A Sensitive, Passionate Man

I remember seeing the original broadcast of this made for TV movie at the age of about 25 in the late seventies and finding it well above average in every way one with an appetite for much beyond mindless nonsense might wish for in passing prime time, and since then have enjoyed reruns of A Sensitive Passionate Man at least once or twice and probably will again if the opportunity arises conveniently. My only problem with this story is its title, because most guys would probably feel uncomfortable reciting those words to describe a good show they experienced about a hardcore alcoholic and his otherwise reasonably successful family life. So my main suggestion would be to warn anyone against neglecting this fine film on that basis alone because you definitely will be missing something very special. David Janssen and Angie Dickenson both give very moving, unschmaltzy performances complemented by a capable cast of believable supporting players including the children victimized by this suburban American tragedy.

Regret can't really watch films about alcoholism, Angie Dickinson's presence notwithstanding. And poor David Janssen, long one of my favourite TV actors, looked old and tired by this time.

As a late comer fan of David Janssen's, I been looking for some time for this film and finally found it-- "A Sensitive, Passionate Man"-- for sale on the Internet.

I almost wish I hadn't. The acting by Janssen is almost too believable and I was quite unsettled by the whole story. My late husband was an alcoholic and some of the scenes were just so true to life that it brought up memories that were painfully familiar.

For its time, it was a very good portrayal of a subject that wasn't dealt with openly in society. Folks didn't really understanding that alcoholism is a disease, not a character flaw. Unfortunately, as in the film, sometimes the patient is lost. I watched my husband die of problems related to drinking and the final scene was almost more than I could personally take.

For Janssen fans, it is also notable that he helped write the title song for the film!

A searing portrait of alcoholism. I haven't ever seen a movie quite like this. An unsparing, brutal look at middle-class alcoholism and it's effects on life, job, loved ones, health, etc.

David Janssen plays an Aerospace Engineer who loses his job. He, obviously, gains his self-worth from his job, and now, he is pretty much adrift. He treats his pain with old reliable, alcohol. This time, however, he has no career to prop him up. His slow sink into alcohol devastation is played out slowly and painfully. The effect on his wife (Angie Dickinson) and his kids is heartbreaking, and very difficult to watch.

This is a movie with no happy endings, but is a fascinating and honest (for its day) look at the ugly, underside of alcoholism.

Remarkable performances by Janssen and Dickinson. An overlooked gem.

Found myself looking around in a discount store and found a DVD of this film and being a big fan of Angie Dickiinson and David Janssen, I just had to view this film. Angie plays the role as Margie Delaney,"Dressed to Kill",'80, who is a wife to David Janssen,(Michael Delaney)"The Green Berets",'68 is in the Space Program and a perfectionist in his field and very highly paid; besides the fact that he has a Phd after his name. Michael does not want his wife to work and has two young boys who simply adore their father and mother. This family is the envy of all their neighbors and they give plenty of parties all of the time. As the film progresses, I noticed a great deal of drinking going on and sometimes in the Orange Juice in the AM. Michael starts drinking heavily and on one can figure out the reason for his change in character. This should give you some clue as to what the film is somewhat about, but there is a great deal more. I really think Michael needed to get into a good Rehabilitation program.