The Promise (1979)

Great Film overall

Simple and well acted, it has tension enough to knot the stomach.

what a terribly boring film. I'm sorry but this is absolutely not deserving of best picture and will be forgotten quickly. Entertaining and engaging cinema? No. Nothing performances with flat faces and mistaking silence for subtlety.

It is an exhilarating, distressing, funny and profound film, with one of the more memorable film scores in years,

I like this movie because I love the actor S. Collins.The movie is also lightweight enough that I can have it on TV in the background whilst working (as I work from home). It's not quite old enough for me to need to watch it to see the furniture design and clothing of the time since I have furniture AND clothing from that era right now (and the hairdo, :)).The only thing I don't have are the big sunglasses (actually I DO have them but I don't know where they are packed away).Well, back to work, while this movie plays in the background, right now.

Young couple in New England, on their way to get hitched despite the groom-to-be's disapproving mama, are involved in a horrible car accident; the man lapses into a short coma, during which time his mother sends his disfigured girlfriend to the West Coast for extensive plastic surgery on her face--providing she never contact her fiancé again! Will they eventually cross paths, and will he recognize her if they do? Hard to believe anyone with any self-respect will care, especially after an excruciating opening: a lyrical montage of 'coupling' culminating in a love-pact made on a cliff overlooking the sea! After her triumphant performance in 1977's "I Never Promised You a Rose Garden" failed to make her a star, Kathleen Quinlan probably saw this cornball venture as an opportunity to break into the big-time. Sad to say, it's an obvious throwback to the 'woman's weepies' of the 1940s, hopelessly out-of-date and out-of-touch. Quinlan spends the first 30 minutes of the picture in an ill-fitting wig, a false nose and funny teeth; still, she isn't changed THAT much after surgery! For the movie to work even on the most basic of levels, the audience is required to completely suspend their disbelief--whilst throwing logic and credibility out the window. Perhaps nimble handling, some self-effacing humor, or even a knowingly camp undermining might have saved the film. Alas, it takes itself far too seriously--and is far too strenuous--to be any fun. The performers (Stephen Collins, Beatrice Straight, and most especially Quinlan) are reduced to dummy-level, while a mind-boggling romantic song (Oscar-nominated!) wails away on the soundtrack. "The Promise" is best described as 'icky'. *1/2 from ****

I really enjoyed the move The Promise made I believe in the year of 1979. It is a refreshing love movie that I looked at as many times as possible. Even my husband called me while we were separated to let me know The Promise is coming on. This is how much he knew I loved movie. I have been looking in most video stores asking for this movie in the early eighty's and was not able to fine it. I would like to know how I may receive a copy of this movie so I may add to my collection of movies I like to watch more than ten times. Because this is my favorite love movie and I really like the main actors. Your assistance on this would be really appreciated.The above comment was written I believe last year. Would like very much how I can obtain a copy of The Promise.Thank youKathy Bronson E-mail address: [email protected]

The book of "The Promise" was so wonderful, I just couldn't wait to see the movie. I can't imagine if I would have enjoyed the movie as much if I hadn't read the book. Remembering the book while watching the movie made me enjoy it more. I thought it was very good. I only wish the ending had been longer. The music was great and the actors played the parts very well. It was an endearing love story. While women may love the movie more than gentlemen, I have two sons in their 40's that are trying to get copies of this movie as it was one of their favorites growing up. I wish it would come out on DVD. It was one of Danielle Steele's best stories - by far.