Charly (2002)

User Rating:

6.4/10   

Director:

Adam Thomas Anderegg

Writers:

Jack Weyland (novel)
Janine Whetten Gilbert (screenplay)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

Tagline:

Real Love Stories Have No Ending

Plot:

Sam Roberts thinks he has all the answers: the purpose of life, the meaning of love, the plan for a perfect future. Until Charly walks into his life.

Plot Keywords:

Mormon | New York City | Conversion | One Word Title | Male Female Relationship

Cast

Jeremy Elliott	...	Sam Roberts
Randy King	...	Frank Roberts
Heather Beers	...	Charlene 'Charly' Riley
Lindsay Killian	...	Convertible Girl
Adam Johnson	...	Mark Reynolds
Mary Merrill	...	Mark's Secretary
Tyson Anderegg	...	Airport Toddler
Gene Turner	...	Ticket Seller
Bernie M. Diamond	...	Rafferty
Gary Neilson	...	Edward Riley
Lisa McCammon	...	Clair Riley
Jackie Winterrose-Fuller	...	Ena Riley
Leslie Richards	...	Waitress
Nicola Bullock	...	Sister Missionary
A. Owen Smoot	...	Nosey Neighbor

Also Known As:

A Heartbeat Away (UK) (TV title)
Jack Weyland's Charly (USA) (complete title)

MPAA:

Rated PG for thematic elements.

Runtime:

103 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

SDDS

Certification:

USA:PG

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Cinergy Films

Goofs:

Audio/visual unsynchronized: When Adam says "mama" we can see his hand partially covering his face and it is clear that the audio has been dubbed.

Quotes:

Charly: Sam, wait up. Don't go, let's talk.
Sam: How could you do this to me?
Charly: To you?
Sam: You're not who I thought you were.
Charly: Sam, I had a life before I met you, I did. But it was different then, and I was different then. Sam... Sam, look at me. You introduced me to a new way of looking at life, but it's not going to mean much to me unless you're a part of it. Sam... Sam, I think I just told you I love you. Sam, please say something. What do you want?
Sam: I don't know. Not used merchandise.
[Charly walks off distraught]

Movie Connections:

Referenced in It's Latter-Day Night! Live Comedy (2003) (V)

Soundtrack:

Got A Thing For You

"CHARLY" IS A DEEPLY MOVING STORY OF LOVE AND FAITH!

I had not read Jack Weyland's short novel CHARLY until the day before seeing the film. I had read the local film critics clever put downs ('CHARLY' Pours Syrup Over Green Jell-O wrote Sean Means of the Salt Lake Tribune). Utah is supposed to be the Jell-O capitol of the world -- and then add syrup to that! Hmmmm -- I guess I must like green Jell-O and syrup! The book was nice but certainly not deep. As for the film: Jack Weyland, in an interview with the Deseret News, said: "I'm finally satisfied with the story. This is how I originally envisoned it when I was writing my screenplay." Back in 1980 Wayland had attempted a CHARLY screenplay. When there was no interest he turned it into a novel that became a surprise "hit" among Latter-day Saint readers (mainly teenagers) -- and has remained popular for some 20 years. Now first time director, Adam Thomas Anderegg, using a fine script adaptation by Janine Whetten Gilbert, has turned CHARLY into a deeply moving story of love and faith! Salt Lake actress Heather Beers, in her first film lead, is a major find! She is exceptional -- making the character of Charly come to life. Jeremy Elliott, who has appeared in a couple of major roles in LDS related films, plays Sam, who at first is overwhelmed by Charly, then comes to love her. He is excellent -- just right. (He has been greatly criticized by the two local newspapers -- BUT in my opinion they are WRONG!) "Real Love Stories Have No Ending" is the catch-line used by EXCEL Entertainment Group, who also released Richard Dutcher's GOD'S ARMY and BRIGHAM CITY as well as THE OTHER SIDE OF HEAVEN. The film lives up to the catch-line in every way. Memebers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints should find this a special moving-going experience. This film will also appeal to anyone who appreciates a decent, clean love story. I'll return to the theatre to re-see this film -- and look forward to eventually purchasing it on DVD!