Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams

New York City homemaker Rita Walden (Joanne Woodward) is having a mid-life crisis. Her husband Harry Walden (Martin Balsam) is an optometrist and WWII vet. She has a son and a daughter. Her mother (Sylvia Sidney) is opinionated.

It's an interesting character study. Her relationship with her mother is the most fascinating. It's too bad that it's cut off. She has a fascinating exchange with her daughter but again that connection is fleeting. The least dramatic may be her marriage but that's what stays on the screen. Her marriage is never truly threatened. His WWII visit is about him, not her. It may be a compelling memory but she needs to go on a solo journey. She could have a night out with a gay guy which leads to reconciliation with her son. I do appreciate this journey that is laid out. I just think a more challenging journey would be more compelling.