Michael (Jan-Michael Vincent) returns from the dead and (for no good reason) falls for lonely Jenna (Bonnie Bedelia). It seems he was accidentally killed before he accomplished something and needs Jenna to finish it for him...but he's the only man she's ever loved and she'll lose him if she does it. Honestly--that's the whole story! This makes Danielle Steele's lousy romance novels look like great writing! The story has been done to death (even in 1972) and this adds nothing to it. It's ridiculously clichéd and filled with terrible dialogue and unbelievable characters. There are plot holes galore and scenes go from bright day to dark night instantly! Acting doesn't help at all. The great character actor Herschel Bernardi gives a rare bad performance. His character is so good and sweet you can't take him seriously. Bonnie Bedelia is a wonderful actress---but not here! She appears drugged out and has a blank look on her face all the time. However she's better than Vincent. He's TERRIBLE! His face NEVER shows any emotion--even when he's dying! They're both pretty to look at but their lousy acting makes them impossible to take seriously as a romantic couple. Their love scenes don't work at all. Only pro Mariette Hartley gives out a good performance.
What's really frustrating is this could have been great. The settings are beautiful and the classical music really works. But the lousy story, bad acting and terrible dialogue sink this one. I realize a lot of people saw this back in 1972 and have fond memories of it. Maybe they should watch it again (FXM shows it) and see how lovingly they think of it now. A silly cardboard soap opera. 1 all the way.
What's really frustrating is this could have been great. The settings are beautiful and the classical music really works. But the lousy story, bad acting and terrible dialogue sink this one. I realize a lot of people saw this back in 1972 and have fond memories of it. Maybe they should watch it again (FXM shows it) and see how lovingly they think of it now. A silly cardboard soap opera. 1 all the way.