Griffin and Phoenix (1976)
Griffin has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Instead of quietly facing his death, he decides to have fun in the time remaining. At a college class on death, he meets Phoenix, who has terminal leukemia.
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I love this movie so much
A Masterpiece!
All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.
The film may be flawed, but its message is not.
I first saw this movie in April of 2014, what is sad that Jill Clayburgh, did actually die in 2010 from Leukemia (think that is what she was dying from in the movie), and even though I also found it hard to realize that that is Peter Falk who played Geoffrey Griffin?? The actor sure didn't have his gravely voice at all, and also sure didn't look like Peter Falk, I sure wondered if the right actor was listed but it sure is.Wondered also why there was the emotional lashing out hitting cars with a sludge hammer, why that was in the script, but guess the writers put that into the story to show the emotions Geoffrey Griffin having for Sarah Phoenix dying before him.1976 when this film was made, it sure is yes a sad beautiful story about two troubled souls finding each other and their dying end of their lives.It's well worth seeing this movie if you can.
This movie does not strike a single false note. Every touch is right on target. Unfortunately it's almost never shown, so do not miss a chance to see it. Except for the fashions and locations, Griffin and Phoenix has not aged a day. Very beautiful, moving and funny.
Two troubled souls find each other--though time may be running out. A marvelous ABC-TV movie that gave Jill Clayburgh an early triumph (just before "An Unmarried Woman" put her on the Hollywood A-list). The finale, with Peter Falk lashing out on the street, is stunning and staggering in its emotion. It may very well put some viewers off, but I completely understood Falk's character and felt thoroughly his pain and suffering. I've never forgotten that sequence, it is that powerful. Most of the picture is underlined with the usual TV-styled sentiment, however the sincerity of the handling is honestly expressed (thanks to the lead performances and a firm direction). The production is gritty and not glossy (a big plus), and the finale as noted is not romanticized. Worth seeking out.
... that is a love story with a very grown-up attitude toward death. Falk and Clayburg are excellent together. A TV movie classic that has been repeated a number of times--but, alas, not lately (to my limited knowledge)Both are dying, but neither knows the other is, and some dramatic misunderstandings are the result. I won't say any more--except to note that the ending is a classic.