User Reviews

This has been one of the most difficult to see movies I have ever come across. For years I have searched for a copy of this movie in any format available, be it VHS, beta, whatever. It appears to have been an independent production, although it was filmed at Paramount Studios. It had a brief VHS release in 1985, also from an independent company that no longer seems to exist. From there, it seems to have vanished into obscurity. I was finally able to locate a VHS copy on EBay, and considering how old the tape is(30+) it played beautifully from beginning to end. As for the actual film, it didn't disappoint. Richard Thomas and Mary Layne were both excellent and very appealing together as two people who come together so that the Thomas character can lose his virginity before going off to war. They end up spending the weekend together, and I felt as though they were an appealing couple to spend time with. The soundtrack was also good, contributing to the overall wistful tone of the picture. The few surprises didn't really surprise me, but that was okay because I cared about the lead characters. There were really only a few things I objected to, and they may just be personal peeves. The first was an attempted gay seduction scene very early on, which seemed completely gratuitous and unnecessary. Another problem for me was the startling inclusion of the infamous on the street execution of a Vietnamese man with a shot to the head, shown without cutting away. I was astonished to see this in a film rated PG. Finally, a later scene shows a woman cutting the head off of a live fish, which again was completely gratuitous. Overall, I think this is a genuinely good film, and I hope that someday it will be rescued from the unfair limbo it has fallen into. Maybe someone who reads this can determine who owns the rights to this film and help facilitate at least a television or festival screening.

Earnestly acted, but very blandly and rather colorlessly directed, this is a very mildly amusing and very mildly effective, romantic comedy/drama. Zweiback's script has more interest and power than his monotonously incessant TV-style direction with close-ups, close-ups, close-ups, close-ups, close-ups and more close-ups followed by close- ups. See how monotonous it is just to read it, but, believe me, seeing it on the big screen is even worse! The movie will undoubtedly play better on TV. Photography and other credits range from the routinely capable to the ineptly pedestrian. Maybe those who like small-budgeted, wistful teenage love stories will go for "Cactus in the Snow". But not me, brother. Not me!

i saw this on the late, late show years ago and it nearly broke my heart. it is the kind of movie that plucks your heartstrings as you care more and more about this poor, nerdy boy about to go off to Vietnam. he meets up with a nice girl who intends to help him lose his virginity before he heads off to war, but they never get around to that as they spend the day together growing closer and having the kind of memories that last a lifetime. that is, if you have a lifetime to live. an under-rated gem.

I saw this one with my new husband back in 1972..Richard Thomas and Mary Layne,both unknowns have incredible chemistry together. She)Layne) is fresh ,witty and very pretty, but did not make very many movies. Richard Thomas was young and appealing and later went on later to become very sucessful. I am puzzled why this film was not shown more,and even made the missing movie list,for a long time it was not a film that could even be found in DVD or any other film form! In terms of a romantic movie, I'd say it way surpasses Love Story! The story starts out simple,at times funny, but honest and the ending is staggering and heartbreaking.. is It remains one of my favorite movies of all time.