the photo is real, they covered it and only removed the cover just as he turned around to look at it.
I agree totally - this movie was about the character of Richard. It was also eerily a Christopher Reeve foreshadowing of his passing way too early. It was also a great work of time travel - and having seen it for the first time IN 1980, I can say with certainty that you will return to it many times, and enjoy new layers of YOUR time.
This is one of my mom’s favorite movies and I admittedly haven’t seen the whole thing. But after watching your reaction I’m gonna check it out (there were no spoilers because I had to read the plot on wiki to understand what the heck was going on lol.) Thanks for another great reaction! 👏
This movie literally makes you have irrational fears over a penny.
Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson did two Period Piece films, Howard's End (1992) and The Remains of the Day (1993). You might like them. Christopher Reeve also has a role in the latter one.
I first saw that movie when I was just about the same age you are now, and it hit me in pretty much the same way you describe: the melancholy feeling that his death instilled in me is one that I've never gotten over even though I've watched it over a dozen times. I listen to that soundtrack often and it always takes me right back to scenes in that film. I enjoyed watching you react to it.
it is amazing that this is directed by the same director who did Jaws 2. they are so different. he did a brilliant job on this film
i have seen this film many times but if it was rereleased into the theater id go see it on the big screen. i'd also love to go to one of the conventions they have for this movie at the grand hotel
Still brings me to tears...like right now....😪😪😪😪
Now that you've seen the movie.. Go back and watch the beginning and you'll bawl your brains.
Christopher Plummer is also in the Sound Of Music. You'll definitely will enjoy the movie too.
Listen closely and you may be hearing the sound of music soon...
Music is GORGEOUS and soul wrenching
This is my favorite movie. It's deep. The time travel and romance combined is beautiful.
So good to see someone reacting to this, you’re a romantic at ❤️… btw I hope you realize that Jane Seymour is a Bond girl in Live and Let Die!?
Did you know that Christopher Plummer who played Robinson was the guy who played General Chang in Star Trek six?
You mean the crappiest Star Trek sequel ever "The Undiscovered Country"?
Oh what violence has been done to that franchise!
"Somewhere in Time" was a box office bomb but thanks to airing on television, it garnered a rather cult following in the eighties. It most definitely had it's fans well before Reeves' accident and death. I really think Reeves, Seymore, their chemistry, the setting, and soundtrack captivated people and remained a favorite movie for decades.
The film was quite successful in Asia from the get-go.
For more Christopher Reeve, check out “Noises Off,” a very funny adaptation of a comedy play from 1992. Also stars Michael Caine (Alfred in the Nolan Batman films) & Carol Burnett.
I remember reading the script for "Noises Off" on the beach one summer and choking on my laughs.
I love that movie. It's hilarious with a cast if All-Stars.
Great, in depth review. Very fair. Most reactions it's all emotions, but you have a great eye for thoughtful criticism. 👍
I saw this as a kid in the early 80s on HBO. The music the music the music.....
The Greatest Soundtrack ever!! I listen to it every Sunday morning!!!
Mostly filmed on Mackinaw Island MI, [I am a Michigan resident and native] No cars allowed, just bikes and horses, carriages. emergency vehicles on the Island are the exception. Except the one car Chris Reeve drove up to the REAL Grand Hotel. Christopher Plummer is the Jane Seymour's sinister manager, he was the dad in Sound of Music, and was always good at playing Sons of Bitches anyway. Teresa Wright, famous actress of the 1940's to 60's, Oscar Winner, plays the old lady's caretaker or landlord. The place in the trees where the characters first meet in 1912 has a plaque on the movie made there. Fun fact: Jane Seymour will be returning to Mackinaw Island this year October 7-9, for the annual Somewhere in Time Festival, she does that every so often. She is a way better actress than she's given credit for.
Christopher Plummer also played the father, Baron von Trapp , in The Sound Of Music 🙂
I absolutely love this movie. And I have never watched it and not bawled at the end. And it is my favorite instrumental soundtrack of all time. During the most recent White House correspondents dinner, they played the theme over the video of reporters killed in ukraine. And I recognized it on the first note
My friends were extras in the movie.
That's cool! Can you spot them in the movie?
How cool!
This movie shows us how talented Christopher Reeve was.
When they did the screen play, they would have done better to lose the time travel, and have Reeeve buy the condominium or co-op apartment that woman used to own and he bought bit furnished. and thus bought most of the furniture and other things she had collected during her life. After looking at her portrait and her other things he finds himself falling in love with her. He visits the Grand Hotel and goes to sleep in his room. When he closes his eyes a dream sequence begins and the audience goes back in time thru his dream.
Jane Seymour and Chris Reeve were very close friends, originally meeting when she read for Lois Lane during Reeve's "Superman" audition. Seymour named one of her sons after Reeve.
This movie gets me every time! You actually felt him fall in love. And yes, this movie is famous for its haunting soundtrack. PLEASE! Listen to one of the suggestions below.....Noises Off. You will have a blast. It is so funny, one of the best stage plays made into a movie that I have seen. I saw a movie the other day that I had not seen before, which is rare to be honest. I can't do reaction videos because I've already seen most of them. But you might enjoy this other movie...The Age of Innocence 1993. When it came out, it looked like a movie I would not watch, in fact it looked improper for my age, so I ignored it. Recently I heard an old Siskel and Ebert review of it and got curious because they raved about it. It was a very well done movie and I think you would like it as well. Martin Scorsese directed!
This movie tanked in the theaters, but man did it gain a massive following first on cable TV and later on VHS.
This movie is filmed on Mackinac Island, Michigan. The Grand Hotel is still there and rooms are over $1000 a night.
Every year there is an event at the Grand Hotel for lovers of this movie.
Somewhere in Time (1980) is such a rare fusion of "time-travel" with romance and resulting drama. (A delicate topic in order to avoid Phillip J. Fry's "I'm my own grandpa" dilemma for sure.) This is actually only my second favorite time-travel / romance, my favorite is The Time-Traveler's Wife (2009). I highly recommend it for reaction.
FYI...The Grand Hotel, on Mackinac Island has the longest porch in the world, at 660 ft. long. It was built in 1887. It has been the visited by 5 US Presidents, Thomas Edison and Mark Twain.
Location Mackinac Island, Michigan.
Yes. No motorized vehicles allowed on the island, except emergency vehicles. And it's a bit pricey to stay at the real Grand Hotel. They even charge you for walking up onto the porch. Several interesting attractions on the island, though.
2 recommendations for Christopher Reeve films: "Deathtrap" (1982) and "Noises Off" (1992).
The Book had him dying of cancer.... The ending tore me up as a kid... My mom had to convince me that Chris was alive and I was hitting and kicking her.... Hit me hard....
Until recently, they held an annual reunion at the Grand Hotel on Macinac Island where the movie was filmed with most of the cast. I always wanted to go since they dress in the clothes from that period
my all time fav music - it is so haunting its based on Rhapsody on a theme by Paganini
Robin Williams and Chris were college roommates! Lifelong friends
Very underrated film .
And I think I also suggested in your 1st Superman reaction to also check out Deathtrap if you want some great early Christopher Reeve.
Another fantastic Reeve movie is Deathtrap. Co-starring Michael Caine and Dyan Cannon. It has several surprising twists.
It wasn't depressing, It Was lovely story. Waiting for RUclips to have it free of charge
Watch it again, I think you with love it even more. Christopher Reeves, and Jane Seymour, took pay cuts because they believed in the script. John Barry wrote the score as a favor to Jane Seymour his friend, because his rate was higher than the budget. The director wanted a difference in filming for the 1912 versus 1980 . Hence the soft focus on the 1912. I saw it a ton of times in the cinema, when it came out, knowing it would be forever until it was on TV. Remember no VCR ‘s back then. Stalking was not a thing in 1980’s you are viewing it with today’s. Me to movement eyes. Watch it as a romantic sci fi, fairy tale, It is such a beloved movie, that once a year there is a Somewhere in Time weekend at the Grand Hotel. Watch it again…
I got to have breakfast in the hotel on the island they filmed this movie. Mackinac island in Michigan. They sell the movie there. Many vendors on the island. So many people selling fudge. No vehicle is allowed on the island except for 1 emergency vehicle. You can take a tour on a horse drawn carriage.
Dude...a penny? A 1979 penny. This is a tragic tear jerker because Christopher Reeves is a knuckle head??? He's a complete knuckle head! What a goober. 😑
Hi Ollie, I enjoy your reviews but this was the most special. Thank You
Some Where in Time exhibit has been updated at the Grand Hotel and you may take a tour official website.
I love old movies with grainy crackly ambiance. Excellent thoughtful review. You could be the next Ebert. I’m a numbers-nerd (not math). Angel #313 was a room-number at the beginning. Going to watch the full film so I can see all the number sequences lol
Believe it or not, this version is FAR cheerier than the book. In "Bid Time Return" by Richard Matheson, Richard Collier is dying of cancer. That is the reason for him taking off and going to the Coronado Hotel in San Diego (you can see it in the film "Some Like It Hot") and trying to make sense of his life before he dies. The story unfolds more or less the same way, but much darker and sadder. There is no happy ending, Richard never sees her again and dies in pain. It's his brother that finds his "diary", believes Richard to have lost his mind, but still publishes it to honor his brother. It's so much sadder than the film, I've never been able to read it again. It just hurt too much. The film, as heartwrenching as it is, is far lighter in tone, and sweeter in its developments.
As an example of the contrast, in the book, the portrait of Elise is not smiling or happy. She is, in fact, visibly heartbroken. That's what draws Richard's eye, her terrible inner unhappiness. She is lovely and desperately sad, and he feels a kinship because of his own oncoming death. There is no personal connection in that photo; it was taken long after he had disappeared. (That's another way the stories differ - Richard's final snap of connection is when he realizes, not that he put a smile on her face, but that he put _that pain_ there.) There was also no watch, and no meeting at the university play - Richard never met her before seeing her photograph. She was in his future, but he was only ever in her past. The entire impetus for the relationship was one-sided, as Elise had lived and died knowing he was gone forever. She was asleep when the time displacement happened, so she never even had the comfort of a bizarre occurrence. As far as she knew, he just left. (There really is no way in which that book is not tragic.)
P.S. The form of time travel portrayed in this story is very 70's. The decade saw the rise of psychology movements based on self-development and growth, and that really colored the cultural mindset - it was known as the Me Decade. The idea that the mind could be harnessed and developed to the point of real power was being explored (sometimes to risible extremes), so this story of a man focusing his mind strongly enough to pull himself physically out of the timestream is right on par the times. After all, time travel isn't possible, not in any way we know of (except maybe forward, and only once), so every story about it will be correct. Since it's impossible, you can just as easily do it with your mind as you can with a machine. I rather like the idea, myself, as it opens the door to stories that have nothing to do with science fiction or tech or modernism. Hell, you can tell a story like this about people in the medieval era, or ancient Rome. Finney wrote about it in his book, but where did he get the idea? (Finney is named for Jack Finney, who wrote time travel novels - very good ones - and inspired Matheson's book.)
Spoiler alert!
Love your review 😊
I echo the same sentiment. The ending was both devastating and depressing for me. Wonderful film, but man, you're just left so sad.
The watch is the chicken in the egg.
I watched this as a kid boot knowing what happened to Reeves. Why doubt any people like it? They may have liked it for reasons you can't comprehend
Was born in 67. This movie has always been in my heart. We love the simple things in life. This ending had us all bawling back then
I actually have found myself liking this movie more just thinking about it after the fact. There was a charm about it that has stuck with me
I remember seeing it randomly on TV long time ago while being a teen. Not even from the beginning. And the story and time travel and romance made an impression on me. I have rewatched it a few years ago. And while it is not that great of a movie, it still holds up in nostalgic/sentimental feeling. Was not expecting to see anyone reaction to it. But in connection to Superman now it makes more sense :)
I won't comment on the reaction. I'll just say I, along with so many others feel this one of my favorite movies of all time.
I like it more and more as time goes on!
Pleased you gave this a chance. If you want a chuckle after this Noises Off with Mr Reeves might make you smile
I adore this movie.THe only reason I don't watch it over and over is the ending, so sad.
One of my fav time travel movie. Great reaction
Its MORE than awesome you ate watching this !!!
The reason why I saw this movie was because of the John Barry score. Jane Seymour championed for Barry to write the score.
The central theme was by Rachmaninoff and Barry integrated the music into his score; like Maurice Jarre did for Righteous Brothers' "Unchained Melody".
Beautiful movie. Great reaction.
So, I showed it his movie to my husband, and the first words he said to me when it was over were, "So... where did the the watch come from?"
I have no answer.
I haven't seen this in ages. Such an interesting film that deserves more attention.
I agree with the people below that you should check out "Noises Off" and I'll add "Deathtrap" with Christopher Reeve and Michael Caine again.
PLEASE WATCH DEATHTRAP!
Christopher Reeve and Michael Cane it’s like a play - intense and lots of twists.
NOISES OFF as well - same description for a very different comedy!
Love this film. Wish it was more appreciated not only in its it era but also in retrospective of great films in history. My 2nd favorite romance film after Vertigo.
Question you may not have thought about: where did the watch comes it from? She gives it to him, he takes it back with him and leaves it with her. Cycle repeats. At no point is it ever made or bought.
This movie does an excellent job of dramatizing the novel! The Grand Hotel on Mackinaw Island was the perfect place to film this.
This is most beautiful film ever!
I love this film!
Fun Fact: director Jeannot Szwarc not only directed the "Supergirl" spinoff but also several episodes of "Smallville", including the 200th episode.
i was wondering why this movie was so bad
now it makes sense!
I realize old-timers like me would consider it heresy, but this movie could actually use a remake. "Somewhere in Time" is all premise, and very little incident. For example, they could've shown Richard's returning to the 70s from HER POV. But there's enough to like about the movie to carry it over: Reeve, Seymour, Plummer, the MUSIC, perhaps one of the Top Ten best. Can't really go wrong with John Barry and Sergei Rachmaninoff, ffs. I also think James Cameron was inspired by this film when he made "Titanic". Both movies are set in 1912, after all, and the endings are suspiciously similar.
As Christian Bale in the role of strike-leading newsboy Jack Kelly said to Robert Duvall's scenery-chewing Joseph Pulitzer in the original movie version of the musical *Newsies* (1992), which later found success on Broadway by interpolating a romance swiped from the romance that Cameron swiped from *Somewhere in Time* for *Titanic* (1997), "We only use the best. So, thanks a lot ... " I'm reminded again of the immortal words of a famous and successful comic book artist: "Never draw what you can trace, never trace what you can. cut up and paste down."
I think this is about soul mates. Which is a fun idea. I know I have many people that I felt close to with no reason. Who knows? I like to think we connect with loved ones regardless
not often someone so young will even sit still long enough to watch a film let alone this film. subbed. Hope to see yo udo Doctor Who :)
I would suggest you react to Time After Time. I came out in 1980 or so. It’s about HG Wells following Jack the Ripper to modern day San Francisco. Very entertaining, and with a happier ending.
Ollie if you're seeking out other Christopher Reeves movies,I suggest Street Smarts; it's quite a departure from his usual wholesome Superman persona. And the story on how the movie was made is even more interesting than the movie itself!
I just rewatched movie for tenth or fifteenth time (not sure) and can't get out of the mood ut dragged me in. So, I'm watching random videos about it. As this is being my all time favorite romance movie some of your statements almost hurt me but we're all different, accordingly see different, feel different etc. But I have to give it to you, underdevelopment definitely was an issue in this movie, if it wasn't, this movie could be one of the best. Then again, it grows on you, no matter what it's lacking. Maybe just because you kind of acknowledge, or better put, sense that some people may feel what you've never felt... Cheers sweetie! Great work!
I have never seen this movie before but I have had dreams like that and wondered 😊
People go to that hotel every year for a Somewhere in Time convention
A perfect love story. This is my moms all-time fav movie, and one of my favs