Foreign Affairs

For some strange reason, TV movies seem to be perceived as somehow "inferior" to the big-screen & big-bucks productions. Is it because of their comparatively limited budget and the resulting lack of "special effects"? Or is it simply a marketing issue? Be it as it may, many true lovers of film as an art do not care much about special effects, much less about the marketing involved. Those should absolutely see this delightful movie.

In a nutshell, it's a film about "senior dating", if you will, featuring two Americans in England. But their nationality is about the only thing they have in common..:) There is also a parallel love story, between a beautiful English stage and TV star and an American who is about 10-15 years her junior.

There are surprisingly few clichés, and even those are treated with intelligence. Instead, there is plenty of "class", intelligence, warm humour, wonderfully sensitive acting - not to mention the beautiful surroundings of the English countryside and the very good, unobtrusive musical score.

It's a sensitive, humorous, and ultimately poignant, film that will leave you with a warm feeling inside. "Foreign affairs" is one of those films that, for some reason, stay with you forever.

I bought a used VHS copy of this movie a few years ago without knowing what it was about but Brian Dennehy is one of my favorite movie stars and Joanne Woodward is very good too. Woodward plays the part of a reserved college professor and she and Dennehy meet on the plane going to London. Dennehy is a completely different type of person than Woodword and is trying to escape an unhappy marriage. On the plane trip she tries to avoid talking to Dennehy as she just wants to read her book. When they get to London, by accident they meet again in a store and Woodward tries to avoid meeting Dennehy. That part is very funny. No matter how much Woodward tries to get rid of Dennehy, he seems to appear where she is. The whole movie is very entertaining and if you like both those actors and a story that has everything, try to get a copy of this. I don't know why it is not on DVD because it should be when so many junky movies are on their 3rd and 4th releases and do not sell well. I would snap up a copy of this right away if I saw it on DVD and so would a lot of other people. I loved this movie. It you can find it, get it.

One of the most enjoyable stories I have seen. I'm somewhat prejudiced because of my liking for Brian (except when he played Gacey). Everyone was superbly cast and the screenplay was super. I have most of it on tape and enjoy watching it at least once a month.

I can't say enough good things about this movie. Others have outlined the basic plot, so I will simply say that the chemistry between stodgy, solitary, uptight Joanne Woodward, and boisterous, earthy, extroverted Brian Dennehey is absolutely unforgettable, and both of these great actors play their roles to the hilt... really wonderful performances. The script is very intelligent, and the subplot between a young English professor and a somewhat older English actress is also quite dramatic and and an interesting counterpoint to the Dennehey/Woodword romance. Like others who have posted on this board, I too frequently watch this film. I never tire of it and have seen it probably 15 times or so (haven't seen it in many months now, so I feel I'm ready for another "fix"). The movie creates such a strong story and strong atmosphere, that it's like you are re-visiting friends and going on a vacation yourself to a very beautiful and peaceful place (England) while watching this wonderful film. I was lucky to have recorded the film when I first saw it. They don't show it on TV any more (alas !!) so if the video is available, I STRONGLY recommend buying it. ENJOY !!

I recorded this film in video, so I haven't watched it for a long time (hence the good but conservative rating) and would love to obtain a DVD copy. My memory is of a delightful, mature, superbly acted film that I found quite enchanting. I am a fan of Brian Dennehy and respect Joanne Woodward as a classical actress of the first order, worthy of the sort of status that Helen Mirren is being accorded nowadays, even though I don't always like her films. The supporting cast were also excellent, as was the scenery.