Same Time Next Year -1978
Director
Robert Mulligan

Writer
Bernard Slade

Cast
Alan Alda
Ellen Burstyn
Ivan Bonar

Review by Wayne Malin

Just great,

In 1951 two married people Doris (Ellen Burstyn) and George (Alan Alda) meet, fall in love and, despite their marriages to other people, have sex. After spending the night together and realize they can’t go on not seeing each other again. So, once a year, they meet at the same place to celebrate. This movie follows them from 1951-1977.

Some people have complained that this movie celebrated adultery but COME ON! It’s just a movie! This was based on a successful play (which Burnstyn won the Tony for) and the script is just wonderful–full of funny lines, sharp observations and potent drama. It’s incredible to see how these two characters change over the years–how they reflect the values of their decades. Just fascinating.

Burstyn is just phenomenal on this film–you see her change from a weak woman to a strong one. She was understandably nominated for an Oscar for this. Alda I’ve never liked. He’s pretty good at comedy but horrible at drama. He’s not good but not bad enough to destroy the film. Also there’s an Oscar-nominated song “Last Time I Felt Like This” which perfectly sets the mood of the film. A sweet, romantic, wonderful film. Highly recommended.

Funniest sequence: Burstyn’s pregnancy.