19 reviews
FINNEGAN BEGIN AGAIN was a delightful made for HBO TV movie about a lonely advice columnist (Robert Preston in a lovely performance), trapped into caring for his senile wife (Sylvia Sidney) who develops a relationship with a woman (Mary Tyler Moore) who is equally trapped in a dead end affair with a married man (Sam Waterston). This movie lovingly tells the story of two desperately lonely people, trapped in lives they don't know how to get out of and find solace and friendship in each other. The movie is well-written and directed and the stars, particularly Preston, are just wonderful. I don't know if this one is on DVD but it should be. If you can find it, try to catch this underrated gem.
Typical Robert Preston acting at his best then add MTM and you have one great movie. Preston seems to be in a rut at work and at home with his ailing wife who is senile and refuses to throw anything. MTM is in almost the same boat but is widowed and having an affair with a funeral parlor owner. And their affair is going nowhere at all. Eventually Robert Preston and MTW meet and start sharing their secrets and lives. Movie is clean and well written, made for both Preston and Moore. The movie touches every nerve in your body with humor, sadness and everything in between. These two old acting pros make this movie shine. Highly recommend seeing it if you can find it. Very rare !
- riverrat-10
- Jan 26, 2007
- Permalink
"Finnegan Begin Again", originally an HBO film, features the great Robert Preston (in his second-to-last film performance) and Mary Tyler Moore in a lovely, gently quirky tale of a May-December romance. Mike Finnegan (Preston), a newspaper columnist who ghosts as an advice-for-the-lovelorn matron, is married to Margaret, a woman who is not only a few years older than he but also suffering from what is apparently (but unnamed) dementia; he accepts the fact that, beyond whatever deep love he may have for his wife, that she is, in fact, lost in the mists of her dreams and recollections, a state reflected in their once-grand home in a once-grand, but now unsafe, area: it is as cluttered with remnants of the past as Margaret's mind, perhaps even more so. By chance - and here the writers have cleverly avoided the "meet cute" - on the bus, Mike meets Liz Dehan, a widowed art teacher, who is on her way to meet the very married Paul, a funeral director, at their usual, seedy motel room. Mike fancies himself an arm-chair Sherlock Holmes, watching people for the sheer interest in them but seeing clues as to what their lives are like, and he openly practices this on Liz, much to her dismay. Despite this tense beginning between them, a warm friendship develops and they find that there may, in fact, be more than friendship at play. Much like other Mary Tyler Moore films, this is played as strictly "dramedy" and it strikes just the right chord while doing it. The chemistry between the cast as a whole, and Moore and Preston in particular, is palpable, warm, and real. The direction, by Joan Micklin Silver, is reliably sure-handed, and serves the film well. It's a funny, warm, lovely movie, one that should appeal not only to an older audience but those younger audiences with mature tastes. Currently available only on VHS, this is certainly a film worth discovering!
Warm comedy about an unlikely romance that develops between a cranky newspaperman (Preston) and a middle aged widow (Moore). Lovely chemistry between both stars, but it is the irreplacable Preston who charms his way into our hearts.
Home Box Office was still finding its footing in 1985 in regards to its original programming, but the romantic comedy "Finnegan Begin Again" was a bright spot for the cable network, a snug cross between a movie-of-the-week and a less-sensational film meant for theatrical release. Robert Preston does wonders with an impossible creation, that of Michael Finnegan, who might best be described as a cynical optimist (his anonymously-written advice column is tart and brutally truthful, while he skips along the crime-ridden streets of Virginia with joie de vivre); Mary Tyler Moore is a teacher having an affair with a married man who crosses his path. Walter Lockwood's teleplay, an original, is filled with interesting conversations and amusing repartee that bring out the best in both Preston and Moore (this was the warmest and most approachable Mary had been in some time). One particular scene of slapstick nonsense threatens to mar the film, and Sam Waterston is all over the place as Moore's married lover, but the main focus is on the satin-and-sandpaper relationship between the two principals, and they make the film worthwhile.
- moonspinner55
- Oct 5, 2015
- Permalink
If you watch the first ten minutes of Finnegan Begin Again and reach for the remote to turn it off, you're not alone. I almost stopped watching the movie, too. Robert Preston is an extremely kooky character, and it seems like the film will be two hours of his oddities that are supposed to be cute, charming, or funny, but don't really cut the mustard. If you keep the film running, though, you'll watch a very slow-burning, sweet, romantic drama, with some very good acting from Robert Preston and Sylvia Sidney. And keep your eye out for a very young Giancarlo Esposito!
In his second-to-last movie, Robert Preston is married to Sylvia Sidney, writes a romantic advice column for a newspaper, and rides the bus every day because his car was stolen years ago. While on the bus, he meets Mary Tyler Moore, who's having an affair with Sam Waterston, who's married and has three children. Don't worry, it's not very confusing. The two leads strike up a friendship, and as Robert helps Mary sort out the problems in her life, she brings some much-needed joy into his. It's really a very sweet friendship, but as light as the film starts out, it contains some pretty heavy scenes that might require Kleenexes to get through.
All in all, there's a lot to be learned from Finnegan Begin Again. Big problems can happen to ordinary people, whether it be a mugging, job insecurity, health issues, or falling in love with the wrong person. If you like the type of movie that you can really take a bite out of, rent this flick.
In his second-to-last movie, Robert Preston is married to Sylvia Sidney, writes a romantic advice column for a newspaper, and rides the bus every day because his car was stolen years ago. While on the bus, he meets Mary Tyler Moore, who's having an affair with Sam Waterston, who's married and has three children. Don't worry, it's not very confusing. The two leads strike up a friendship, and as Robert helps Mary sort out the problems in her life, she brings some much-needed joy into his. It's really a very sweet friendship, but as light as the film starts out, it contains some pretty heavy scenes that might require Kleenexes to get through.
All in all, there's a lot to be learned from Finnegan Begin Again. Big problems can happen to ordinary people, whether it be a mugging, job insecurity, health issues, or falling in love with the wrong person. If you like the type of movie that you can really take a bite out of, rent this flick.
- HotToastyRag
- Oct 20, 2017
- Permalink
- theowinthrop
- Feb 28, 2007
- Permalink
- mark.waltz
- Nov 3, 2021
- Permalink
Robert Preston, "Lonelyhearts newswriter" discouraged, sour on life, caretaker to his wife of many decades; Sylvia Sydney, in a role of heartbreaking depth, his wife, slipped in dementia; Mary Tyler Moore, the woman who's had it all go wrong, together in a story of life at its ending and its beginnings. Superb.
Can you say cute? Robert Preston is so perfect in this movie, as in all of his movies! LOVE THAT MAN!! This movie will have your attention from start to finish. I was not a Mary Tyler Moore fan until this movie. If you feel like renting a movie and you don't know what kind of film to watch...pick this one...it will wow ya!
~~~~~~SMOOCHES ROBERT~~~~~~
~~~~~~SMOOCHES ROBERT~~~~~~
This film handled the subject of infidelity in a very human way: People who are with partners who are not right for the other, meet ones who are right for them, and engage in a relationship. It is interesting how the relationship was handled by the screenwriter, directer and producer: At first, Michael (Robert Preston) and Elizabeth (Mary Tyler Moore) are somewhat antagonistic toward each other, but each seem to thrive on the challenge and slight tension, rather than succumb to the bhoredom of things-as-they-are.
Preston's performance is classic: I especially enjoyed the scene where he forgot his laundry at the laundromat, because of the heated discussion he and Liz were having (he followed her in there). She later brought his laundry to him (at his place of work). I thought that was precious.
Waterson's performance was quite intense at times, as he bordered on obsessive, begging that Liz not leave him, and implying threats or crazy behavior if he does. The relationship between Michael and his wife is extremely real and is worth watching the movie for, just by itself. Often, there is a long convalescence before death, and it is not romantic. Michael did his best to do the right thing.
Although health-conscious Liz would have eventually been at odds with Michael's prolific drinking, these two had something to share, and did so. Excellent movie.
Preston's performance is classic: I especially enjoyed the scene where he forgot his laundry at the laundromat, because of the heated discussion he and Liz were having (he followed her in there). She later brought his laundry to him (at his place of work). I thought that was precious.
Waterson's performance was quite intense at times, as he bordered on obsessive, begging that Liz not leave him, and implying threats or crazy behavior if he does. The relationship between Michael and his wife is extremely real and is worth watching the movie for, just by itself. Often, there is a long convalescence before death, and it is not romantic. Michael did his best to do the right thing.
Although health-conscious Liz would have eventually been at odds with Michael's prolific drinking, these two had something to share, and did so. Excellent movie.
- patriots120993
- Aug 28, 2014
- Permalink
Robert Preston is in so many movies I like with so many of my favorite leading ladies, that he's become one of my most favorite leading men! He's so great at playing a guy that we love to love, one that we root for!
And Mary! Mary, Mary, Mary...Dear, sweet Mary, as her TV co-stars would say- is at her sweetest here. I've never seen such tenderness from her, so much so, that it has made me see her in a whole new light. I have always been her fan, which is why I watched this movie in the first place, but here, she made me want a hug! She made me want her to hold me, she was so kind and understanding and tender, that I totally understood why the men in this film were so crazy for her- and it wasn't just cause she could turn the world on with her smile! This is one of her best roles!
This is one of those simple little films that is all about character development. It's a slow-burning love-triangle, romance movie, that's a little rough around the edges in some ways, but ultimately very good. This is a film that builds empathy, as it's easy to see oneself in the predicaments of the characters. This is a film that will have raised ones emotional IQ by the time it's over. It's a sweet film, filled with heavy themes, done with a light touch and a dash of humor.
My favorite lines in the movie:
MTM: "I love you for doing my ironing!" Robert P.: "Now say it again, for no reason at all." MTM: "I love you, for no reason at all!" *Both break into laughs*
And that about sums it up!
Recommended!
And Mary! Mary, Mary, Mary...Dear, sweet Mary, as her TV co-stars would say- is at her sweetest here. I've never seen such tenderness from her, so much so, that it has made me see her in a whole new light. I have always been her fan, which is why I watched this movie in the first place, but here, she made me want a hug! She made me want her to hold me, she was so kind and understanding and tender, that I totally understood why the men in this film were so crazy for her- and it wasn't just cause she could turn the world on with her smile! This is one of her best roles!
This is one of those simple little films that is all about character development. It's a slow-burning love-triangle, romance movie, that's a little rough around the edges in some ways, but ultimately very good. This is a film that builds empathy, as it's easy to see oneself in the predicaments of the characters. This is a film that will have raised ones emotional IQ by the time it's over. It's a sweet film, filled with heavy themes, done with a light touch and a dash of humor.
My favorite lines in the movie:
MTM: "I love you for doing my ironing!" Robert P.: "Now say it again, for no reason at all." MTM: "I love you, for no reason at all!" *Both break into laughs*
And that about sums it up!
Recommended!
- MyMovieTVRomance
- Nov 15, 2021
- Permalink
This is a movie so relevant to baby-boomers --starting with a depiction of someone taking care of a relative (in this case, a wife) with dementia, and still trying to have a little bit of a life -- something many of us cope with on a daily basis. I first saw this movie on HBO when it came out in 1985, curious because the NPR had completely trashed it, completely mischaracterizing the relationship between Robert Preston and his wife, the sad, lost Sylvia Sidney. Sam Waterston isterrific as the lily-livered man who cheats on his wife with Mary Tyler Moore, and the friendship between Moore and Preston is grown-up and just lovely. This movie is impossible to find except on VHS, which is really a shame.
This really is not a comedy however there are some very amusing scenes. However, I like the ratiocination scenes best. And when at the funeral, Paul Broadbent (Sam Waterston) suggests that Mike Finnegan (Robert Preston) moves out of Liz DeHaan's (Mary Tyler Moore) place; he gets pushed in the grave. This is about people, affairs, and aging. And many other people issues.
In the process of this movie, you can see how much better the actors have improved over the years and play fuller characters than in most of their previous movies. This is one of those movies that you watch over again, first to get the parts we glanced over while thinking about the movie action and dialog and missed. Then watch again just for the feel. Then watch again as we are now hooked.
In the process of this movie, you can see how much better the actors have improved over the years and play fuller characters than in most of their previous movies. This is one of those movies that you watch over again, first to get the parts we glanced over while thinking about the movie action and dialog and missed. Then watch again just for the feel. Then watch again as we are now hooked.
- Bernie4444
- Nov 21, 2023
- Permalink