Mercredi après-midi

What to say about this gem that has not been said before?

That it was written by Alan Parker, before he was recognized as a world famous screenwriter/director? And that even then, it is a movie that has unjustly remained without being re-released.

No, that's just theory. It is the feelings evoked that matter.

I watched this movie once, as it played in an Argentinian TV channel at a time when there were only 4 TV channels. I probably watched it because of a recommendation from my father, who during my forming years, had gained my respect for introducing me to Spielberg in films such as Close Encounters and Raider of the Lost Ark. My guess is that I was probably about the same age of the main characters when I sat in front of the set.

I remember also the following day at school, as all the boys and girls that had watched it would whisper about it. Girls would probably whisper if it could happen to them, too... if those stupid boys would wise up one day. We boys... we were not willing to admit we had seen and liked a "love" story -- a chick film. As such, we had to make fun of it. But deep down, all of us could tell... we could tell when we looked at each others' eyes that we were lying. That this movie had told perhaps our own story of first love and touched us in a way perhaps no one else had before, in a way we would not forget, we could not forget.

I am 33 now, I grew to work in the TV and film industry both in Argentina and abroad and have watched literally thousands of films since. It is a testament to this film that after watching it only once, I not only remember the film fondly, but that some scenes are still etched in my mind: The Frere Jacques scene as the two main characters talk about how they feel.... a scene that has no dialog, and it is just played with music and visual narration. The farcical view on authority and that funny ending, which could be called a teenage The Graduate.

I have since been looking in vain for a copy of this movie or for the chance to watch it again and again and again.

--- Update: I found it. In Argentina, this movie is now finally being redistributed, by a small private company. Alas, albeit it is on DVD, the copy is not a very good one, with muted colors and a somewhat jittery transfer.

I saw this film a month ago and I feel very sorry for all the people who will never be able to see it, because it does not exist in video editions.

The plot is original, and the performance of all the kids is completely surprising. It has several comedy touches, but it is mainly a romantic story. I recommend it to those who have the possibility of seeing it in a cinema, as I had.

It's inexplicable to me how this film bombed when it came out. It's one of the most charming, realistic stories of adolescent first love ever put on film. Mark Lester and Jack Wild, teamed here for the first time since "Oliver!," three years earlier, make a good team all over again as the two best school friends who temporarily have a bust when Lester develops a crush on Hyde, as charming, winsome a young miss as you will ever see. And it's all told with charm and believability. I saw this film on TV almost two decades ago and wonder why it isn't available on video. It should be, since it's sure to charm the kids and parents alike. Charm without smarm is even more of a rarity today than it was in 1971. But "Melody" pulls it off brilliantly and understatedly. A true hidden treasure.

What can I say? I love this film! I saw it when I was 8 and living in Argentina. I was later disappointed to find that it was hard to find in the US, but thanks to the wonders of the Internet I was able to find it and own it and noticed it has quite a following. It may not be for everyone, especially if you like action packed, fast paced films.

However, if you like a simple love story, good 'Bee Gees' and 'Crosby, Stills & Nash and Young' music, and a happy feeling, watch this

Whenever I think about this movie, warm sensation of innocence and adolescent purity overwhelms me. I, like so many others, saw this movie when I was in my formative years (I was 13). What was remarkable was that I did not fully understand the dialogue in the movie since it was before I became conversant with English. Nonetheless, I do remember the music of BeeGees warmly decorating that feeling of love as it was felt for the first time in one's life. I remember the wonderful feeling of love, having absolutely no idea why it hurt and elated me to uncontrollable degree.

After the movie, I turned off the TV set and sat in the dark for a long time. Something must have happened inside me. I began seeing the world in a new light, as growing boys frequently would when they reach certain age. But for me, the transformation happened so suddenly and with such definitive starting point. To this day, I remember the night of the movie as the first day of my puberty.

I looked for another chance to revisit the night, but I couldn't find any copy for sale... (sigh~)

I loved the movie... I loved the way I was before innocence and longing spirit of a youth ebbed away. Seeing the movie again probably would not bring those back to me. But I sure want to try...