Silent Night, Lonely Night

"Silent Night, Lonely Night" is another drama that takes place at Christmas time. The holiday setting is what brings one of the principal characters to the story. That, and the dour doldrums some people have when they are alone at such times, are the main aspects that fit this into the genre of Christmas films. Otherwise, it's not one that most people would want to replay over the holiday season.

That's not to say this isn't a good film. Indeed, it is a very good drama about a very likely real life situation similar to what any number of people may have experienced. For that reason, it is a very good study in human emotions. It's a good drama about family tragedy, illness, fidelity and infidelity. It's a story about betrayal, loyalty, loneliness, guilt, forgiveness and temptation. Lloyd Bridges and Shirley Jones play the leads very well.

Being a heavy drama, the film's pace may put many people off. Especially younger, modern audiences who have been weened mostly on non-stop action movies. But, for those willing to sit through it, this movie will present a good picture of personal conflict in trying times of marriage. It really strikes at the meaning of the traditional marriage vow of fidelity in sickness and health, good times and bad, and for better or worse.

I was sharing an apartment with three fellow recent college graduates when this was first telecast in 1969. I don't remember a lot about it except how it made me feel. When it was over there were four guys refusing to make eye contact with one another as we cried. It was a good movie. It was about two people who briefly find each other during a difficult time in their lives. I would have loved to have seen Henry Fonda and Barbara bel Geddes in the play.

For a TV movie from over 50 years ago, it holds up remarkably well. A quiet, intelligent film, with some beautiful (and REAL) snow scenes shot in Amherst, MA, where the story is set. The most unrealistic scene was where they tear around on a snowmobile amidst numerous x-c skiers, barely missing hitting some of them. In real life, the skiers would be ANGRY at that, and for good reason! And there is no explanation given why Sparrow is suddenly an expert at guiding a horse-drawn sleigh on a long afternoon ride through the snow (and manages to bring it right into town, as well, lol). But those are minor things, overall the movie is well worth a view.

This is a very sad movie, but very realistic, well-acted, and relatable in a lot of ways. It almost forces the viewer to hope for a number of possible outcomes, and keeps you wondering right up to the very end of the movie. And then the viewer has to decide how he or she feels about the choices made. I don't normally care for dramas like this one, but it is so well done, I can't help but love it.

I've loved this TV movie from the first time I saw it. The reason I now think of it as a "guilty pleasure" is that, since it was made in 1969, it's now quite dated and I think I'd be embarrassed now if I were caught watching the characters in their dated clothes, language, etc. But underneath the surface, it is a very mature, compassionate and moving story. Very touching. The sex scenes are almost hard to watch, they're so intimate and real. I think it's a timeless story. Lloyd Bridges was a hunk!!