Love Story
Love Story is a 1970 romantic drama film written by Erich Segal based on his 1970 best-selling novel, and directed by Arthur Hiller. The film, well-known as a tear-jerking tragedy, is considered one of the most romantic of all time by the American Film Institute (#9 on the list).
Contents [hide]
1 Plot (of the novel)
2 Production
2.1 Writing
3 Quotations
4 Main cast
5 Awards and nominations
6 Critical reaction
7 Musical selections from the soundtrack
8 Trivia
9 References
10 External links
[edit] Plot (of the novel)
Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.
The novel tells the story of Oliver Barrett, IV, who comes from a long line of wealthy and well-respected Harvard University graduates. Partly to break the traditional Ivy League mold, the Harvard student meets and falls in love with Jennifer Cavilleri, a working-class, quick-witted Radcliffe College student. Upon graduation from college, the two decide to marry against the wishes of Oliver's father, who thereupon severs ties with his son.
Without 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 position at a respectable New York law firm, while Jenny 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 failing to conceive, they consult a medical specialist, who, after repeated tests, informs Oliver that Jenny has leukemia and will soon die.
As instructed by his doctor, Oliver attempts to live a "normal life" without telling Jenny of her condition. Jenny nevertheless discovers her ailment after confronting her doctor about her recent illness. With their days together numbered, Jenny begins costly cancer therapy, and Oliver soon becomes unable to afford the multiplying hospital expenses. Desperate, he seeks financial relief from his father. Instead of telling his father what the money is truly for, Oliver leads him believe that he needs it because he has had an affair which led to a pregnancy.
From her hospital bed, Jenny speaks with her father about funeral arrangements, and then asks for Oliver. She tells him to avoid blaming himself, and asks him to embrace her tightly before she dies.
The novel also includes the double meaning of a love story between Oliver and his father, highlighted by the scene between Oliver and his father at the end of the book. When Mr. Barrett realizes that Jenny is ill and that his son borrowed the money for her, he immediately sets out for New York. By the time he reaches the hospital, Jenny is dead. Mr. Barrett apologizes to his son, who replies with something Jenny once told him: "Love means not ever having to say you're sorry."
[edit] Production
[edit] Writing
While the movie has antagonists like every other story, it features no villains. From Harvard's nemesis on the ice - Cornell - to the aristocratic elder Barretts, every character is good at heart.
The film also reflected the times: Jennifer most likely has leukemia, but the characters never utter the word due to silence over the "Big C" at the time.
Contents [hide]
1 Plot (of the novel)
2 Production
2.1 Writing
3 Quotations
4 Main cast
5 Awards and nominations
6 Critical reaction
7 Musical selections from the soundtrack
8 Trivia
9 References
10 External links
[edit] Plot (of the novel)
Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.
The novel tells the story of Oliver Barrett, IV, who comes from a long line of wealthy and well-respected Harvard University graduates. Partly to break the traditional Ivy League mold, the Harvard student meets and falls in love with Jennifer Cavilleri, a working-class, quick-witted Radcliffe College student. Upon graduation from college, the two decide to marry against the wishes of Oliver's father, who thereupon severs ties with his son.
Without 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 position at a respectable New York law firm, while Jenny 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 failing to conceive, they consult a medical specialist, who, after repeated tests, informs Oliver that Jenny has leukemia and will soon die.
As instructed by his doctor, Oliver attempts to live a "normal life" without telling Jenny of her condition. Jenny nevertheless discovers her ailment after confronting her doctor about her recent illness. With their days together numbered, Jenny begins costly cancer therapy, and Oliver soon becomes unable to afford the multiplying hospital expenses. Desperate, he seeks financial relief from his father. Instead of telling his father what the money is truly for, Oliver leads him believe that he needs it because he has had an affair which led to a pregnancy.
From her hospital bed, Jenny speaks with her father about funeral arrangements, and then asks for Oliver. She tells him to avoid blaming himself, and asks him to embrace her tightly before she dies.
The novel also includes the double meaning of a love story between Oliver and his father, highlighted by the scene between Oliver and his father at the end of the book. When Mr. Barrett realizes that Jenny is ill and that his son borrowed the money for her, he immediately sets out for New York. By the time he reaches the hospital, Jenny is dead. Mr. Barrett apologizes to his son, who replies with something Jenny once told him: "Love means not ever having to say you're sorry."
[edit] Production
[edit] Writing
While the movie has antagonists like every other story, it features no villains. From Harvard's nemesis on the ice - Cornell - to the aristocratic elder Barretts, every character is good at heart.
The film also reflected the times: Jennifer most likely has leukemia, but the characters never utter the word due to silence over the "Big C" at the time.
