This Chrysler Theatre segment is a Woman's Picture par excellence -well-written Old School romantic drama with terrific performances. If the Hallmark Channel wasn't committed to cranking out thousands of assembly-line "heart-warming" new shows, this should be shown there as often as other cable outlets crank up "Shawshank Redemption" or "A Few Good Men".
Patrick O'Neal has the toughest role as heroine Polly Bergen's rather cold husband, dedicated to his patrician family's tradition of building yachts and racing for the America's Cup. His finances are running out and the only way he can his yacht in shape is to go hat in hand seeking $100,000 in financing from his old collegen nemesis Lee Marvin, who is now a successful businessman (from the other side of the tracks) and the old flame of Pat's wife Polly.
Richard Fielder carefully stacks the deck against Patrick for audience sympathy -we're all in for Polly from the git go, as Patrick neglects her, thinks only about his yacht, his business and winning the Cup. The whole show takes her point-of-view, while Marvin, not yet the superstar we all remember, steals all his scenes as a first-class cad, out to make both Pat and Polly's life a living hill via manipulation and humiliation, in a vivid demonstration of how the class system can hurt and shape people.
Besides the drama, Fielder also features a memorable, playful scene where Lee and Polly revert to childhood games they used to play in her garden. Final reel has surprising twists making for a satisfying, bittersweet ending.
It's a must-see for Polly Bergen and Lee Marvin fans.
Patrick O'Neal has the toughest role as heroine Polly Bergen's rather cold husband, dedicated to his patrician family's tradition of building yachts and racing for the America's Cup. His finances are running out and the only way he can his yacht in shape is to go hat in hand seeking $100,000 in financing from his old collegen nemesis Lee Marvin, who is now a successful businessman (from the other side of the tracks) and the old flame of Pat's wife Polly.
Richard Fielder carefully stacks the deck against Patrick for audience sympathy -we're all in for Polly from the git go, as Patrick neglects her, thinks only about his yacht, his business and winning the Cup. The whole show takes her point-of-view, while Marvin, not yet the superstar we all remember, steals all his scenes as a first-class cad, out to make both Pat and Polly's life a living hill via manipulation and humiliation, in a vivid demonstration of how the class system can hurt and shape people.
Besides the drama, Fielder also features a memorable, playful scene where Lee and Polly revert to childhood games they used to play in her garden. Final reel has surprising twists making for a satisfying, bittersweet ending.
It's a must-see for Polly Bergen and Lee Marvin fans.
