I Love Valentine's Day!: December Bride

A story about a threesome for Valentine's Day? Well, maybe.

In early 1900s Ireland, an old widower is in need of female help, so hires on a young woman Sarah (Saskia Reeves) and her mother. Immediately his two sons has eyes for her (Donald McCann as Hamilton Jr. and Ciaran Hinds as Frank). The widower dies, and Sarah and the sons start doing things like not attending church. Sarah's mother eventually quits in protest of her daughter's disobedient behavior. Sarah stays on.

Hamilton is more serious and practical. Frank is a bit broody and a little more carnal. Although Sarah welcomes attentions of other men, suprisingly, she takes to both of the sons. Sarah becomes pregnant but refuses to marry or name the father.

Patrick Malahide plays the local preacher.

Boynton Beach Club

Several mature characters grieve after the death of their partner. Marilyn (Brenda Vaccaro) is invited by a neighbor Lois (Dyan Cannon) to join a bereavement support group. She does so reluctantly and tries to come to terms with the driver who killed her husband in an auto accident.

Meanwhile Lois is attracted to a guy she meets in a restaurant Donald (Michael Nouri).

New widower Jack (Len Cariou) is pursued a little too aggressively by Sandi (Sally Kellerman) but he's not ready to move on.

Harry (Joseph Bologna) though trolls the dating websites and lies about his age. He befriends Jack, being one of the few widowers in the community.

free event: Sullivan's Travels

February is guest curator month at Transistor, the vinyl record store. Gene Booth, editor of The Molten Rectangle, a theme-based film magazine, has chosen “Madhouse Mince” (human comedies) for February. Gene, a talented guy in more ways than one, also directs short films that are made in collaboration with high school students he has taught. The first February film is Sullivan’s Travels, a film I am not very enamored of; although I find it funny in parts and like some of the romantic comedy aspects, the satire seems less hard hitting than modern satirical movies I have seen, so I am not quite sure why this film is so beloved and a must-see for some. Be sure to check out Transistor’s website to read Gene’s comments about why he likes and chose this film to screen.

Sullivan’s Travels
Monday, February 6 , 2012
8:00 p.m.
Transistor
3819 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago
Presented by guest curator Gene Booth

I Love Valentine's Day!: Feast of Love

Here's another film to whet your appetite for Valentine's Day. In Feast of Love, a circle of several connected couples deal with love and loss of love.

Past seven days

A bit of a light schedule this week:

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
The Least Among You
Man on a Ledge