If Tomorrow Comes (1971)

Perfect cast and a good story

It's fun, it's light, [but] it has a hard time when its tries to get heavy.

The movie's only flaw is also a virtue: It's jammed with characters, stories, warmth and laughs.

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

I saw this movie many, many years ago and to this day it still has a special place in my heart. The powerful love story along the lines of Romeo and Juliet, the political and social statements made, all left such an impact on me that I have carried the lessons learned through my life. There are few movies that are as powerful as this one. The historical significance of the times the movie presents, as well as those of the release date show us that the heart will take unbelievable leaps of faith, despite the feelings and thoughts of others. Both sides on this love story transmit the effects of fear and prejudice, the basis of which is understandable, yet sad. In real life, history repeats itself. I cannot recommend it enough, and now with the passing of Patty Duke, I want to get it added to my collection so my grandkids can see it. One word, WOW.

I agree with every previously posted comment. The made for TV movies of the early 70's were far superior to anything the networks have aired since. I too recall this movie being airing the week after Brian's Song. Both films made a huge impression on me. Both films found me crying at the end. Both films were worthy of theatrical release and it's truly a shame "If Tomorrow Comes" isn't available on DVD. Patty Duke's talent is well acknowledged and documented. Unfortunately, Frank Liu's really hasn't been. I've never forgotten his performance. I was a teenager in the 70's. I'm also a Caucasian. His charisma was palpable and it's the first time I experienced an attraction to someone outside of my race, which is appropriate in view of the inter-racial theme of this film. Highly recommended.

This movie aired a week after the original Brian's Song movie in 1971. I remember I missed Brian's Song and everyone was talking about it at school the next day, how they cried etc. I thought this movie was a great consolation prize for having missed Brian's Song. It too was a tear jerker in some ways. I often wonder why can't they make TV movies like this any more. I was very moved by it. I watched it every time it was rerun in the 1970s. It's based on an old theme - Romeo and Juliet but that always seems to work well. Many years later I saw it again and now it seems like Westside Story, substituting Japanese for Puerto Rican, and cutting the music/dance numbers. Still a very good picture. An above average made for TV movie and I certainly recommend it. A few questionable details regarding some parts of the story. Why were they able to find a priest to marry them on a Sunday while her family was away at church? Wouldn't that priest have been saying mass at that time? Seems strange he'd be available to perform a shotgun wedding on a Sunday morning (Dec 7th 1941 of course) especially while everyone else was at church. Other interesting aspects that hint at the political correctness that was to come in the following decades: When Eileen happens upon the Japanese family who are holding their traditional observance, they are all dressed in Japanese garb, except of course for David who is dressed in a suit and tie. I wonder what ever happened to Frank Liu? He did a very good job in this picture. Despite these insignificant details it is still a very moving story with some very emotional scenes - the scene where Eileen (Patty Duke) is sitting alone crying in the arbor, not knowing why David has not shown up (Because "The Japanese aren't allowed out after 6 0'clock, now that's a brand new law" David is informed). It seems older TV movies are seldom aired but if you see it in your local listings, it is definitely worth watching.

I have enjoyed this movie and wish to recommend it to everyone. Sometimes the movies made for television are by far much better than movies shown in theaters. If Tomorrow Comes is a good example.