Six Weeks

I absolutely LOVE this movie. Is it a tear-jerker that will pull on your heartstrings? Yes. Is it a little manipulative with your emotions at times? Sure, but in this world of Lifetime movies that have totally screwed up the perception of how powerful an old-fashioned emotional love story can be, it is very easy to overlook this very well made little gem of a film.

The performances of the three leads are stellar and that vaults the story passed what could be complete dreck in lesser hands. Dudley Moore and Mary Tyler Moore give two of the best performances of their careers and it's sad that not too many people know about or remember this one. The young girl who played Mary Tyler Moore's daughter, Katherine Healy, only made this one film and was never heard from again. Too bad, since she showed quite a bit of promise. It would have been nice to see what she would have done after this. She was very mature for her age and I would love to know whatever happened to her.

I truly believe that if the powers that be see fit to one day release this on DVD, more people would give this film a chance. I hope that happens so that more people can experience what I have loved for many, many years. Plus I only have it on a very well-worn VHS tape and fear losing it forever if it were to ever break.

Worth seeing only for Katherine Healey, the thirteen year old girl, who is the real lead of the film. Strange that we haven't seen her in other movies.

She is Niki, a thirteen year old daughter of a rich woman (Mary Tyler Moore), but sick of leukemia, who wants to do something with her life, before it's too late. By chance she meets a politician, Patrick Dalton (Dudley Moore) who is running for Congress, and persuades her mother to support him financially. As he takes fancy in Niki, she tries to bring him and her mother together, in spite of the fact that he already has her own family.

The magic in the film lies in Healey's performance, which makes us want her project to succeed, even though Patricks own family are quite sympathetic. It is quite strange, that Hollywood has left such a talent alone after this movie.

The first time I saw this movie I was probably 6 years old. I never forgot it. Actually, this is the very first movie I can remember seeing on television, probably because I spent the next hours crying my eyes out.I remember the couch was blue, and the little girl on the screen who was having so much fun dancing in the metro fell and didnt come up.

Seven years later, I saw it again. It was on TV, I caught a glimpse of the little girl's face and I knew it was it. It had not changed a bit and I cried my eyes out once again. Even before the ending.

First rate drama! Part of what I appreciated in this film was the acting of the two leads: Dudley Moore and Mary Tyler Moore both known for their comedic abilities. Their measured performances here were spot on, and I was sure the young actress who was excellent in her role would have acted more, but no. It was lovely to see MTM dance and Ms. Healy's dancing, especially in the big finale was radiant, incredible. The chemistry between all three of them was great. It made the story line believable. I liked the story and appreciated the ending, adult characters acting with maturity and respect, even when it's really hard, is nice to see. Dudley Moore was really excellent, conveying so much with a look, and a deep vulnerability was conveyed through his eyes while he communicated and acted with strength and compassion. 36 years later, and though the film is a bit dated, the story and acting are timeless.

I also find that people that make stupid comments like "it's a chick flick" are really insulting to women, to the movie and all the work that went into making this film. I can appreciate Canonball Run but wouldn't call it a "red neck afternoon beer chugging" flick!

I have found, over the years, that people who use terms like this when trying to make a useful commentary presentation, do it out of their own insecurity of their feelings that by having these feelings..make them "un-manley". What these ignoramuses don't get..is that most of the educated civilized people in this world...reject that kind of thinking and tend to be "over" that era in their lives. (usually after they turn 16) Some people never grow up.

I would tend to agree with a lot of the "educated" commenter's. You do have it see this film a few times to appreciate the nuances! Also, the acting is superb! The girl is an amazing actor and dancer! The relationships are complex due to the subject matter of the child's viewpoint and circumstances!

If you can remember what it was like being a child and if you were in a single parent home..the desire to be in a "full family" is a great wish in your heart! The uncomfortableness she makes upon them is simply her wish..I think they "as adults" handle it well for the situation. Also, these actors are not "georgeous" just dropped off the "model" bus. These people could be anybody. It has a real feel to it which is something I missed living in this 'twiggy body air-brushed materialistic' era! (yes..M. Tyler Moore is practically anorexic) but she was always thin and I know someone who is very much like that in a Audrey Hepburn way.

If you are open to "dramatic" stories about people and their experiences and are mature about your feelings....you will enjoy this very much!