None But The Lonely Heart [Remaster]

Tedious and longish. But good ending

closed captions here! Deplorable!! Also, this is quite dreary!! I had a hard time getting through this. Would not watch it again!! RP

The subject matter in this film is difficult to deal with & unless all aspects of the film (writing, directing, acting, photography, editing) meld into a whole it will fall flat. In this case, it was exceptionally well done. The only question I had was about the ending, which seemed sort of questionable. But maybe it just meant not so much an ending but step in the right direction. It's not even certain, but it seems he stops at the house of the other young woman in his life (I was rooting for her anyway). I was a "lone wolf" type the first 34 years of my life (I'm 77 now), so could relate to Ernie Mott (the character Cary Grant played). Cary was well-suited for the role & did a good job at it, deserving the Oscar nomination. I can see why others gave the film 5 stars, but I could not give it more than 4 because the writing - which of course was very good - was not good enough I felt for 5 stars. Nevertheless, the film surely deserves the inclusion I gave it in my collection - not only as a quality film but because it was an oddity for Cary Grant at which he did a bang-up job of acting.

This movie is not about a "sickly" English woman who runs a store, and her wayward son. Set in the working class section of pre-world war II London, and written and directed by famous playwright Clifford Odets, it is an homage to the strength of love and the power of the human spirit, even in the face of poverty, ignorance and the lure of crime as the only means to pay the rent. Cary Grant, for those who love him as the romantic leading man in light comedies, plays one of his few serious roles and is brilliant as Ernie Mott; a man who does not want to run with the "hounds" or the "hares" but prefers to try to extricate himself from being either a victim or predator. Ethel Barrymore, as his ailing and cynical mother, is heartwrenching as she faces the reality that she is going to die and that her pawnshop may have to sell stolen goods if she is to have anything left to give her son. Jane Wyman stars as the girl across the street who loves Ernie, and understands his spriit, but is incapable of leaving her "safe" life. Barry Fitzgerald is compelling as the local rag salesman who understands Ernie, but knows also, unlike Ernie, that the poor and deprived have few choices. Anyone who loves classic film should not miss this one, if for no other reason then to hear the poetic dialogue that, at Mr. Odets' behest, trips off the tongues of his beautifully described characters.

Cary Grant's "Oscar" nominated performance as an Irishman of dubious character who finds his direction through the death of his mother, a failedromance, an awakening to the realities of life and responsibility. Ethel Barrymore won the Best Supporting Actress Academy Award for her near-perfect portrayal of Grant's worn-and-torn mother. Fine supporting performances also from Barry Fitzgerald and Jane Wyatt. Ms. Wyatt incidentally, finally "snares" her true-love Grant at the end of the film. Directed with mood and sensitivity by writer Clifford Odetes. A very goodfilm that is a departure for Cary Grant but most effectively interpreted by the actor. Moody and realistic throughout. The darker side of life in apoor society at a hard time in it's history. Jane Wyatt is especially lovely and very convincing as the woman that loces Grant above all else and always will. And again, she gets him in the end of the film!

I’ve seen every Cary Grant movie, except this. Ordered and watched immediately. It was such a sweet movie

I had never seen this movie before this early morning. I was astounded at the amazing performance given by Cary Grant, though not surprised at his ability. Ethel Barrymore was always good, and especially with a great script to work from by Clifford Odets and Richard Llewellyn. With Odets directing, he really got a great piece of work from all who were in it. I know the great comedian that was Cary Grant. I know him of the high suspense, of Hitchcock films and others of that ilk. But I was so moved by this entire movie. What a great role for Grant to be able to play. Really used his real English accent. Showed more real depth of character, with struggle, and breaking heart of a girlfriend, but even more of the care he had for his mother. As well as her's for him. I wish this could be found on a DVD. I think it is Cary Grant's greatest picture.

This is a very nice edition of the film on VHS, and I recommend it highly in the absence of an affordable DVD edition. But with so much video manure out there on DVD, how can the industry overlook this classic film? Grant is at his best in this role of the determined but self-loathing ne'er-do-well. Audiences of the day did not like to see their beloved Cary in such roles, but here he actually gets to show what a fine acting talent he really was. Yes, his looks and style were the envy of every man and the object of every woman, but here, without denying any of that, he unabashedly shows you the dark worthlessness that can often lie beneath a gorgeous exterior.

vfm

Great movie