The Promise (1979)

Director:

Gilbert Cates

Writers:

Paul M. Heller (story)
Fred Weintraub (story)

Release Date:

6 December 1979 (Finland)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

A haunting story of love and betrayal.

Plot:

A rich student's fiancee has her face destroyed by a car accident, and refuses to return to him fearing the loss of his love.

Plot Keywords:

Car Wreck | Plastic Surgery | Architect | Elopement

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar.

Cast

Kathleen Quinlan	...	Nancy McAllister / Marie Adamson
Stephen Collins	...	Michael Hillyard
Beatrice Straight	...	Marion Hillyard
Laurence Luckinbill	...	Dr. Peter Gregson
William Prince	...	George Calloway
Michael O'Hare	...	Ben Avery
Bibi Besch	...	Dr. Faye Allison
Robin Gammell	...	Doctor Wickfield
Katherine De Hetre	...	Wendy Lester
Paul Ryan	...	Doctor Fenton
Tom O'Neill	...	Painter
Kirchy Prescott	...	Nurse
John Allen Vick	...	First Cab Driver
Dan Leegant	...	Second Cab Driver
Jerry Walter	...	Cal

Also Known As:

Face of a Stranger

Runtime:

97 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Finland:K-12 | USA:PG

Company:

Universal Pictures

Goofs:

Continuity: Pattern of blood on Michael's lip changes repeatedly during his fist fight with Gregson.

Quotes:

Ben: Mike? Happy Birthday, hooligan!
Michael: Yeah, that's right, my day all day.
Ben: Hey, you know who else's birthday it is? I read it in the San Francisco Chronicle. Julius Ceasar!
Michael: Julius Caesar! How the hell do they know?
Ben: Because they are fiendishly clever, man!

Movie Connections:

Remade as Yeh Vaada Raha (1982)

Soundtrack:

The Promise

Oh God, I actually sort of like this movie...

In 1979, I was 14, and I can remember that this was the big movie that all the kids at school wanted to see. I actually remember loving it then. Years later, all I can do at the age of 37 is cringe with embarrassment that I actually still like this thing.

How unrealistic can you get? With the exception of some make up and hair manipulation, there really is no difference between the Nancy and Marie faces. Most of the change is effected through Quinlin's acting ability (as well suddenly changing her wardrobe to the 70's disco chic that was popular at the time). It's not the only lapse in reality in the film, but it's by far the biggest. It takes a great deal of work on the part of Quinlan, Collins, and Straight to get you to come anywhere near believing the difference exists.

Laurence Luckinbill plays a truly predictable character as the Pygmalionesque doctor who creates the physical Marie. His character is more or less a plot device (as is Bibi Besch's), and his performance reflects it. On the other hand, Beatrice Straight (who was always one of the most underrated actresses in the business) gives a fantastic performance as Michael's mother. Her face says it all when she runs out of the hospital room and the impact of the lie that she has just told hits her.

Gibert Cates, who unfortunately has not been able to truly repeat his critical success in "I Never Sang for my Father", at least tries to do something with the script. It is hard, however, when the story is basically formula and schmaltz. In the end, it is Quinlan, Collins, and Straight who succeed in getting the film to rise above it. Their performances get you to continue to watch and find something good even though you really want to hate it.