by Kim Everett

Created on: August 26, 2008   Last Updated: September 08, 2008

The critics did not like the sentimental 1970 film, "Love Story," directed by Arthur Hiller, but it was loved by the public, and the box office totals were phenomenal. It definitely belongs in the chick flick category, but that does not detract from the film's popularity.

It was the top earning film of the year, and it starred Ryan O'Neal, Ali MacGraw, John Marley, and Ray Milland. It was nominated for seven Academy Awards and won one for its beautiful musical score by Frances Lai.

The story is centered around a young college couple, Oliver (Ryan O'Neal) and Jenny (Ali MacGraw). They are from vastly different backgrounds and social circles, and obviously different financial circumstances. Oliver has led a rich and privileged life, but he received very little attention, love, or nurturing. Jenny, on the other hand, was raised by a father who had no money, but she always enjoyed his unconditional love and acceptance. Jenny's father was affectionate and warm, while Oliver's was distant and cold. The opposites attract rule takes over, and they fall in love and get married.

They share a deep love and an unshakable bond, and their only problem is money and whether Oliver's father, who was against the marriage, will stop supporting him financially before he can finish his education and get a job at a law firm. One very memorable line from the movie is when Oliver's hateful and over-bearing father says, "Oliver, if you marry her now, I'll not give you the time of day." Oliver replies, "Father, you don't know the time of day."

After Oliver finishes law school and lands a position at a New York law firm, he and Jenny decide to start a family. When Jenny visits her doctor to find out why she is not conceiving, it is discovered that she has a terminal illness and that her life will soon end. The doctor tells Oliver first, and he decides not to tell Jenny. However, she figures it out before long.

The movie ends moments after her tragic death when Oliver's father comes to the hospital and tries to make amends for his past behavior. Oliver quotes something that he learned from his late wife when he tells his father, "Love means never having to say you're sorry."

This film has been called sappy, and certainly there are some who might see it that way. It is definitely a tearjerker, but it is more sentimental than sappy and definitely worth watching. Just be sure to have a full box of tissues.

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