MILTON KATSELAS

Bil’s rating (out of 5):  BBBB.5

USA, 1972.  Frankovich Productions.  Screenplay by Leonard Gershe, based on his play.  Cinematography by Charles Lang.  Produced by M.J. Frankovich.  Music by Bob Alcivar.  Production Design by Robert Clatworthy.  Costume Design by Moss Mabry.  Film Editing by David E. Blewitt.  

Goldie Hawn is funny, tragic, serious and as endearing as she could possibly be as Jill, the wacky new girl in town who finds herself surprised when her neighbour Don (Edward Albert, son of Eddie) reveals to her that he’s completely blind.

They have lunch, go shopping, get to know each other, and start to fall in love before his overprotective mother (Eileen Heckart) comes into the picture. Don’t mistake Heckart or her awards in the role of the domineering matriarch as just another stock mother role: the character is annoying, callous, loving and wise and the relationship that develops between the three characters is very moving. All this presented with great dialogue provided by Leonard Gershe (based on his own stage play).

Academy Award:  Best Supporting Actress (Eileen Heckart)
Nominations: Best Cinematography; Best Sound

Golden Globe Award Nominations:  Best Picture-Musical/Comedy; Best Actor-Musical/Comedy (Edward Albert); Best Actress-Musical/Comedy (Goldie Hawn); Best Original Song (“Carry Me”)