The Promise

I remember watching the Promise when we first got cable and it was on a movie channel in about 1982 I was 22 at the time and had a year old daughter, I just loved the film and thought it was a great story. A few years back I bought the tape, I forget if I found it at a store or on the internet but anyway I watched it again and after so many years I still enjoyed it, my daughter who was so young when I first watched the movie is now a young woman herself and she watched the film and said she really liked it, so it might be a bit sappy and outdated but the story is still great and even relatable, the man's Mother anyway, I think it's a film that has stood the test of time and it will always be one of my favorites.

I first saw this movie on TV about 15 years ago. It has haunted me ever since, in part because of the story itself, and in part because the editors bungled their job and nearly destroyed what could have been a truly great film. What they gave us instead is a good film with a great story line. It is that story, along with the acting ability of Kathleen Quinlan and Steven Collins, that saves the film. If you have not read Danielle Steele's adaptation of the original screen play, do so. It will fill in some of the answers to the questions left open by the insensitivity of the film's editors.

This is a love story, and a good one, about two individuals whose love for each other is pure and true and ultimately stands the test of both time and tragedy. If that makes it syrup, then so be it. I like it. I wish I could get a DVD edition of this movie.

A movie does not have to be full of vulgar language and gratuitous sex to be good; it doesn't have to be filled with blood and guts and action sequences; and thank God this one has none of the above. Without resorting to the seamer side of life, this story will engage your emotions and embed itself in your mind and your soul, leaving an impression that can last a lifetime. This alone is enough to make it a movie worth two hours of your time.

If you have not seen this movie, try to find a copy of it. After viewing it, I think you will agree that this movie has been underrated by the IMDB rating system.

This is my most favorite movie; a true love story! Kathleen Quinlan is a fantastic actress; this is undoubtedly her greatest performance. Everything Kathleen Quinlan does is excellent acting. I first saw this movie on television and started looking as to how I could obtain a copy. I was told that the movie was not yet out on tape. Kathleen is a beautiful woman as shown in this movie. I purchase all of Ms. Quinlan's films. She is extraordinary! When Kathleen is in a movie, you just know it will be good and appealing! My hat is off to a wonderful actress! The Promise won an Oscar for music, I believe. It just tugged at the heartstrings!

Very good chick flick even with the bad nose and teeth for Kathleen Quinlan. I saw this movie at Radio City Music Hall when it opened there in March of 1979 (I believe it was St. Patrick's Day). Somewhat predictable all the way thru but the actors do a great job in making you care that it turns out right in the end.

The Promise is a production that deserved better than the shabby treatment that shows up on screen. Although the screenplay is cobbled together by a talentless hack and directed with indifference by Gilbert Cates, the performances are winning from Stephen Collins and Kathleen Quinlan. Their onscreen chemistry is obvious. The story IS compelling, but the screenplay shoots itself right from the start by not letting the audience get to know the two lovers before tragedy appears. For those interested in reading a more complete and personal version of the story, try to find a copy of the novelization by Danielle Steele. One of her first works, the book fills in all the gaps in the story and in only a few paragraphs, gives a much more satisfying ending.

Well, I have finally been able to screen this movie in widescreen and on blu ray. While its still a flawed production, it finally looks like a real movie, low budget, yes, but not some tv knockoff. Looking back, my feelings are still the same. The ending needs something more. Danielle Steele saw this as well and expanded the finale a bit, adding emotional fireworks and a more pleasing conclusion in her adaption. Cheesy? Yes, but still an enjoyable experience for the romantic in us all.