Le grand départ

Susan Hayward stars in her last appearance on film or TV in this story of a lady who is widowed and goes back to practicing medicine, after being away from it for 15 years, because she was in research with her husband. Forcing a change on herself to move forward, she goes to Chicago to fill a temporary vacancy at a 24-hour urgent care. But will she make the grade in new surroundings and after being away from it for so long? I really have no criticisms of this rather basic made-for-television movie. Any clichés of the story are practically glossed over by credible acting by its stars. Susan Hayward gives a gutsy performance, (but she was gutsy and great in all she was in) as the doctor determined to make good. And, actors Darren McGavin and Michael Constantine give solid support to Ms. Hayward as fellow doctors. Darren and Susan had good rapport together. And, veteran actor Jeanette Nolan is very moving as a somewhat bitter old lady, who says her meanness may be all she has to hold on to. The characters put in front of us become so real to the viewer, we feel we are there in Chicago. TV actress Beverly Garland is on hand as a devoted wife to a patient, who has an undiagnosed condition. I wish this were a TV series, where I could go back and see these characters and Ms. Susan Hayward, as they try to help the people who come in their doors, and in turn, are helping themselves. "Say Goodbye, Maggie Cole" was a worthy effort and a grand exit for one of Hollywood's better actresses.

Susan Hayward was a star. She was a huge star. Why she is not better remembered today is a mystery. If nothing else, this 1972 TV movie, which would prove to be Hayward's swan song, reminds us of how great a screen presence she was. In "Say Goodbye, Maggie Cole" Hayward commands the screen no matter if the material is somewhat routine. The viewer is unable to take their eyes off her. She truly is magnificent. She gets strong support from Darrin McGavin and, especially, Jeanette Nolan. This film is becoming hard to find and is rarely televised but it is definitely worth viewing. "Say Goodbye, Maggie Cole" demands a DVD release if for no other reason than as a historical testament of the final film appearance of Susan Hayward and to remind audiences of today that she was one of the great American movie stars.

I agree Susan Hayward is great in this movie. I watched it as a youngster and it stayed with me into my 40's. It is a tearjerker for sure. Hayward played Maggie Cole, a doctor in pain after losing her husband. She is convinced to offer health-care to inner city patients who might not be able to be seen by a doctor. There were many stories in the movie but one stuck out: Dr. Cole cared for a charismatic youngster with leukemia. Although she worked hard to save the young girl, her illness was terminal and unbeatable. Dr. Cole is devastated, but with the help of her friends and co-workers the doctor found strength. The audience learned, through the doctors eyes, the ability to stand up to any awful event that life tossed out. Maggie Cole believed in herself again, and saying goodbye to the pain and suffering allowed her to go on. The message was relevant and needed then, and maybe needed still.

A terrific movie. I would definitely buy a DVD.

Unlike other star's of her era, (Bette Davis, Joan Crawford) Susan Hayward's last role is quite memorable and touching even for a TV Movie of the Week. Movie starts off with Susan's character having to watch her husband die in a small plane accident. He is at the controls while having a heart attack and crashes killing him. Movie then follows Susan around as she decides what to do with her life, she is a doctor. She then decides to give something back to the community and works in an inner city clinic. Movie is quite good, Susan is great as usual. Also listen for the haunting and beautiful opening theme by non other than Dusty Springfield. A very fitting and dignified exit for a talented actress like Hayward.

Saw this movie as a teenager some 30 plus years ago, and it still impacts me today. Movie was a real tear jerker, and they just don't make them like this anymore. Hayward was fantastic in the role! Made me a huge Susan Hayward fan, and tried to see everything of hers that I could after this. But this one sticks out in my mind as one of her best, besides I Want to Live! If you are a Susan Hayward fan, then make a point to see this movie. I know it was an after school movie, one of those at 4:30 PM deals, but it was one worth seeing. Even though this was a "made for TV" deal, it could have had big success in the theaters if they had opted for that. To this day, I still don't know why they never did release it on the big screen. A real shame.