Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.
This is my entry to D2K-93: The Widowmaker, celebrating Davidk93's 2 year anniversary at Epinions. Participants were asked to review a movie that can be tied back to any of the Brat Pack members or to John Hughs. The only other stipulation is that we discuss a secret sub-plot from the film, a plot which is not outrightly defined, but which could conceivably be taking place.
I'm sure you were all hoping I'd review Curly Sue, surely the defining pinnacle of 1990's filmmaking, but I've decided to save that for a future review. Until then, here's my take on Only the Lonely, arguably the most innocent, sweet hearted film of John Candy's career.
Only the Lonely opens on a friendly neighborhood in Chicago. It's one of those neighborhoods where the owner of the local tavern sweeps his stoop and greets hello to the early morning passerby's. It's the kind of neighborhood that really only exists on Hollywood backlots and 1950's television shows, and it's the perfect setting for a story this sweet and harmless.
Danny Muldoon (John Candy) is a 38 year-old bachelor who lives at home with his well meaning but domineering mother, Rose (Maureen O'Hara). Their relationship is defined by Rose's manipulating and controlling tendencies, and Danny's passive reluctance to cut the umbilical cord. In one early scene, Rose subtly guilt trips him into giving up his night out with the boys to take her to Bingo instead. Not that Danny puts up much resistance! All it takes is an exaggerated fantasy of mom tumbling into an open man hole to scare Danny into canceling his plans. He loves his mother too much to see the way she controls him, and this keeps him from living his life and finding happiness.
Despite his weaknesses, Danny is a very likable man. He's the everyday nice guy and you can't help but sympathize with his plight.
Rose, on the other hand, is manipulating, selfish and bigoted. She spouts racist slurs about every character that isn't Irish and Catholic and she gets away with it because Danny is too weak to confront her. She sees it, calls it, and feels justified in hurting others because she's just "telling it like it is." Danny makes excuses for her behavior by explaining that she's old and set in her ways.
His brother gets into the action as well, taking every opportunity to guilt poor Danny into maintaining his current status as Rose's caretaker. When Danny proposes he take her off his hands for awhile, his brother counters with "You were always her favorite" and "She wouldn't like it here anyway." Between his brother and his mom, Danny is getting double teamed out of his own life.
Danny is a beat cop with the Chicago PD, and he spends his days driving the paddy wagon with his partner, Sal (James Belushi). Sal encourages Danny to get out from beneath his mother's thumb, but to little effect. Despite how frustrated Danny has become, he just can't bear the thought of possibly hurting his own mother for the pursuit of happiness.
One night, (while frequenting the above-mentioned tavern with mom) Danny steals a glimpse of the beautiful but sheepish Theresa (Ally Sheedy). It seems that Theresa works at the funeral home painting the faces of the recently deceased, a job that scares off most suitors. Realizing that his time to find love is running short, he decides to take a chance and visit her at work. The result is a charming scene in which he asks her out. She accepts (as long as no one dies) and Danny runs home to tell Mom.
Soon, Danny and Theresa fall in love, despite Rose's objections and interference. Problems arise when it becomes clear to Theresa that Danny will never give himself completely to her until he breaks free from his domineering mother. Danny must decide how important his own happiness is, and hopefully claim a life for himself without losing his mother in the process.
Only the Lonely is a charming, underrated film that everyone can relate to. We've all felt lonely, frustrated, and helpless at one time or another, and this film does well in negating these feelings. The story is sweet and honest, and the issues are universal.
One thing I particularly enjoy about this film, is the thematic idea that there's no time like the present. There is a strong "seize the day" feeling to this film that I appreciate.
Only the Lonely was written and directed by Chris Columbus and produced by John Hughes. It was released as their follow up to the immensely successful "Home Alone", and while it never pretends to be as funny, it's certainly as good-natured and warm-hearted as their previous hit.
The acting is spot on and the casting is wonderful. John Candy, usually known for his zany and overblown characters, turns in a subdued and believable performance as Danny. He plays his scenes warmly and affectionately, and nails the sympathetic nice guy beautifully.
The chemistry between Candy and Belushi is natural and easy going, and their scenes are usually pretty funny. (Ignoring a forced gag where the two try to lower a body bag from an apartment window using a fire hose!) Belushi pulls off a very funny supportive role here.
Ally Sheedy turns in a likable, if not all together memorable performance as the shy love interest, and her scenes with John Candy are always believable.
The scene stealer is definitely Maureen O'Hara who embellishes the ugly qualities of Rose while still remaining somewhat likable. Her amorous suitor, the Greek neighbor, Nick, is played wonderfully by the ever enjoyable Anthony Quinn, and their scenes together are always fun to watch.
I've seen this film a few times in the past year, and it never gets tiring. It's simply a charming film with a good-hearted message to celebrate love, life and purpose.
Secret Subplot: Repeatedly throughout the film, Danny pulls off some larger than life feat through the help of some friends on the force. His first date with Theresa is a picnic out on Wrigley Field where a ballpark employee gives them a private fireworks show. Later, he proposes with the aid of a firetruck ladder outside her bedroom window. And every time he works his magic, he offers this explanation: "Sometimes, it's good to be a cop!" I suggest that all is not Mayberry in the city of Chicago, and that perhaps Danny is abusing his position as the neighborhood peacekeeper. I know, I know. It flies against all the sweet, wonderful lovey-dovey things the movie oozes at every frame, but I'd argue that Danny is a little bit corrupt on the job. Just a tad bit anyway. Besides, the scene where he and Sal hoist a dead body out the apartment window rather than carry the corpse down the stairs further illustrates his ability to scam. It wouldn't surprise me if he helps the inmates smuggle in contraband for a small fee or favor. (Relatively harmless contraband like cigarettes and card decks with naked women on them of course. Danny isn't the kind of guy to deal in narcotics for example. Or is he?)
Thanks for reading and go check out the other participants in D2K-93: THE WIDOWMAKER.
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