The Care and Handling of Roses

Never have I seen so much hokey over-acting crammed into one small movie. Corny melodrama that had me laughing until I cried. I guess the viewer was supposed to feel the underlying sexual tension between Lee Horsley and Ann Jillian, rooting for their love to prevail, but they were both so utterly unappealing and unattractive I didn't care what happened to them. Every over used soap-opera gag is used to the hilt in this thing: Tearfully running in the rain, forbidden phone calls, desperate, longing gazes, loads of cheesy dialog--yuck. I will say, however, I did enjoy this movie--AS A COMEDY!

This movie is a story about a man and a woman whose lives cross and become friends as they progress into a closer relationship. Not quite full blown as "The Bridges of Madison County", But Definitely a great love story.

Good Story. Excellent performances by actors. I always wondered why Lee Horsley never made the transition to major feature films. I can't believe he was never asked. His carefree,cTexas style of acting must have attracted a female following. He is surely leading man material. I would appreciate to hear from others who may have more knowledge of Lee's career.

Mel Coleman Waterford, CT

Margaret is the generic American housewife. Caretaker of children, plants and dishes, she has the monotonous rhythm of a woman who has hit an emotional and sexual cul-de-sac. This dead end comes in the form of the mediagenic American husband, Roger, who loves her and fathered her children, but has all the romanticism of frozen yogurt. Marge is a loyal wife, however, so she dares not wander outside the enclosures of marriage, and keeps to herself for the most part, with the exception of her good friend, with whom she visits the theatre every week. Suffice it to say, she is acquainted with a kindly gentleman, Tom Doster, who propositions her for coffee. From that point onwards, Margaret finds it hard to turn him away and the attraction strengthens with every encounter between the duo. Her sideline love interest conflicts with her domestic responsibilities and persona, therefore it is just a short matter of time before everything fizzles between she and Tom. But, there is also a flicker of hope for them aswell. It is an innocent, yet well acted TV drama, and I recommend it to those who have thought of experimenting with other people while in a relationship.

6.5/10

Of all the crummy movies I've seen, this poor man's version of 'Brief Encounter' would have to be one of the worst. It's even worse than the Richard Burton/Sophia Loren version of 'Brief Encounter' and that was an abomination. Although 'Roses' was pretty to look at, it had no substance whatsover and the main characters - Ann Jillian and Lee Horsley - were an unconvincing pair of dills.