Love Story
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Love Story is a 1970 romance motion picture drama directed by Arthur Hiller that tells the story of two college students: Oliver, the emotionally vacant son of rich parents; and the girl he falls in love with, Jenny, a brassy music major at Radcliffe. Oliver's relationship with Jenny awakens new emotions of love and tenderness in him, and they marry against the wishes of Oliver's father, who cuts Oliver off financially, causing the newlyweds to descend into poverty.
The screenplay was written by Erich Segal; he adapted the screenplay into a novel which was published and became a best-seller prior to the release of the movie.
Love Story was followed by a 1978 sequel, Oliver's Story.
Erich Segal has said that he based the character of Oliver on Vice President Al Gore and Gore's Harvard roommate Tommy Lee Jones.
Primary cast
- Ali MacGraw : Jennifer Cavalleri
- Ryan O'Neal : Oliver Barrett IV
- John Marley : Phil Cavalleri
- Ray Milland : Oliver Barrett III
- Russell Nype : Dean Thompson
- Katharine Balfour : Mrs. Barrett
- Sydney Walker : Dr. Shapely
- Robert Modica : Dr. Addison
- Walker Daniels : Ray Stratton
- Tommy Lee Jones : Hank Simpson
The novel tells the first person story of Oliver Barrett, IV, who comes from a long line of wealthy and well-respected Harvard graduates. Partly to break the traditional Ivy League mold, the Harvard jock meets and falls in love with Jennifer Cavilleri, a poor, quick-witted Italian American Radcliffe student. Upon graduation from college, the two decide to marry against the wishes of Oliver's father, who thereafter severs ties with his son.
Lacking his father's financial support, the couple struggles to pay Oliver's way through Harvard Law School. Graduating third in his class, Oliver takes a well-paying position at a respectable New York law firm, while Jennifer teaches at a private school.
With Oliver's income and Jennifer's salary as a teacher, the pair of 24-year-olds decide to have a child. After several failed attempts at conception, they seek consultation from a medical specialist, who, after repeated tests, informs Oliver that Jennifer has leukemia and will soon die.
As instructed by his doctor, Oliver attempts to live a "normal life" without telling Jennifer of her condition. Jennifer nevertheless discovers her ailment after confronting her doctor about her recent illness. With their days together numbered, Jennifer begins costly cancer therapy, and Oliver soon becomes unable to afford the piling hospital expenses. Desperate, he seeks financial relief from his father, who obliges amicably.
From her hospital bed, Jennifer speaks with her father about funeral arrangements, and then asks for Oliver. She tells him to avoid blaming himself, and asks that he embrace her tightly before she dies.
Award wins:
- Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture - Drama
- Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture Actress - Drama - Ali MacGraw
- Golden Globe Award for Best Director - Motion Picture - Arthur Hiller
- Academy Award for Original Music Score - Francis Lai
- Golden Globe Award for Original Music Score - Francis Lai
- Golden Globe Award for Best Screenplay - Erich Segal
Award nominations:
- Academy Award for Best Picture
- Academy Award for Best Actress - Ali MacGraw
- Academy Award for Best Actor - Ryan O'Neal
- Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture Actor - Drama - Ryan O'Neal
- Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor - John Marley
- Golden Globe Award Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture - John Marley
- Academy Award for Directing - Arthur Hiller
- Directors Guild of America for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures - Arthur Hiller
- Academy Award for Writing Original Screenplay - Erich Segal
- Writers Guild of America Award for Best Drama Written Directly for the Screen - Erich Segal
- Grammy Award for Best Original Score Written for a Motion Picture - Francis Lai
Famous quotes
- "Love means never having to say you're sorry."
- "What can you say about a twenty-five year old girl who died? That she loved Mozart and Bach. And the Beatles. And me."
References
- Vincent Canby. "Perfection and a 'Love Story.'" The New York Times. December 18, 1970. 44.