Search - On Valentine's Day on DVD

A Gift from A Literary Family

CrankyOldWoman | Seattle | 06/06/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A quiet little gem with building moments of intensity, "On Valentine's Day" is based on the life of the grandmother of Hallie Foote, daughter of Horton Foote. Hallie stars as her grandmother in this lovely film. Screenplay is by Horton Foote and is produced by Lillian Foote. A young couple marries against family wishes in 1917 Wharton Texas. They move to a boarding house, living with characters who gradually reveal their hearts(including a young Matthew Broderick). A shy, lonely and plain girl befriends the new bride and they soon share their joys, fears and the news that Hallie is pregnant. "Bobby", a troubled, alcoholic and world-weary roomer (played by I believe Michael Higgins) brilliantly emits a sense of impending doom and you can't take your eyes off him. He creates a sense of danger, and you hold your breath, hoping you are misreading him.
Softly photographed, you can almost smell the magnolias. This film brings back the sense of community from a time when neighbors truly knew one another, shared lives and a rhythm of peaceful grace was the rule. This film is a gift from a man whom you may recall wrote "To Kill A Mockingbird", "Tender Mercies" and "Trip to Bountiful", among other works. It is a treasure to cherish from a family which has contributed much to American literature.
This certainly is worth getting on DVD as it will only become more interesting with age and you will want to share it with grandchildren as they get to an age where they can comprehend the real message this film contains."

Waited for years!

B. Phelps | Roseville, Ca. United States | 06/20/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Horton Foote's trilogy was produced for PBS years ago. It was called "The Story of a Marriage." The first in the series has now been released as "Courtship," the second is on "Valentine's Day", and the last is "1918". Horton Foote who is one of America's greatest writers paints a wonderfully accurate portrait of the slow pace of Texas life in the early part of the 20th century. What might seem slow pacing to those used to action-packed drama, is really Foote's beautifully sparce but meaningful language. This was a time when gentility mattered above all else. As was the case in small southern towns, the odd and eccentric were protected and cared for by the town, while hopefully kept out of sight. Foote embraces the damaged and the frail, weaving their lives along with those of the main characters, to portray a quiet tale of compassion, love and strength of character. The characters will stay with you forever."

A glimpse of yesterday

B. Phelps | 04/27/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I love Horton Foote's slow paced sense of style. It may not be for everyone but for those who love the drama of everyday life in a beautiful setting this move is for you. The performances are wonderful and endearing."

More from Texas and Horton Foote

Bomojaz | South Central PA, USA | 03/30/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the second movie in a projected series based on the plays of Horton Foote. ("1918" was the first.) This time the year is 1917, the place still rural Texas, and it's a slice-of-life look at a single family in their day-to-day trials and tribulations, which include drunkeness, insanity, and financial struggles. It can be slow at times, but like "1918" it's always absorbing and very realistic. Worth seeing."