Touched by Love

I saw this film as an accident, after having watched a film I'd planned on viewing, but actually liked this film better than the one I'd planned on watching! I've been a fan of Diane Lane for years, ever since I saw the OLDEST LIVING CONFEDERATE WIDOW that she was in, among others, and she was flawless in this one, though she was only 15 at the time. She and Deborah Raffin are simply superb as a Cerebral Palsy victim and a young woman who comes to work in a mountain therapy center (in Canada, I think) and how they differ from each other at first and come to relate to one another, with Elvis Presley as an unseen but present part of her therapy. I never was able to deduce if this was a true story or not, but I hope it is, as it is not only well acted all around but a nice story of how kind big stars can be, and I believe Elvis could have and really was as nice as he was portrayed in this film. See it; it's a winner!

Touched By Love was based on nurse Lena Canada's equally moving book, To Elvis, With Love. While the film indicates Elvis Inc. was involved, this was the name of the production company registered while it was filmed - it was not the official Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE) organisation responsible for marketing Elvis and running Graceland. An official DVD/Bluray release of this positive and emotionally heart-rending film is long overdue.

This is a touching true story and fine adaption of Lena Canada's book about a lonely handicapped girl(Diane Lane) and her devotion to a very special person. With the help from a social worker(Deborah Raffin), the girl begins writing letters to her hero and the return correspondence transforms her dying days. Her special pen pal is none other than Elvis Presley.

For Elvis fans there is vintage TV footage and Elvis music throughout. Miss Lane is outstanding and warms the heart. This story is sad, uplifting and hopeful. You'll feel good about not passing this one up. Also in the cast are Michael Learned, Clu Gulager and John Amos.

Note: This movie is also known as TO ELVIS, WITH LOVE.

I recall this film younger too, as I am the same age as Diane Lane now. But saw it again years ago and it still gets to me, and true. She was and is a great actress, especially at such a young age. I had seen her in Broadway a few years back, and she was wonderful and looked great. I was able to get it in dvd from Flashback DVD's for those interested as well. So enjoy. It really holds up well still, and was not a fan of Elvis but that touched me as well. But tissues still needed.

I first saw this movie as an 11 year old. And I absolutely loved it! It's one of those movies that you just can't forget. I saw it again on cable late one night last year but it was too late to tape it. So I'm thinking seriously of buying the tape. Deborah Raffin did a fabulous job as the compassionate caretaker Lena Canada. Diane Lane also did an excellent job playing Karen,the handicapped teenager. If you have a chance & it's in a videotape store, see it!