Six Weeks

The first time I saw this movie I was probably 6 years old. I never forgot it. Actually, this is the very first movie I can remember seeing on television, probably because I spent the next hours crying my eyes out.I remember the couch was blue, and the little girl on the screen who was having so much fun dancing in the metro fell and didnt come up.

Seven years later, I saw it again. It was on TV, I caught a glimpse of the little girl's face and I knew it was it. It had not changed a bit and I cried my eyes out once again. Even before the ending.

Worth seeing only for Katherine Healey, the thirteen year old girl, who is the real lead of the film. Strange that we haven't seen her in other movies.

She is Niki, a thirteen year old daughter of a rich woman (Mary Tyler Moore), but sick of leukemia, who wants to do something with her life, before it's too late. By chance she meets a politician, Patrick Dalton (Dudley Moore) who is running for Congress, and persuades her mother to support him financially. As he takes fancy in Niki, she tries to bring him and her mother together, in spite of the fact that he already has her own family.

The magic in the film lies in Healey's performance, which makes us want her project to succeed, even though Patricks own family are quite sympathetic. It is quite strange, that Hollywood has left such a talent alone after this movie.

A classy movie, a little long winded like most 1982 movies, but definitely worth the time. Its a sad yet uplifting story. Katharine Healy did a great job of being a precocious child dealing with her eminent death from lukimia. She encounters an up and coming politician, Dudley Moore, who forms an instant bond, with her and her mother (Mary Tyler Moore). But did i mention he was married and has his own child? He sort of lives a double life with them. Its very frustrating and an awkward arrangement. You can definately feel the conflict. Plus the little girl only has 6 weeks to live. Lots of ballet arrangements, and musical renditions! Bring the tissues!!!!!!!!

First rate drama! Part of what I appreciated in this film was the acting of the two leads: Dudley Moore and Mary Tyler Moore both known for their comedic abilities. Their measured performances here were spot on, and I was sure the young actress who was excellent in her role would have acted more, but no. It was lovely to see MTM dance and Ms. Healy's dancing, especially in the big finale was radiant, incredible. The chemistry between all three of them was great. It made the story line believable. I liked the story and appreciated the ending, adult characters acting with maturity and respect, even when it's really hard, is nice to see. Dudley Moore was really excellent, conveying so much with a look, and a deep vulnerability was conveyed through his eyes while he communicated and acted with strength and compassion. 36 years later, and though the film is a bit dated, the story and acting are timeless.

Some critics saw this movie as tedious and contrived, and the first time I saw this movie, I agreed with them. But upon my second viewing, I noticed something: The performances are brilliant. The lead actors broke one of the rules of romantic movies (the man should always be taller than the woman), and it gave a sense of realism to the movie that was refreshing. Dudley Moore is an incredible actor, and this is a must-see for any die-hard fans. If you feel disappointed after you watch it, wait a few months and watch it again, you'll be glad that you did.