Heart: The Marilyn Bell Story

Florence Chadwick was actually the far more accomplished swimmer, of course. She swam the English Channel both directions. She swam from Catalina Island to the California coast. Marilyn Bell's is a sweet story, but the usual glorification of us Canadians in the face of a superior world. Another sample of our inferiority complex. Our political system works pretty well and the health system allows people not to die in hospital lobbies. That's pretty good. Better than Lebanon. What should we do about hockey though...? And curling. The notion of calling this a sport, of its inclusion in the Olympics...! ah, but we digress...

I must admit I would not have watched this movie out of my free will but this made for tv movie was actually enjoyable. The movie had a great 50's "feel" to it (except for the tacky underwater shots) acting was rather good for its genre. Then I paid a lot of attention to the performance of Amy Sloan not because of her ability but because her mother is my teacher, I must say Amy did a good job but I think she could have done better. Overall I give this movie a 7/10.

Jade Lacosse

One does not have to be from or live in Canada to love this movie. It is a great story about the desire and resolve of a dedicated 16-year old girl during a time when it was not fashionable. Having grown up during the 50's it was refreshing to view such realistic costumes and authentic looking scenic backgrounds. For what its worth, I highly recommend children and adults alike view this film. It is currently being shown on Showtime (cable) during December 2001. The film's players were great and excellently portrayed thier roles.

If you are interested in swimming or if you are a Canadian, you will like this movie. It tells the real-life story of Marilyn Bell, an underdog swimmer who outswam the more-favoured Florence Chadwick during the first swim ever across Lake Ontario. Caroline Dhavernas who plays the title role is cute and lovable as the sixteen-year old Marilyn Bell. The Toronto of the middle twentieth century depicted in this movie looks authentic and the automobiles from that bygone age add a nostalgic flavour to this film. Except for Marilyn Bell, the characters in this flick are not likeable. It seems that the stuck-up American prima donna Florence Chadwick, Marilyn's pushy swimming coach who initially has a contempt for her, the buffoonish Toronto Star reporters are there in the film only to provide contrasts to the title character. Such portrayals appear rather unnatural. Otherwise, this is a well-made film.

I loved this movie. The filming was excelent except I didn't really like the under water shots. The under water shots looked like it was filmed in the present and the rest of the movie looked like it was filmed in the past. Amy did an awesome job, her character changed from a real meany to a real sweetie. GO AMY!!! All the power to merilyn. The lighting in the swimming at night was really neat.

By Ceci