One Is a Lonely Number

However, I preferred this film. While it is a bit disjointed, and certainly the subject matter these days in not novel, it addresses the individual issues of divorce and abandonment.

Some critics have dismissed this as a "woman's movie"...wow. Women today are a larger sector of the audience. Not sure what archaic demographic that critique is utilizing.

At any rate, Trish Van Devere gives an understated performance as a newly single San Francisco woman, attempting to restructure her life. Jane Leigh is amusing in a nice cameo as a vindictive divorcée, she looks amazing for age 45, and gives a fun performance.

Melvyn Douglas also has a cameo as resident grocer, Mr. Provo. He takes Van Devere to an outdoor play, and she breaks down as she finally realizes her four year marriage is over for good.

Never an easy issue, divorce is painful and personal, if you watch this, and then ten years later, watch it again, you may feel differently. Recommended. 7/10.

This movie came under the radar for me - I had never heard of it. Turner Classic Movies gave me the chance, as usual, to experience a film I would probably have never watched, otherwise.

"One" is a wonderful period piece, with great acting, and a simple but engaging plot.

Granted, Janet Leigh's crude supporting character is a bit grating - the humor is jarring - but everyone else is cast perfectly.

The San Francisco locale is used effectively, but sparingly.

Interestingly, director Stuart also directed "Willy Wonka" the year before; he certainly knew how to work with actors.

Somebody's always saying goodbye, as an Anne Murray song goes. Here, Trish van Devere's husband has left her. After arguments and differences, the last straw was when she threw his copy of Milton out the window of their New York apartment. Being alone was the last thing she expected to be after her four years with James, but now she's alone. Of course, she's got girlfriends (like Jane Elliott) who want to hook her up, but she's so depressed and in shock. Oh, and yeah, she needs a job now. The employment place maybe has something, if she's nice to him. But he's a creep. There's the old man who runs the grocery store, whose wife died a few years ago. He's nice to talk to, played by Melvyn Douglas. She takes a job as a lifeguard, of all things! Between all her highs and lows and meeting a possible suitor in Monte Markham, she tries to find her independent soul. While the film does reflect the loneliness and despondency of her situation, it does not wallow in it and therefore manages to entertain the viewer while relating to her pain. The supporting cast is very good, but the film belong to Ms. Van Devere. Watch "One is a Lonely Number" and learn that you need not feel weak and dependent on another, and that as one you can be strong.

This is the story of Aimee Brower, a 28 year old woman who just recently divorced her husband. The movie takes us on what Aimee goes through trying to make some sense out of her newly found life, realizing that after all you can live by yourself.

What I find interesting about the movie is that we get to see the female point-of-view of divorce on the early 70s, when women weren't expected to have a career of their own or something else besides being married.

Some movies present such basic, utterly simple storylines, that the only thing that can actually save them from turning into mediocre flicks is how they are executed. And that's the case of Rebecca Morris' 'One Is A Lonely Number'. It's the simple tale of a recently divorced woman, Aimee, who slowly discovers how to get along with her life, growing through pain, loss, heartache and the dealing of loneliness. If you think it's familiar, you're right. The same subject has been brought up oh so many times throughout the last three decades - mostly on campy tearjerkers - but they can't be compared with this one.

Trish Van Devere ~ Day Of The Dolphin, etc... ~ surrenders completely to her role, and gives the performance of a life time. Melvyn Douglas... well, what can I say about him?

Plus, bits from a very sarcastic, cynical Janet Leigh, fresh from such flops as 'Hello Down There'.

It's all delivered to you from a gentle, bittersweet point of view. The pacing is perfect, for it gives the film a reality touch. The music... well, four words for you... Michel Legrand... Bossa Nova.

And some scenes deserve special attention... Trish's reaction to King Lear, and sobbing on Douglas' shoulders. Trish's seduction of Monte Markham and finally... the last scene...

Have a box of Kleenex handy. Do yourself that favor... :)