Mary et Tim

Candice Bergen plays a contented 50-ist widow settled into her life as a single, when a slightly learning-disabled younger hunk careens into her life as the butt of a practical joke, damaging her garden. He turns out to be a talented gardener, and starts his magic on her garden, and on her. Tim's super-achiever sister marries into a wealthy family, who are, frankly, embarrassed at having a "retard" in the family. Mary (Candice Bergen) teaches Tim to read, and Tim gradually starts to experience grown-up feelings toward Mary. Thomas McCarthy is very convincing as Tim, and he plays the part with ease, and naturally. Candice Bergen is, and always has been, one of my favorite actresses, who's striking beauty has stayed with her into maturity. I saw this on the Hallmark Channel & really enjoyed the simple plot and emotional dynamics. A bit of a tear-jerker, but nice, relaxing entertainment.

Thomas McCarthy and Candice Bergen did an outstanding job in this movie. I watched the last 1 hour of it. Then later found out that my cable provider would not be showing it again any time soon. I was so touched by this movie. I have never experienced such joy. I know it is just a movie but it hit my heart. The plot was excellent. I cannot seem to find the video or a copy of a DVD. I ordered the book the morning I saw this movie. Is there another movie similar to this one? If so let me know. It is nice to see a great movie once in a while with no violence or cursing involved. I could not get this movie out of my head all day long. It's like how romantic to actually see such a great movie. Thumbs up on this great movie.

"Mary and Tim" is a really great, warm and touching film which I have enjoyed seeing a few times now. I think that both Candice and Thomas, who plays the two main characters, are superb in these roles. It's great to see this version and also the changes they have made from the original version "Tim X" with Mel Gibson and Piper Laurie from 1979. I LOVED the original film and I thought both Mel Gibson and the extraordinary Piper Laurie should have won academy awards for their performances. The bad thing about the original is that, although the actors are brilliant, the film itself are a bit cheap in terms of how it's made. Must have been a low-budget Australian adventure. However, in this 1996 re-make TV version, it's very good quality for a TV film.

I think that the actor who plays Tim deserves to be recognized more for his acting. I think he was very good in this film, and played a role you very rarely see a young actor playing. Candice Bergen is always great. I love the idea of a young guy and an older woman, and it's all done in great taste and touches upon the subject that you should NEVER judge anyone because of how they feel emotionally for another person, or judge anyone who might be a little "slow", like Tim is.

Rocco

"Mary and Tim" is in a lot of ways, better than the 1979 movie "Tim". One thing to note, anyone who thinks Justine is hostile in this movie (or Dawnie in the 1979 version), would be surprised by the book.

Tims' family is a aware of Marys' age in this version well than before in the book or other movie. It is a cuase of tension, but not the hostility in the two prior cases.

One difference is that this version is shot in California, as opposed to Australia. Another important version is that Mary Horton is a widow, as opposed to the two prior versions, where she was never married. As well, Mary talks about her departed mother, while in the novel, she never knew her parents.

Also, in this version, Tim is more emotionally empowered. It is him who asks Mary to marry him. Not some outsider. He also is shown to have a lot of insight into what Mary wants, well before Mary is willing to admit it to herself.

After Tim proposes marriage, before Mary responds, his father asks if he and Mary have had sex. Tim is shown as knowing about sex, although I will not say if they do have sex before marriage.

It is a very good version. I always enjoy seeing it.

This is a fantastic movie. Reading the description, I was afraid it would make me uncomfortable, but it really didn't. It's a very lovely story, the setting is very pretty and I think the actors did a great job.