Dear Heart (1965)

Highly Overrated But Still Good

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.

Glenn Ford was the Swiss Army Knife of male post-Golden Age actors. He played Army officers fighting the Nazi's, Ford made the West safe for settlers, and trouble for outlaws. Add Dear Jeart to the list of his great romantic dramas/comedy's headed by The Courtship of Eddie's Father, Pocketful of Miracles,The Gazebo and The Teahouse of the August Moon. I'm glad Ford made this picture, I can't think of any of actor who would have been as natural in the role of an engaged (man to a social climber Angela Lansbury) promoted from his Greeting Card sales position its onto New York, he's in management now. While housed in an NYC hotel, he meets Geraldine Page, a small town Postmaster in the city for a convention. Page was outstanding, she quickly develops feelings for the Ford character whose life seems to become complicated with his new son, his odd female friend, his fierce, and now Miss Page's character. The real story continues from this point. Dear Heart might have been improved by dropping the ditzy magazine/newspaper stand girl, Peterson, Fords new NYC boss. They scramble the story rather than enriching it. You do enjoy the older three Postmistress's who disapprove of Page missing any presentations. The trio includes Mary Wicks who should have had a larger role. It's a lovely film with the memorable song "Gear Hearts" played throughout. The characters are terrific, although it's impossible to warm up to Phyllis, Lansbury's character. I loved the story filled with on and off relationships. It's a solid 8; IMO.

What a great movie this is! Geraldine Page as the lonely postal employee in New York for a convention, meets Glenn Ford a man just promoted and hoping to finally settle down in one place. Angela Landbury is the woman he hopes to marry and settle down with. She is a high tone woman, with a grown son, who she has passed off, by an old picture as a young boy. Ford seems overwhelmed by the thought of the whole thing, and finds that Page is a port in the storm. You don't immediately see the chemistry between the two, but as the picture goes on, we see that they are kindred souls. She is sweet and social, and just a bit needy for companionship. He under everything is basically the same. In the end he chases her to the train station, realizing that he has truly met the woman who he can be with for the rest of his life. Excellent small film with wonderful performances by all.

This is an absolutely delightful romantic comedy. Like many others, I am amazed that I never heard of it before a few days ago, when it appeared on TCM. I recorded it (love that DVR) and watched it yesterday.I agree with others who say that the acting of the two leads, Ford and Page was excellent. So too was that of the supporting characters Lansbury and Nichols. But the many fine small touches stand out too. I loved seeing the old Penn Station in New York, long since destroyed. I loved the look of the girlfriend of Ford's "son", with the hair style, clothes, and big glasses. That brings back some high school memories. The many fine little one-liner or throw-away jokes, such as "nice wig" or Ford: "I have a psychic thing;" Nichols: "I don't want to see it." But even beyond that, I was amazed by the portrayal of the society and customs of 1963 New York. Shades of Mad Men! No, there were no Madison Avenue Ad executives, but the banter and casual sex displayed was an eye opener. I thought that all happened ten years later? Even the look and feel of Ford's character was remarkably like Don Draper. I seriously wonder if this movie was not an inspiration for Matthew Weiner when he created Mad Men.

88/100. An exceptional, and I feel a very underrated film with Geraldine Page giving an outstanding and unforgettable performance. She gives the character of Evie so many personal nuances and touches. She really is amazing. Angela Lansbury is also incredible in a supporting role, and nails the character with confidence and style. A lot of the smaller characters are television staples, Richard Deacon, Hal Smith, Ruth McDevitt and Alice Pearce. Barbara Nichols gives a very memorable and funny performance as the woman at the concessions counter.It is a wonderfully simple and uncomplicated story. Delbert Mann does a superb job with his subtle direction. Very well written with deeply developed characters you care about. Glenn Ford is quite good in a warm and subtle performance. A very special gem of a film.