The Other Side of Midnight (1977)

[lester1/2jr]

            


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.  

[The Burgomaster]

I remember when this was in its original theatrical run.  I didn't see it, but I do remember my mother and father going to see it with their friends from across the street.  There seemed to be quite a few of these so-called "steamy romance" movies in the mid-to-late 1970s, such as THE SAILOR WHO FELL FROM GRACE WITH THE SEA and A STAR IS BORN.

[Sister Grace]

I've never watched this movie, i would like too however seeing it was one of the best books i ever read. I'll have to check it out...

[Javakoala]

I've never watched this movie, i would like too however seeing it was one of the best books i ever read. I'll have to check it out...

This and Necromantik as well...you are a lovely enigma, aren't you?

[lester1/2jr]

Sister Grace-  I think you will be "surprised to the upside" as they say on CNBC.

[Bargle5]

I remember watching this on HBO back in the day. There was one scene where John Beck is supposedly finally remembering Marie France-Pisier from the war years. I could never make up my mind whether he was doing a good job of portraying a guy doing a bad job of pretending not to remember his old girlfriend or if he was just acting badly. It being John Beck, I lean towards the latter.