This is the type of film that critics probably hated because there is not an ounce of meanness in the film. And considering that this was 1973 when black movies such as "Cleopatra Jones" and "Shaft" were the norm, an old fashioned romantic drama like this, it probably didn't go well with audiences, either. Some critics may obviously compare this to "Love Story" and other tearjerkers popular at the time, but this one is quite different. Sidney Poitier plays a widowed doctor visiting London from Washington D.C. who finds himself entranced with a mysterious young woman (Ester Anderson) whom he keeps spotting around the city and saves from men obviously following her. It's obvious that she is someone special, and a la "Roman Holiday", it takes a while for him to find out just who she is. But once they finally do get together, the sparks fly between them, and his young daughter (Yvette Curtis) is crazy for her as well. They spend a lovely weekend away and all seems like they will live happily ever after. But destiny intervenes and leads to a conclusion heartbreaking for all three.
There is an innocence of the three major characters in this film that instantly makes the viewer root for them. Poitier and Anderson may seem a bit far apart in age to be a matched team, but they share a lovely chemistry, complimented by young Ms. Curtis as one of the most well behaved young girls I've seen in real life and on screen. Too perfect may seem the right adjective to describe them, but believe it or not, it can exist, and there's not a drug pusher, hooker, or pimp, "Blacula" like monster in sight. The only reason why this might have gotten a PG rating was because a black-themed "G" film wouldn't sell, and an obvious liaison between the two lovers does take place. What also starts off seeming to be a possible spy adventure turns quickly, making this a surprising delight.
There is an innocence of the three major characters in this film that instantly makes the viewer root for them. Poitier and Anderson may seem a bit far apart in age to be a matched team, but they share a lovely chemistry, complimented by young Ms. Curtis as one of the most well behaved young girls I've seen in real life and on screen. Too perfect may seem the right adjective to describe them, but believe it or not, it can exist, and there's not a drug pusher, hooker, or pimp, "Blacula" like monster in sight. The only reason why this might have gotten a PG rating was because a black-themed "G" film wouldn't sell, and an obvious liaison between the two lovers does take place. What also starts off seeming to be a possible spy adventure turns quickly, making this a surprising delight.