from imdb
Because of a phenomenal success of the book, 20th Century Fox was sure that this was going to be a huge hit at the box office. At the same time there were such low expectations surrounding Star Wars (1977) that most theaters refused to book the film. So the distributor at Fox came up with the idea of a package deal: telling theater chains that if they wanted this movie they had to book Star Wars first. This movie went on to become a box office dud while Star Wars went on to become one of the most successful films of all time.
I thought this was going to be a Lifetime-ish / paper back romance sort of middle aged ladies story, I rented it for some variety then regretted it when it was on it's way. Even moreso when i noticed it was nearly 2 and a half hours long. There was a little of that, but it was much moreso a very strong epic story of love, war and betrayal on two continents that brought to mind Gone with the Wind and Hitcock far more than whatever Meredith Baxter is starring in on the afformentioned womens' network this week. I haven' seen this good a STORY in ages. and the best part is the last half hour and not just because it features a young Susan Sarandon in a soaking wet see through nightie. from a novel by Sidney Sheldon. for the full effect you should get one of those old hair dryer things from a beauty salon and say "oh you cad" whenever the handsome male lead comes on the screen. No i'm kidding it's awesome
note: I think it was marketed more heavily to women and it has one of the worst trailers ever.
