The Pad (and How to Use It)

I too saw this movie on television, over 50 years ago, and never since.

But it had such a profound impact on me that I have never forgotten it. Even though I have transitioned from the typical teenage somewhat nerdy boy to a grandfather. I know I was in tears as the final scene ran.

But I guess neither complimenting nor recommending this film has much purpose if it is no longer available to be viewed.

Maybe it was because I was graduating from High School that year, but this movie meant a lot to me. A young adult, lover of classical music, afraid of the opposite sex, gets introduced by his "cool" friend (James Farentino). More I can't tell, but it touched my heart and I could relate. I'm sorry it never made it to video, sure would like to be able to see it again!

This is one of the best dramatic movies that I have ever seen.I cried! It's so unfortunate that it is never shown in the U.S.A. anymore and oddly isn't available to purchase either. Anyway, the main characters are all in their mid-30s and fairly mature people. The lonesome guy's best friend has nothing but good luck with his love-life. He's charming, funny, and good-looking. So, this movie shows the stark contrast of those who are lucky in love and those who can't buy a break with their love-life. I could definitely relate to the unhappy guy because I was in that same situation. My best friend was also very popular with the ladies, and was I jealous! Brian Bedford, playing the unlucky guy, completely submerges himself into a semi-fantasy world where he often imagines himself to be a great orchestra conductor. He blasts his classical music in order to drown out the rest of the real world so as not to have to face his utter loneliness. When his best friend tries to do him a favor and introduces him to a woman, he is happily excited and naively expects to meet his perfect match. James Farentino is wonderful as the lucky guy, and Brian Bedford is great as his frustrated friend. I saw this movie about 50 years ago on regular TV and have never seen it since, but the memory of it is indelibly burnt into my brain forever.

This movie was released when I graduated from High School. As such it touched a part of me that was, shall we say, feeling sorry for myself? I loved classical music, found that the women (at that tender age!) were into the "macho" guys and this movie was total vindication! It remains as a fond memory and one I want to see again! Watched it many times in that era and sure would like to find it in VHS or better, DVD format! Don't have a copy!

I saw this movie in 1967 at the Army post where I was stationed. At 35 cents I saw every movie (about 3 a week) that came to the post.I was 22 at the time and had been seeing all kinds of movies for 5 years. This is not a feel good film. The theater was full when the movie started and almost empty long before it was over. A movie has to be bad or too uncomfortably real to empty a theater like that.