Who Needs A Little Romance?

This delightful film is on TCM today! Don’t miss it!

Diane Lane in her first movie and Laurence Olivier in one of his last equals the delightful story of a French boy and an American girl beginning a romance in Paris. With the aid of a quirky, aging man they sneak off to Venice, Italy to seal their love. The myth says that any lovers who kiss beneath the Bridge of Sighs at sunset will seal their love forever. A fabulous film that you might have missed!

George Roy Hill directs a terrific cast in 1979’s ‘A Little Romance’. A 13 year-old Diane Lane shows that she will be around for quite some time. Laurence Olivier, playing a role that is seemingly written for a vintage Maurice Chevalier, continues his wonderful career. Sally Kellerman, Arthur Hill and, in his only screen credit, Thelonious Bernard provide depth to this romantic fantasy.

Notice the score by Georges Delerue. He deservedly won the Oscar for the music in ‘A Little Romance’. The music deftly adds to the emotion of our lovers on the run. A five-time Oscar nominee, Delerue is one of France’s great film and stage composers.

The critical reception for this film is quite varied. Many critics, perhaps jaded as they can be, find the film “pedestrian” or “too sweet to be believed”. Most viewers, on the other hand, feel the film is warm, tender and caring. On Rotten Tomatoes it gets only a 71 from critics, but an 85 from the audience. I find the film to be a sweet and delightful look at burgeoning romance. Please give ‘A Little Romance’ a try when you are interested in a romantic evening and let me know what you think.

One side note: This film is based on a french novel by Patrick Cauvin. It has the wonderful title “E=MCsquared mon amour”.