Awkwardly asthmatic Timothy Bottoms (as Walter Elbertson) goes to Spain on summer vacation. Wheezing on a bike, Mr. Bottoms leaves the trails and hops on a bus tour. He sits down next to attractive older Maggie Smith (as Lila Fisher). Ms. Smith squishes his "Mounds" bar and Bottoms squirts her with some mysterious liquid. Despite an age difference, the pair are kindred spirits, with much in common below the surface. And, as both are sex-starved, a "May/December" romance eventually develops.
The lovers are blissful - then, a tragic secret is revealed...
With director Alan J. Pakula and his co-stars at career peaks, it's surprising to find "Love and Pain (and the whole damn thing)" was not at least a moderate success during its hesitant 1972 release. It's features good performances and pretty Spanish scenery. Apparently, the film was recognized for its relative fault; compared to the output produced by the notable filmmakers, it was uncommonly dull. It is also intentionally interjected with comedy, with Smith sometimes appearing clumsy when she should be staid.
****** Love and Pain and the Whole Damn Thing (4/19/73) Alan J. Pakula ~ Maggie Smith, Timothy Bottoms, Jaime de Mora, Charles Baxter
The lovers are blissful - then, a tragic secret is revealed...
With director Alan J. Pakula and his co-stars at career peaks, it's surprising to find "Love and Pain (and the whole damn thing)" was not at least a moderate success during its hesitant 1972 release. It's features good performances and pretty Spanish scenery. Apparently, the film was recognized for its relative fault; compared to the output produced by the notable filmmakers, it was uncommonly dull. It is also intentionally interjected with comedy, with Smith sometimes appearing clumsy when she should be staid.
****** Love and Pain and the Whole Damn Thing (4/19/73) Alan J. Pakula ~ Maggie Smith, Timothy Bottoms, Jaime de Mora, Charles Baxter