Now and Forever

Even given that the screenplay by Richard Cassidy is based on a novel by Danielle Steel, director Adrian Carr creates the depth of a TV commercial. Made in the era when Australians thought they had to import American stars to give their product international appeal, Cheryl Ladd plays the American wife of novelist Robert Coleby. Coleby's English accent another form of throwback, where Australians spoke in English accents to show that they remain civilised in the primitive colony. The narrative focuses on Coleby being accused of the rape of Christine Amor. Carr establishes that Coleby is innocent, but he is convicted even when the prosecution only have circumstantial evidence. But whilst the trial is a farce, we know Coleby must suffer for betraying Ladd, who appears in a series of unflattering clothes. At least in her testimony, Amor conveys some real emotion, which is something one can hardly accuse Ladd or Coleby of. Coleby in particular is presented bare-chested a lot, presumably to give him a Robert Redford kind of appeal. The universe portrayed here is so conventional that we are supposed to find Coleby living as a writer as a "kept man" by Ladd's successful boutique Lady Jane "unconventional", though what is more unbelievable is the kind of prison he ends up in, with no cells and resembling a boy's camp. Carr provides a laughable montage of Coleby pre-trial writing in various hardbourside locations, and has him and Ladd talking over each other to show their breakdown in communications. Ladd's drunk scene isn't bad enough to be self-parody and the level of her risk taking is making her character a smoker.

I really enjoyed this love story. Sydney, Australia is beautiful as is Cheryl Ladd. The story of a man's one time infidelity and the painful price he must pay for it are well handled. His wife's pain and forgiveness are handled in a mature and realistic manner. I loved the gorgeous country sequences in the last part of the film and also enjoyed Robert Coleby, the actor who played Cheryl's husband very much. All in all, this was a beautiful Danielle Steel story of love won and lost and won

A budding writer, (Robert Coleby) really pays the price for fooling around with a seemingly innocent woman, really a nutter, who makes up a case of rape, where he's charged, and a grueling trial begins. Without his knowledge of her being looney, until it comes up later, by then it can't save Coleby, as other factor come into play. Her trumpery of rape in it's early stages was that of an initial and believable performance. The way this trial unfolds, as heard by both sides was interesting. (Christine Amor) the vindictive mistress using a manipulation of lies that sound more like truths, only pulled poor Coleby further under, we could see a worse fate awaiting him, at the hands of this bi..h. He has really dug a hole for himself, losing his one true love, (Cheryl Ladd) who really believed in him. His job too suffers, bringing a disreputable stink to his company, where his friend, takes him out to lunch and tennis, and breaks the news, with Coleby, slamming his last tennis ball, at the thwacking sound of a racket. As other movies show us, such at Fatal Attraction and Disclosure, etc, having an affair with the wrong woman can really come back to bite us. As far as the court case extends throughout the film, by it's end, we feel as though we've really put through the ringer, and poor Coleby is really taking a beating plus some jail time, where he's not popular amongst some bigger fish, one guy knocking up against him on a staircase. He actually begins running a writing class for other cons. Hope and belief do win, where he finally gets that letter every budding writer dreams of. Ladd too, really hasn't moved on, where you think her new relationship with a guy in the country will blossom, but is cut short at Ladd's request. Despite being a 90 minute film, Now and Forever, seems quite a straining watch. You have to be patient. It's a love story, with a good cast of capable actors + American export Ladd. It's one of those better quality Aussie dramas, that work so well, a blink or you'll miss it film, sitting on a video shelf. And too here is a message to the dangers of infidelity, and what you can lose in result, but too everyone deserves a second chance, especially if it's with that special one.

Cheryl Ladd and Robert Coleby play a happily married couple. One day he is literally raped by a seriously deranged woman. She then charges HIM for rape! He is found guilty and sent to jail. Ladd is confused, hurt and angry. Will their love survive? It's based on a Danielle Steel book--what do you think?

I caught this on cable many years ago. It got almost no theatrical play in the US (it was made in Australia) and died quickly. It's easy to see why. The story is dull and drawn out--you KNOW how this is going to end. The acting is pretty good. Coleby is very good (and bare-chested a lot)in his role--even Ladd was good! She's a beautiful woman but no great actress but she still pulled this off. Basically if you liked Steel's novel you might like this.

Also the R rating is kind of silly. The rape scene is the reason--it's violent (but not graphic). Cut the rape out and you got a G rated TV movie of the week material. Not terrible but not good.