The Day the Loving Stopped

This movie is a hidden treasure, from the golden age of made-for-TV fare. A banner cast, well scripted drama with touching emotion, skillful direction, topical story; this feature has all of these.

Dominique Dunne, in the best performance of her promising but tragically short career, plays a young bride-to-be, having second thoughts on the eve of her wedding. Much of the story is told in flashback: the divorce of her parents when she was a child, which she is terrified may be repeated in her own marriage. Excellent performances by Dunne, Valerie Harper and Dennis Weaver (as her parents), and Ally Sheedy as the younger sister. There is an emotionally charged father/daughter exchange between Weaver and Dunne that is wonderfully done.

A showcase of several great actors; and a legacy of a talented actress who sadly died so young.

A 1981 TV drama movie about the divorce of the couple (Dennis Weaver and Valerie Harper) and the consecuent troubles and traumas that the children are victims of (Dominique Dunne and Ally Sheedy). The phsycologic point of view of the eldest daugther and the struggle to take her parents back together. Perhaps with a dated picture but entertaning show. A modest but with several good lines movie and a touchy performance of the late Dominique Dunne (Poltergeist), murdered in 1982.

What a pleasure! Back in the early 80's and so forth till about the early 90's, made for television films were produced like theatrical films, but had morals to be seen. They were no where near as cheesy and soapy as the many thousands of television films that are made today. This film follows Judy Danner(Dominique Dunne) as she approaches her wedding day, and all the fears in between. Her parents have been divorced for awhile now, so she is afraid she will end up like them...what happens when the loving stops?

A lot of touching moments here, especially with Dunne's fine performance in the lead, helped by her co stars. Ally Sheedy pales next to Dunne's expertise. The rest of the cast is fine as well.

Marriage is a commitment, that is what this film is saying, that people should get married because they want to, not because they have to. And shucks, who wouldn't want to marry Dominique Dunne? More than anyone can say for the thousands of stupid lifetime original movies that are made today. The Lee Holderidge score is also worth mentioning, as the theme song sounds like a poem, a vast advance for films of this kind of budget.

Give it a try, if you can find it!