The Promise

The book of "The Promise" was so wonderful, I just couldn't wait to see the movie. I can't imagine if I would have enjoyed the movie as much if I hadn't read the book. Remembering the book while watching the movie made me enjoy it more. I thought it was very good. I only wish the ending had been longer. The music was great and the actors played the parts very well. It was an endearing love story. While women may love the movie more than gentlemen, I have two sons in their 40's that are trying to get copies of this movie as it was one of their favorites growing up. I wish it would come out on DVD. It was one of Danielle Steele's best stories - by far.

The Promise is a production that deserved better than the shabby treatment that shows up on screen. Although the screenplay is cobbled together by a talentless hack and directed with indifference by Gilbert Cates, the performances are winning from Stephen Collins and Kathleen Quinlan. Their onscreen chemistry is obvious. The story IS compelling, but the screenplay shoots itself right from the start by not letting the audience get to know the two lovers before tragedy appears. For those interested in reading a more complete and personal version of the story, try to find a copy of the novelization by Danielle Steele. One of her first works, the book fills in all the gaps in the story and in only a few paragraphs, gives a much more satisfying ending.

Well, I have finally been able to screen this movie in widescreen and on blu ray. While its still a flawed production, it finally looks like a real movie, low budget, yes, but not some tv knockoff. Looking back, my feelings are still the same. The ending needs something more. Danielle Steele saw this as well and expanded the finale a bit, adding emotional fireworks and a more pleasing conclusion in her adaption. Cheesy? Yes, but still an enjoyable experience for the romantic in us all.

In 1979, I was 14, and I can remember that this was the big movie that all the kids at school wanted to see. I actually remember loving it then. Years later, all I can do at the age of 37 is cringe with embarrassment that I actually still like this thing.

How unrealistic can you get? With the exception of some make up and hair manipulation, there really is no difference between the Nancy and Marie faces. Most of the change is effected through Quinlin's acting ability (as well suddenly changing her wardrobe to the 70's disco chic that was popular at the time). It's not the only lapse in reality in the film, but it's by far the biggest. It takes a great deal of work on the part of Quinlan, Collins, and Straight to get you to come anywhere near believing the difference exists.

Laurence Luckinbill plays a truly predictable character as the Pygmalionesque doctor who creates the physical Marie. His character is more or less a plot device (as is Bibi Besch's), and his performance reflects it. On the other hand, Beatrice Straight (who was always one of the most underrated actresses in the business) gives a fantastic performance as Michael's mother. Her face says it all when she runs out of the hospital room and the impact of the lie that she has just told hits her.

Gibert Cates, who unfortunately has not been able to truly repeat his critical success in "I Never Sang for my Father", at least tries to do something with the script. It is hard, however, when the story is basically formula and schmaltz. In the end, it is Quinlan, Collins, and Straight who succeed in getting the film to rise above it. Their performances get you to continue to watch and find something good even though you really want to hate it.

I remember watching the Promise when we first got cable and it was on a movie channel in about 1982 I was 22 at the time and had a year old daughter, I just loved the film and thought it was a great story. A few years back I bought the tape, I forget if I found it at a store or on the internet but anyway I watched it again and after so many years I still enjoyed it, my daughter who was so young when I first watched the movie is now a young woman herself and she watched the film and said she really liked it, so it might be a bit sappy and outdated but the story is still great and even relatable, the man's Mother anyway, I think it's a film that has stood the test of time and it will always be one of my favorites.

If you are looking for an emotionally-moving movie about love and commitment, this is one you should consider seeing. Kathleen Quinlan and Stephen Collins are absolutely great in their roles. And the story, which is about commitment, deception, and misunderstanding, is excellent. When Stephen Collins says to Kathleen Quinlan, "I made a promise," you'll know why I consider this one of the great romantic movies of all time. It's right up there with "Sleepless in Seattle," "You've Got Mail," and "A Letter to Three Wives."