Young people just discovering "Three's Company" from Nickelodeon would probably love to see the TV-movies the cast made during their summer hiatus (Suzanne Somers played a nightclub singer in "Happily Ever After", Joyce DeWitt played a prospective bride in "With This Ring" and John Ritter takes a dramatic leap here as a paraplegic). Casting Ritter as a wheelchair-bound horse-lover who finds love post-accident with none other than Carrie Fisher was a wild idea--even in 1978--but it pays off. It's a very sincere, heartfelt drama that surprises us not with its message but with the frank dialogue courtesy writer Paul Harrison and nice chemistry between the leads.
10 Reviews
Holds-up A good made for TV movie
Soupful18 February 2010
Warning: Spoilers
I remembered this made for TV movie aired only twice between late 70s early 80s when I was a kid.
My family watched this well made story on television and encouraged me to watch as I was a big "Star Wars" fan to see Princess Leia/Carrie Fisher.
At the time I watched I remained unconvinced because Carrie Fisher bared little resemblance on screen to Princess Leia, fortunately I got smarter within a year or so later and realized the world of make believe, dress-up and pretend the world of acting, sets, costumes ...
I had actually first seen "Star Wars" on a huge drive-in screen with my sister and Dad in his van. So I initially believed the film was an actual documentary news story about real people in outer space fighting a real war.
But I digress, "Leave Yesterday Behind" is actually still after 30+ yrs later a very good movie indeed.
The story concerns that of a young man in his prime of health, fitness and lust for life whom befalls from a horse-riding polo match to win a trophy only to sustain a back-injury and become paralyzed from waist-down.
As John Ritter's lead character then has to grapple with despair and limitations to life in a wheelchair and loss of independence.
He meets by accident Marnie(Carrie Fisher) whom befriends him after an initial confrontation whom Ritter causes unwittingly by causing her to almost have a similar accident.
Both characters become friends and develop a budding romance as each most overcome obstacles in the pursuit of real love and redefine what is or isn't a handicap between a man and woman.
Nicely photographed, written, directed and produced with wonderful musical score.
Excellent performances by leads John Ritter and Carrie Fisher (her most attractive) in films I have seen in jeans and plaid shirts.
Ably supported by veterans Buddy Ebsen, Ed Nelson, guest-star appearance by Robert Urich as Marnie Clarkson's fiancée and wonderful Lady whom portrays Hispanic family/housekeeper to John Ritter raise this movie to above average fair as it deals with issues albeit all too briefly in a befitting manner about, tragedy, loss, love and triumph of the human spirit.
Having only viewed this again the other day since 1980 on you tube was surprised how well it still holds-up in 2010 compared to most made-for-tele movies.
A good drama, recommended!
My family watched this well made story on television and encouraged me to watch as I was a big "Star Wars" fan to see Princess Leia/Carrie Fisher.
At the time I watched I remained unconvinced because Carrie Fisher bared little resemblance on screen to Princess Leia, fortunately I got smarter within a year or so later and realized the world of make believe, dress-up and pretend the world of acting, sets, costumes ...
I had actually first seen "Star Wars" on a huge drive-in screen with my sister and Dad in his van. So I initially believed the film was an actual documentary news story about real people in outer space fighting a real war.
But I digress, "Leave Yesterday Behind" is actually still after 30+ yrs later a very good movie indeed.
The story concerns that of a young man in his prime of health, fitness and lust for life whom befalls from a horse-riding polo match to win a trophy only to sustain a back-injury and become paralyzed from waist-down.
As John Ritter's lead character then has to grapple with despair and limitations to life in a wheelchair and loss of independence.
He meets by accident Marnie(Carrie Fisher) whom befriends him after an initial confrontation whom Ritter causes unwittingly by causing her to almost have a similar accident.
Both characters become friends and develop a budding romance as each most overcome obstacles in the pursuit of real love and redefine what is or isn't a handicap between a man and woman.
Nicely photographed, written, directed and produced with wonderful musical score.
Excellent performances by leads John Ritter and Carrie Fisher (her most attractive) in films I have seen in jeans and plaid shirts.
Ably supported by veterans Buddy Ebsen, Ed Nelson, guest-star appearance by Robert Urich as Marnie Clarkson's fiancée and wonderful Lady whom portrays Hispanic family/housekeeper to John Ritter raise this movie to above average fair as it deals with issues albeit all too briefly in a befitting manner about, tragedy, loss, love and triumph of the human spirit.
Having only viewed this again the other day since 1980 on you tube was surprised how well it still holds-up in 2010 compared to most made-for-tele movies.
A good drama, recommended!
80's icons
SnoopyStyle6 April 2021
21 year old college student Paul Stallings (John Ritter) is paralyzed after a polo accident. He's bitter and angry. His girlfriend leaves him. He's recovering with his grandfather Doc (Buddy Ebsen). Marnie Clarkson (Carrie Fisher) lives in a neighboring ranch. David Lyle (Robert Urich) is her boyfriend.
This ABC TV movie is great for the combo of the 80's icons. Ritter and Fisher are stars at this point. They glow on screen. They are heads and shoulders above the rest. They are doing some heavy acting. They have a few pros beside them and the rest seem like extras off the streets. It's a melodrama love triangle with a movie of the week message. It is still fun to see Ritter and Fisher doing something so melodramatic.
This ABC TV movie is great for the combo of the 80's icons. Ritter and Fisher are stars at this point. They glow on screen. They are heads and shoulders above the rest. They are doing some heavy acting. They have a few pros beside them and the rest seem like extras off the streets. It's a melodrama love triangle with a movie of the week message. It is still fun to see Ritter and Fisher doing something so melodramatic.
Well casted, excellently written, enjoyable when released and superb classic
bwgreer5310 May 2014
I have been living in the ranch house for over 23 years that this movie was made in.
A lot of things have changed; No hedge in the yard,pepper tree is huge, added a room,
The stables have been removed, but the original barn is still there.
I've seen the movie and looking for copies.
I have always enjoyed John Ritters work, drama as well as comedy.
The story is based on frustration and overcoming mans limitations. Well directed and well acted.
Carrie Fischer fit her part perfectly. And Buddy Epson is always a favorite in anything he has done.
A lot of things have changed; No hedge in the yard,pepper tree is huge, added a room,
The stables have been removed, but the original barn is still there.
I've seen the movie and looking for copies.
I have always enjoyed John Ritters work, drama as well as comedy.
The story is based on frustration and overcoming mans limitations. Well directed and well acted.
Carrie Fischer fit her part perfectly. And Buddy Epson is always a favorite in anything he has done.
A Must-See for Any Carrie Fisher Fan
Hawk_230075 April 2002
This television film, which I first saw way back in 1978, was what really hooked me as a Carrie Fisher fan. It was also the first film of hers I had seen after "Star Wars" and it was a pleasant change of pace from that film. The chemistry between Carrie Fisher and John Ritter, best known for his comedic role on "Three's Company," elevate this film beyond the standard "movie of the week." There's humor in the film, as well as romance, and it offers viewers a chance to see both leads in roles they weren't famous for.
40 Years Later the film still works
Sober-Friend24 February 2018
This is a television film that is in the vein of "Ice Castles" and "The Other SIde of the Mountain". Funny thing is although this was a television film, it has the most impressive cast of them all.
In this movie a Jocey player ends up paralyzed. His girlfriend then dumps him. Feeling depressed he ends up at his Grandfather's Farm. To give more away would be wrong.
The film stars John Ritter. Carrie Fisher. Buddy Ebsen. Robert Urich. Ed Nelson
Hard to believe that they are all gone now. If you see it pop up on television watch it!
In this movie a Jocey player ends up paralyzed. His girlfriend then dumps him. Feeling depressed he ends up at his Grandfather's Farm. To give more away would be wrong.
The film stars John Ritter. Carrie Fisher. Buddy Ebsen. Robert Urich. Ed Nelson
Hard to believe that they are all gone now. If you see it pop up on television watch it!
mediocre all around
diz-syd-6311 August 2020
Not sure why this got such high ratings. It's not terrible but also not fsntastic. John Ritter's acting is uninspired bordering formulaic. Grandpa just reminds of Hillbilly too much. Consuela (sp) the maid is excrutiating, as bad as Alice in Brady Bunch. The dialogue is neither good nor bad
Buddy Ebsen, Carrie Fisher(has a scene in a Red Bikini!) and John Ritter
RogerMooreTheBestBond15 February 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This is a really good made for TV film in 1978. I believe I saw it back when originally aired. I know I always had a crush on Carrie Fisher and watched everything she was in during her years in the Star Wars films. John Ritter plays a guy who is crippled after a riding accident. He struggles to regain his confidence and his ability to have a relationship and have sex with that person. Carrie Fisher plays the girl he falls in love with and she falls in love with him. Buddy Ebsen is great as a supporting player playing his doctor. Buddy and Carrie both play well with John Ritter and really help his character have the stength to believe in himself. There is an outstanding scene about halfway thru where John Ritter has to drive a van back to get help for Buddy who has been pinned in water under a log. He has no feeling in his legs, so he uses a stick or a cane to hit the peddles to drive. A personal favorite scene of mine is where John and Carrie go swimming. It's a touching scene with some humor and we all get to see Carrie Fisher in a red bikini! What a body.
John Ritter is the GREATEST!!!
joekerll113 September 2003
I also feel there should be a cable channel that carries all of the made-for-TV movies. I think they are better than what is made for the movie theaters. I love watching John Ritter and his death is a great loss. I have taped a number of his TV movies and watch them over and over. He is a real star as far as I am concerned.
Great Emotional TV Movie
thehappychuckler15 January 2020
John Ritter puts in a great performance as Paul Stallings who is a polo player. During one game he is thrown from his horse and after the game found to be injured. He must deal with the life-changing realization that he is in fact paralyzed from the waist down. He decides he should visit his grandfather's (Buddy Ebson) farm. There he meets Marnie Clarkson (Carrie Fisher) who they start a friendship that soon blossoms into something more.
It is the performances that makes this late-70s TV movie great. Not only is Ritter great, but so is Carrie Fisher (who was just off her most famous role as Princess Leia in STAR WARS the year earlier). She really shows she had an ability to act in serious material, much like Ritter does here, too. The chemistry between the two is very good as well and believable. Buddy Ebsen is great as Ritter's doctor grandfather. Very nice to see him in a serious role after all I think I have ever seen him in was old BEVERLY HILLBILLIES reruns. Robert Urich also plays Fisher's boyfriend with plans of marriage.
Really to me a great movie, sadly has been forgotten with three leading actors that left us too soon. Might even get the tears coming in certain spots.
It is the performances that makes this late-70s TV movie great. Not only is Ritter great, but so is Carrie Fisher (who was just off her most famous role as Princess Leia in STAR WARS the year earlier). She really shows she had an ability to act in serious material, much like Ritter does here, too. The chemistry between the two is very good as well and believable. Buddy Ebsen is great as Ritter's doctor grandfather. Very nice to see him in a serious role after all I think I have ever seen him in was old BEVERLY HILLBILLIES reruns. Robert Urich also plays Fisher's boyfriend with plans of marriage.
Really to me a great movie, sadly has been forgotten with three leading actors that left us too soon. Might even get the tears coming in certain spots.
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