One Is a Lonely Number

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.

Until it degenerates somewhat into drippy man-woman chit-chat, "One Is a Lonely Number" has some wry comments to make on the life of a 27-year-old woman on the verge of being divorced. Trish Van Devere has a soft, fuzzy quality about her which is quiet and likable; when her husband of four years walks out on her without an explanation, she's forced to get a job and face the realization of being alone or dating again (neither of which seems to please her). Rather predictable narrative is spiked by a solid visual sense and good location shooting in and around San Francisco. The film comes from an unusual pedigree (executive producer David Wolper and director Mel Stuart worked together the previous year on "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" and screenwriter David Seltzer later wrote "The Omen"), and some of the sequences (such as the hurt spouse packing up her husband's leftover things) were expanded upon in later films such as "An Unmarried Woman" and "Kramer vs. Kramer". Alas, Seltzer's script, adapted from Rebecca Morris' short story "The Good Humor Man", falls too easily into convention, and when a ready-made prince (Monte Markham??) confesses to Van Devere he's married, one is inclined to groan. The material was probably much fresher in 1972, however this scenario has since become well-mined territory for a torrent of "women's pictures". What makes this one interesting are the performances (especially Janet Leigh's as a brassy man-hater) and the stinging sense of helplessness. We follow the work-a-day trials of this single woman as she is forced into a rather crummy job as a swimming pool lifeguard--secretly afraid of the high dive--and has to do things she doesn't want to do. It certainly has impact, but the movie's bracing quality is diluted by the soap opera. A near-miss. ** from ****

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.

In San Francisco, 27 year old Amy Brower (Trish Van Devere) is puzzled when her husband walks out on her. He wants a divorce after four years of marriage. Apparently, he went to Mexico with a 19 year old girl and he's cutting her off financially. She's still trying to save her marriage while adjusting to her new life.

It's definitely another time. It may be a different time but there are echoes to today. It's post 60's. It's women's lib. It's single gal adventures and tribulations. It's divorce American style. This reminds me of a couple of famous divorce/single woman/feminist movies later in the decade. This story meanders around and threatens to derail a couple of times. Amy frustrates me a little by trying to keep her marriage for too long. At a certain point, she needs to face reality. She should change her outlook after the big cry and Howard. By the time of the climatic meeting, it's a little anti-climatic. The final ending leaves me with mixed feelings.

Trish Van Devere made some "women's"movies back in the '70s. This one, One is a Lonely Number, from 1972, also stars Melvyn Douglas and Janet Leigh, directed by Mel Stuart.

Jane Elliot, Tracy Quartermaine on General Hospital, plays a friend of the main character. Though she remains a striking and glamorous woman today as well as a formidable actress, 53 years ago she was a beautiful young leading woman. It was so great to see her.

Van Devere plays Amy Brower, who can't accept that her husband (Paul Jenkins) has moved out and wants a divorce. She still loves him and wants him back. She is acutely aware of her loneliness, and shares this with a vegetable seller, Joseph (Douglas) whose wife has passed away.

Madge (Elliot) tries to get her to face some reality and introduces her to Gert (Janet Leigh), a tough lady who runs a group for divorcees. She introduces Any to an attorney; meanwhile, at a fundraiser, Madge sends some single men her way. One of the men is Howard (Monte Markham), who is persistent.

This is somewhat soapy, as Amy deals with the divorce attorney, the dating scene, and a job as a lifeguard, set up for her by a sleaze (Jonathan Goldsmith) who wants favors from her. She finally learns her husband was cheating on her and is finally ready to let go.

Good San Francisco location shooting and well produced (David Wolper) and directed. Seen now, it seems more like a TV movie. I've always been a fan of Van Devere; she's very likable.