Dimmi che mi ami, Junie Moon

Moving film about three quirky characters (an epileptic, a paraplegic homosexual, and a facially-scarred party girl) living together in Massachusetts and the fish-market salesman who comes to love them. Otto Preminger directed, and he shows unexpected sensitivity towards just about everyone here, especially epileptic Ken Howard, a little boy in a man's body who gets great care by the filmmaker. Liza Minnelli is the film's star, and if she occasionally falls back on her trademark razzmatazz (with a little Broadway inflection), that's OK because Junie Moon is supposed to be wild and goosey, and Liza's theatrics are suitable. A sweet, slowly-paced story with humor and pathos picks up when the gang vacations at the beach and the gay man (celebrated stage director Robert Moore) falls for a stunning black beach boy (Fred Williamson, making a strong impression)--and yet ends up making love to an equally stunning black woman?? It doesn't all come together, but it does feature superb performances, melancholy folk music (which grows on you) and some extremely well-written and well-directed moments. Marjorie Kellogg penned the script from her own novel, and it is nearly verbatim (if you like one, try the other). An interesting attempt at something a little different--and it works. ***1/2 from ****

Junie Moon is an interesting friendship movie. Great unusual characters that band together and help each other. Junie becomes terribly disfigured from a mean man. She finds herself relying on other people with there own special problems. The characters will grow on you. Good acting, directing, and decent sets. It has been years since I saw it at the theater. I still have never forgot it because of the types of people and how they dealt with their personal problems. I would definitely buy it if it was available on DVD. Not appropriate for young children. Some adult situations. To bad it isn't out on video of any kind. Until it is check out "The Station Manager", another great unusual friendship movie.

Since I found out today that Pete Seeger died, I have been watching much of his work here on the internet. Earlier today, I watched a couple of his short films on Internet Archive. Now, I just watched this obscure major studio feature film from 1970 in which he appeared at the beginning and end singing the film's theme, "Old Devil Time". Those were his only appearances. The movie proper concerns the title character (Liza Minnelli) whose face is scarred and her friendship with a paraplegic (Robert Moore) and an epileptic (Ken Howard). I admit to being partially confused by much of the beginning especially when they did flashbacks and dream sequences. But, by the time they went on vacation, I was glad I stayed in viewing this. There are quite some funny and touching moments in those vacation scenes. It's too bad it's not available on DVD. I managed to watch this on YouTube. Directed by Otto Preminger and written by Marjorie Kellogg from her novel. So on that note, I recommend Tell Me That You Love Me, Junie Moon. R.I.P. Mr. Seeger

This offbeat drama uses quirkiness to offset the horrifically depressing storyline. If the audience couldn't chuckle every once in a while, they might leave the theater or turn the movie off. In Tell Me That You Love Me, Junie Moon, three misfits rent a house together and try to get a fresh start in life. While they all have outer handicaps, their insides are even more vulnerable and need nurturing the most. Liza Minnelli used to be a confident party girl, but a one-night stand went terribly wrong and the man threw battery acid on her face. Ken Howard has debilitating epileptic fits, and Robert Moore is in a wheelchair. They all meet while recovering in the hospital, and decide that, since they probably can't make it on their own, they'll keep house together. Can anything be more depressing?

Actually, yes. As the movie continues, you'll see just how much of a downer it can be. Trust me, folks. This is a very sad movie. If you just think it's another Liza Minnelli kooky character who will end up singing "Cabaret" to wild applause, think again. It was very tough to award the Best Actress trophy to someone else that year at the Hot Toasty Rag awards, as Liza couldn't have been any better in this movie. But before you start writing angry letters to the members of the board, rent Sunflower first to see why Sophia Loren won.

Kiddy Warning: Obviously, you have control over your own children. However, due to violence, I wouldn't let my kids watch it. In fact, if you want to fast forward the battery acid scene, it might be a good idea for the adults, too.

Three patients live together after leaving the hospital. Junie Moon (Liza Minnelli) is disfigured after her date burns her with acid. Arthur (Ken Howard) is epileptic. Warren (Robert Moore) is a gay paraplegic.

Arthur's dream/flashback sequence is too weird to be intercut with the real world. His epileptic fits look a bit fake. I don't know what he has. I get that director Otto Preminger is trying put the audience into Arthur's shoes but it could be done better. The movie meanders around and has some questionable scenes. The climax has real problems. Despite all that, I like the actors, the characters, and their friendships. To me, that's half the battle. It's a more enjoyable experience if the characters are enjoyable.