Suddenly, Love

"Suddenly, Love" (1978) is a TV movie that offers a blend of drama and romance. Directed by Stuart Margolin, it tells the story of Regina Malloy (played by Cindy Williams), a young woman from a suburban neighborhood, and her love affair with a wealthy law professor (portrayed by Paul Shenar). Despite their different backgrounds, they find themselves drawn to each other.

Plot Summary: Regina Malloy grows up in modest circumstances, finding solace in her radio at night. As she matures, she seeks independence and eventually falls in love with the sophisticated lawyer. Their relationship faces challenges due to their disparate social statuses, but love prevails.

Review: "Suddenly, Love" is a classic romantic tale with a touch of class consciousness. Cindy Williams delivers a fine performance, showcasing her acting range beyond her comedic roles. The film captures the tension between societal expectations and personal desires. Joan Bennett and Eileen Heckart shine as the contrasting mothers, adding depth to the narrative.

This 1978 TV movie didn't receive much attention at the time of its initial broadcast, except for a controversial scene where one of the characters mentions Catholics, Negroes, and Jews in a somewhat dismissive manner. Subsequent TV broadcasts usually cut this dialogue, but it is retained on the DVD (a fair-quality transfer at best). This is some of Cindy Williams best work, being a stand-out dramatic role in her career. Paul Shenar, another underrated actor, plays her husband. The great Joan Bennett and Eileen Heckart play bookend mothers-one rich and privileged, the other common and low class-and both play them brilliantly. Lew Ayres (Battle for the Planet of the Apes) puts in a brief appearance. And yes, that is Drew Barrymore playing a two-year-old boy. Special kudos goes to Joan Bennett. She received very few offers of good roles in her later years. This is some of her best post-Dark Shadows work. And after Suspiria, that's saying a lot.

We all know Cindy Williams from her assorted silly sitcom roles, especially Shirley Wilhelmina Feeney. Many have also seen her in offbeat film roles like "UFOria" and "American Graffiti." But this telefilm is the great lost dramatic lead of her career. The film itself is nothing special: somewhat melodramatic, with a male lead as offbeat as Cindy (the late Paul Shenar). Cindy's performance is fine as always; she remains a somewhat underappreciated actress. The whole thing feels like something out of the Fifties. But if you love Cindy, it would be a shame if you haven't seen this.

Producer Ross Hunter turns to television with this sudsy, but rich and rewarding dramatic vehicle for "Laverne & Shirley" star Cindy Williams. Williams plays put-upon Regina Malloy, whose best friend is her radio at night, growing up and finally finding independence and love with a wealthy lawyer, despite the fact the young couple are from opposite sides of town and they appear to have nothing in common. Hunter's glossy touch looked a bit out of place in cynical 1978, but it's a fine "woman's picture", with plenty of family conflict and romantic angst. Williams does yet another fine acting job--she is easily one of the most underrated actresses of the 1970s. Good show!

Well I liked this because Drew was in it and even though she had no acting lines and minus her in it the show well..sucked. Don't get me wrong it was good but the people in it. The person who made this film could have did a way better job in the casting area. Drew played Bobby Graham that's why I gave it a six. She played a boy even though she was a girl but hey it's Drew! So yes I enjoyed her parts but their should have been a way better plot as well. Plus everyone I kept in mind that this was Drew's first acting gig so it was a little sloppy but hey I liked it for the weirdest reason and watched it for Drew. So I give it a six of ten and remember vote for Drew and keep and open mind cause the show kinda sucked.