When "Kramer vs. Kramer" was released in late 1979, critics lavishly praised the film and its leads, Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep. "The Solitary Man" was released a few months before, and in my opinion is just as good in its own way.
Out of nowhere Sharon Keyes (Carrie Snodgress) tells her husband Dave (Earl Holliman) that she wants a divorce after many years of marriage. This movie follows Dave's journey through his new single life, his relationships with his two children, his swinger friend Bud (Nicolas Coster), and his hesitant reaching out to single women. Finally he tires of his job as a loading dock supervisor, takes his dream job as a basketball coach, and meets a very nice single mom, with a promise of love.
Earl Holliman was never considered a "movie star", but he's always rock-solid and he certainly is here as a confused man whose wife leaves him. Snodgress does okay, and Nicolas Coster is great as Holliman's swinging single friend. Of particular note are two single women that Holliman meets, played by Lara Parker and Dorrie Kavanaugh. Parker's character in particular plays a divorced woman who reaches out to Holliman and is very nervous about it. Michelle Pfeiffer even pops up in a very early role.
Though overshadowed by "Kramer", this film is very well done by a great cast. It's hard to find but worth the effort.
