Dream House

Wow, this was a bad movie. I remember how bad it was when it aired the first time. John Schneider is a home builder who comes to the big city to an empty lot. Despite insurmountable problems and hardships he manages to build his "dream House" on an empty lot in the middle of the city. Imagine putting the Cleaver house on Wall Street. This was a bad idea that made a bad movie.

For me, this film has one of those fuzzy, golden auras about it. A naive and beautiful man building something out of nothing for the sake of the woman he loves? Wow. How romantic it was, reassuring you that life is as wonderful as you know it can be.

OK, so I haven't seen this movie since it was first televised, and yeah, I was 9 years old at the time, and sure, I was pretty sure in those days John Schneider was the most perfect man on the planet and I was destined to live happily ever after with him (or at least win a date with his through that Teen Beat contest -- which was obviously rigged). But I maintain that it must have been one of the purest, simplest, sweetest movies ever made.

I'm sure the film (just like anything from childhood reexamined in the light of adult experience) would not stand up to a grownup's cynicism. The plot contrived? The acting less than stellar? Maybe. But who cares? I don't plan to see it again, because I prefer the sweet memory.

For those of you who haven't seen it, if you do, try to look at it through the eyes of who you were then, because the '80s were definitely a very different time. Take yourself back to that place where Friday night Dukes of Hazzard viewings were big social events, when Hot Wheels, some Garanimals and an Olivia Newton John record were all you needed to be happy. Grab yourself a cold Tab and some Jiffy Pop, plop yourself down in your beanbag chair and you're ready for a night of fine entertainment.

I can understand that men won't like this movie.. It is a modern Cinderella story. Those of us out there that still believe men are meant to love and cherish their wives feel differently. I don't love the movie because I wish I had a man like that. I love the movie because I do have a man that loves me will all his heart and would do anything for me. We are lucky to have a love that has lasted over 27 years. Many people may not understand this in todays world but the few that do take delight in the movies that reflect their relationships. This one is one of my all time favorites! If you liked it also, I recommend "Overboard", "Rinestone" & "The Other Side of the Mountain".

John Schnieder plays a carpenter who meets and romances this lady played by Marilu Henner. She is only in town to give conferences on construction for 4 days. They date for four days and she goes back to NY. John (Charlie) loads up his truck and goes to NY to find her and make her his wife. Although this city girl is not convinced, Charlie has a lot of patience. He buys a small strip of land in the ghetto that is wedged between two buildings: a spot where his love interest needs to build new condos. Charlie is against all odds trying to convince the girl that he loves to give him the shot that he needs and to build a house in the middle of the ghetto where the gangs go to great lengths to show him he's not welcome. Great movie. I liked this show. I just watched it today. I had my friend record it from HBO many, many years ago and the quality was not great, but it was nice to watch it again. It's a great show. If you liked this one, you will like the movie: The Last Fling staring John Ritter. I think you will have to settle for VHS. It's hard to find, but worth it. ~ Pat

If I remember right I watched that movie every time it aired that year, I believe it was like 3 times but I might have missed a few. He was like any other Man who had a dream & wanted a family! It was kinda like watching "The Little House On The Prairie", they set a goal & stick to it. They don't give up easily & that's what John Schnieder was trying to get the viewers to grasp. Sure he had some troubles while building & after it was done, a lot of people do but not a lot of people like talking about it. In the Movie they showed how people didn't like change & how mean they can be. So while watching this show you could almost visualize how we treat each other in the whole world. I Would Love To Buy A DVD Of This Movie If I Ever Find It!