sundayatdusk-97859

This was one of the better made-for-TV movies in the 1970s. It is a remake of a 1959 movie with many differences. Pat Hingle is the dedicated doctor in this film, and no, he does not seem the least bit Jewish, as in the novel and original movie, but why should that be a problem for anyone?

He's been in the same Brooklyn neighborhood forever, treating many poor people who can't pay, and he feels tired of it all. The neighborhood is drastically changing, with increased crime, and the city wants to cut down the tree in front of his home. He is seriously considering moving out; taking his wife, daughter and practice with him; to a better neighborhood.

Mr. Hingle does an excellent job, as he always does in his roles, portraying a man in confict with his ideals and beliefs. He is gruff at times, but truly cares for others and expects everyone else to care, which, of course, they do not. His wife (Lynn Carlin) understands him better than he understands himself, and they have taught their teenage daughter well by example. A '70s film well worth the time.

This is another Spelling-Goldberg TV movie-of-the week from the '70s. Unlike the cruise ship murder one I recently saw, the characters tend to be interesting and care for others. You might even have favorites. Molly Picon and Walter Pidgeon were my favorites. I thought Mona Briarly was fun, too, as a sharp-witted best-selling author who has to drink to keep calm while flying.

Is the whole film filled with murders? No, no one dies until the second half and not that many individuals are killed. This isn't a mad serial killer type film. All action takes place in first-class, too. There is no sight or sound from the 200+ passengers and six stewardesses in second-class. The reasons for the killings weren't that interesting, and neither was the small twist at the end.

I love watching made-for-TV movies from the '70s. Some are good, some are bad, some are between good and bad. This is a between one. It gets two stars for Michael Constantine, who is pulling a Jessica Fletcher; and two stars for Cesare Danova, whom I have loved since Gidget went to Rome. Other than that, it's a forgettable movie.

The story has an interesting idea, but it's not acted out well. The way spouses react when their mates are killed is unbelievable. Namely, they hardly react at all. Moreover, there is no suspense whatsoever in the killings. People are just suddenly killed or end up dead or end up missing. The reason for the killings is also not the highly interesting complex motive the film makes it out to be.