My First Love (1988)

Why so much hype?

Touches You

How wonderful it is to see this fine actress carry a film and carry it so beautifully.

While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

First, I read a review saying that Joan van Ark's acting was bad in this and I strongly disagree! She was fantastic with a wonderful comic touch playing the spoiled, immature Claire. She has a fantastic talent for comedy and used it to the fullest in this film. The movie is about Bea Arthur and Richard Kiley's characters who meet up again after being a couple when they were young. Richard's character Sam is dating a younger, sexy, immature women, Claire (Joan van ark). The movie is funny and sweet and everyone should see it simply just to see Joan van Ark in a sexy leopard bikini and other sexy skimpy clothing. The bedroom scene between her and Sam is also a highlight when she starts undressing. Her body is just perfection and she oozes sex appeal. Fabulous movie from start to finish! Great ending too and fantastic acting by Bea, Richard and Joan!!

A feelgood Valentine for the over-40 (50?) set, this romantic tale offers nothing that hasn't been done before, but is offered here with such a deft touch and with such command of nuance that it will win your heart - provided that you are in the proper age bracket. The emotions ring true, even if some of the plot is a bit contrived. Bea Arthur masterfully conveys the needs, fears, uncertainties and tentativeness of a widow just marking time until she decides that the best part of her life does not necessarily belong to the past. The overt sentimentality that might spoil such a story is carefully avoided here. A strong supporting cast contributes notably.

Bea Arthur is wonderful (as always) playing a widow who becomes reacquainted with her high school squeeze; trouble is, he's got a relationship going with a young sexy thing, but may just dump the nubile girl for this older, more sensuous woman. One of the best lines has Arthur dressing herself up for a date in frilly clothes, looking in the mirror and dead-panning, "I look like Dolls From Around the World." She's a stitch, and works well with sturdy Richard Kiley as the old-flame. Arthur didn't get many opportunities to shine in feature films; on television, her exasperation and earthy, what-the-hell disposition feels very intimate and real. Too bad this hearty TV-movie hasn't been released on DVD, we could use more of Bea Arthur's dry-martini magic. A highly enjoyable show.

Well worth a look for Bea Arthur fans, it's unlikely to win her any new ones. However I found Miss Arthur's overall performance to give the plot a depth that would have been lost otherwise. Filmed specifically for TV, it does come across as hurried and poorly developed and this is where it spoils. Also Joan Van Ark's "Claire" is little more than irritating.Nicely dealing with a late-in-life love affair, the two main characters (Jean and Sam) rekindle their feelings with one another yet they both have obstacle's of their own to deal with first. Jean must put to rest her widowhood and Sam must set himself free from his fear of ageing and/or death. There are some comical moments that keep this alive and some of the supporting actors offer some interesting banter.However it's saving grace is a rare appearance on film of Miss Bea Arthur, something to keep and cherish, offering us a subtle and restrained performance that gives this the depth that it needs. Miss Arthur is always going to be an American "First Love" and I recommend that this will keep you entertained.