Oliver's Story (film)

Oliver's Story is a 1978 romantic drama film and a sequel to Love Story (1970) based on a novel by Erich Segal published a year earlier. It was directed by John Korty and again starred Ryan O'Neal, this time opposite Candice Bergen. The original music score was composed by Lee Holdridge and Francis Lai. It was released by Paramount Pictures on December 15, 1978.

This film's promotional tagline is: "It takes someone very special to help you forget someone very special."

Plot summary

Oliver Barrett IV is emotionally devastated by the death of his young wife Jenny. As he tries to lose himself in his work as a lawyer, the long hours don't ease his pain, especially when he finds that his leftist views conflict with those of the senior partners at the firm.

Oliver's inconsolable grief begins to alienate those around him, at least until he finds new love with Marcie Bonwit, the wealthy and beautiful heiress to the Bonwit Teller fortune. Despite his affection for her, Oliver finds it difficult to leave the memory of Jenny behind, which causes many problems in their relationship.

Location

A number of scenes were filmed in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The Stanley Woolen Mill in Uxbridge, Massachusetts, and other locations in that community were used for this film. Oliver's law offices were those occupied at the time by the New York firm of Davis Polk & Wardwell.

Cast

• Ryan O'Neal – Oliver Barrett IV
• Candice Bergen – Marcie Bonwit
• Nicola Pagett – Joanna Stone
• Ed Binns – Phil Cavilleri
• Benson Fong – John Hsiang
• Charles Haid – Stephen Simpson
• Kenneth McMillan – Jamie Francis
• Ray Milland – Oliver Barrett III
• Josef Sommer – Dr. Dienhart
• Sully Boyar – Mr. Gentilano
• Swoosie Kurtz – Gwen Simpson
• Meg Mundy – Mrs. Barrett
• Beatrice Winde – Waltereen

Production

John Marley did not reprise his role as Ali MacGraw's father from the original. He and Paramount had come to terms on money but not billing; he was replaced by Edward Binns.

Critical Reception

Unlike the original film, Oliver's Story was poorly reviewed and was not successful at the box office. The film currently holds a 20% "Rotten" rating with an average score of 4.1/10 at Rotten Tomatoes.

Soundtrack

Oliver's Story soundtrack was released on vinyl and cassette tape by ABC Records in December 1978.

Side 1:

• "Prologue" – Francis Lai (1:58)
• "Theme from Love Story" – Francis Lai (2:06)
• "Love Theme from Oliver's Story (Oliver's Theme)" – Francis Lai (2:12)
• "Night Drive to Cambridge" – Lee Holdridge (4:35)
• "Oliver's Childhood Room" – Lee Holdridge (1:25)
• "Love at the Red Apple (Oliver's Theme)" – Francis Lai (3:51)

Side 2:

• "Love Theme From Oliver's Story (Oliver's Theme)" – Francis Lai (3:02)
• "Hong Kong Park" – Lee Holdridge (0:53)
• "Tentative Feelings (Oliver's Theme)" – Francis Lai, Lee Holdridge (1:59)
• "Tennis, Jogging, and Singles Bars (Oliver's Theme)" – Francis Lai, Lee Holdridge (2:14)
• "Montage of Moments" – Francis Lai, Lee Holdridge (5:40)

External links

• Oliver's Story at IMDb
• Oliver's Story at AllMovie
• Oliver's Story at Rotten Tomatoes
• Erich Segal Official Website