This 1978 TV movie didn't receive much attention at the time of its initial broadcast, except for a controversial scene where one of the characters mentions Catholics, Negroes, and Jews in a somewhat dismissive manner. Subsequent TV broadcasts usually cut this dialogue, but it is retained on the DVD (a fair-quality transfer at best). This is some of Cindy Williams best work, being a stand-out dramatic role in her career. Paul Shenar, another underrated actor, plays her husband. The great Joan Bennett and Eileen Heckart play bookend mothers-one rich and privileged, the other common and low class-and both play them brilliantly. Lew Ayres (Battle for the Planet of the Apes) puts in a brief appearance. And yes, that is Drew Barrymore playing a two-year-old boy. Special kudos goes to Joan Bennett. She received very few offers of good roles in her later years. This is some of her best post-Dark Shadows work. And after Suspiria, that's saying a lot.
Review of Suddenly, Love
