Thursday, June 13, 2019

‘Somewhere In Time’ and Its Timeless After Life 1980

'Somewhere in Time': Christopher Reeve & Jane Seymour are at the height of their youth and beauty in this 1980 time travel romance.


Somewhere was a rare movie that was filmed totally on location in the summer of 1979 on Mackinac Island, MI and Chicago. I had just moved to Traverse City, MI from Upper Michigan and everyone agog that Superman himself was making a movie on the popular summer resort island. I heard a few stories about girls going up to the island to catch a glimpse of Christopher Reeve, and maybe more! Traverse City TV movie host Don Melvoin talked about Somewhere in Time non-stop on his show since he had a bit part in a dining room scene as Diamond Jim Brady. This was the biggest movie made in Michigan since 1959’s Anatomy of a Murder, also filmed entirely on location, in Upper MI.
Mackinac Island and its beautiful Grand Hotel provide a dramatic backdrop for 'Somewhere in Time.'

Without spoiling the story, Somewhere in Time begins with college grad Richard Collier (Reeve) celebrating the performance of his first play. At the after party, an aged woman approaches him, and clasps a watch into his hand, saying, “Come back to me.” Eight years later, Collier is a playwright living and working in Chicago. Suffering through a breakup and writer’s block, Richard goes to a Michigan summer island getaway. Feeling a connection there, he sees a photo of a long ago actress that fascinates him. There seems to be clues of a strong connection between him and the mystery woman. With the help of a professor who’s believes in time-travel, Richard seeks to self-hypnotize, to go back in time, and meet his dream girl. Once he goes back to the island circa 1912, Richard indeed meets the actress, Elise McKenna, but finds more than he bargained for.
Christopher Reeve as love-struck Richard travels back in time and finds himself in a romantic triangle.

The first thing I noticed watching Somewhere in Time is how the overall scenario resembles 1997’s Titanic. Think about it: The year is 1912. A struggling artist falls in love with rich dream girl, thwarted by the villainous other man. The leading lady is first presented as aged version of herself, with a plot device piece of jewelry. The love-struck young man dies, but meets the woman in the afterlife. Apparently, I’m not the only one who noticed, because a Google check found many writers who felt the same. Here’s the best Time/Titanic comparison I found: https://dejareviewer.com/2011/09/27/movie-matchups-titanic-vs-somewhere-in-time/

Christopher Reeve's playwright finds himself drawn to a portrait of a long-ago actress, Jane Seymour.

The story is from the novel Bid Time Return, by sci fi/fantasy legend Richard Matheson, whose many stories that were turned into films include I Am Legend, The Incredible Shrinking Man, and Duel. Matheson was inspired by his haunted reaction to a photo of famed stage actress Maude Adams at a museum, while on a family vacation. Matheson used his feelings toward the photo and Adams situation, an actress who had a Svengali-type manager and later became a recluse, as the basis for his novel. The author’s version sounds more in-depth than the film’s story; Matheson also wrote the screenplay to the film.
Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour between scenes, on location at Mackinac Island, MI.

Director Jeannot Szwarc wanted to do this project, and it was his reward for doing such a good job in continuing the Jaws franchise while Steven Spielberg went on to other projects. A solid utility director for Universal, he was disappointed when they allotted Szwarc a smaller budget than originally promised. The upside was that it required some creative thinking, which turned out to work for the film’s advantage.

The realism of the ‘70s filmmaking was still powerful, though waning. Yet, Spielberg/Lucas type blockbusters were taking over. And sleeper films like Somewhere in Time got lost in the shuffle. However, with cable TV gaining prominence in the ‘80s, Somewhere in Time became a staple. This led to its popularity at video stores as a perennial favorite. Today, it is considered a genuine cult classic, with a fan club that meets each year.
Composer John Barry's score made the 'Somewhere in Time' soundtrack an unexpected hit.

An added bonus was the great composer John Barry (of James Bond fame) agreed to compose the score for the small budget film at the behest of friend Jane Seymour. In exchange, Barry took a small fee and a cut of the soundtrack profits. With his original score and use of Rachmaninoff’s “Rhapsody of a Theme of Paganini,” the soundtrack became a surprise hit and backdrop to many a wedding for at least a decade. While not a success at first, Somewhere in Time later reaped dividends for Universal and the makers of the film for decades to come.
Christopher Reeve wanted his post-Superman movie to be deliberately smaller in scale.

Christopher Reeve was keen on making this movie as he wanted a departure from the Superman series, and liked the old-fashioned love story and the chance to be a leading man. Reeve performed at reduced pay, against his handlers’ advice, as they had their eyes on post-Superman salaries.
Well, who wouldn't feel that way looking at Jane Seymour closeup for the first time?

Jane Seymour later commented that no one seemed to believe in Somewhere in Time except the people actually making the movie. The studio and critics gave scant attention and initially Somewhere came and went, and an actors’ strike prevented the stars from even promoting the film.
Christopher Reeve, as Richard, in his modern day life.

Aside from the fanciful romantic story and the lovely location, the cast gives Somewhere in Time its suspension of disbelief.
Christopher Reeve is a bit much as the boyishly enthusiastic playwright besotted with the memory of Jane Seymour's Elise. Reeve's actually better in the dramatic sections, as his character becomes desperate to make the fantasy a reality.
Jane Seymour, as Elise McKenna, star of stage and gilded cage.

However, Jane Seymour is quite good as Elise McKenna, the star in a gilded cage. If Seymour didn’t live up to the reality of Reeve’s fantasy, this film would fall apart. Jane Seymour is a more capable actress than I remember. The fact that Jane is a classic beauty also helps a great deal. In another era, Seymour would fall somewhere between Gene Tierney and Vivien Leigh in their period films. I forgot how lovely Jane was, as opposed to later; while still attractive, Seymour became fashionably thin and a bit overdone style-wise, a bit like Susan Lucci. In Somewhere in Time, Seymour radiates old-time movie glamour, warmth, intelligence, and charisma.
Christopher Plummer as the supercilious villain, Robinson.

Though Somewhere focuses almost exclusively on Reeve and Seymour, and their characters’ romance, they get able support. As Elise’s manager, Robinson, Christopher Plummer always made a better villain than leading man, and he’s perfectly cast here. While you hate him, Plummer skillfully creates empathy for losing his prized possession to young upstart Reeve.
Teresa Wright, '40s favorite from 'Mrs. Miniver,' 'The Little Foxes,' and more, as the housekeeper of the secrets.

There is also ‘40s star Teresa Wright as the older Elise’s faithful housekeeper. As Arthur, the bellhop, Bill Erwin is a familiar face who has appeared in over 250 movies and TV shows. Susan French, as the elderly Elise, was a stage actress who got into films in her ’50s! And Fargo’s William H. Macy made his film debut as the theatre critic in Somewhere’s opening scenes.
Susan French and Jane Seymour as the older and younger Elise McKenna in 'Somewhere in Time.'

Somewhere in Time was special for Christopher Reeve. Aside from Reeve’s belief in the film, which was validated by its belated success, during filming the actor found out that he was going to be a father for the first time. Also, Reeve loved his time on Mackinac Island. From his 1998 biography, Still Me: "The location quickly cast a spell on our entire company. The real world fell away as the story and the setting took hold of us. I've rarely worked on a production that was so relaxed and harmonious. Even the hard-boiled Teamsters and grips from Chicago succumbed to the charms of the island and the mellow atmosphere on the set."
Jane Seymour recalls Christopher Reeve, a licensed pilot, kept a plane and planned day trips from Mackinac Island.

The Somewhere in Time fan club meets annually for a convention each October on Mackinac Island at the Grand Hotel. Fans dress like the characters or the period, special events are held, and of course, a big-screen showing of the film. Jane Seymour has made several appearances there, as did Christopher Reeve. One touching visit came after his horse riding accident. From his wheelchair, Reeve acknowledged what the film’s lasting legacy meant to him, while not living in the past. Reeve’s speech was touching then, but since he passed away in 2004 at age 52, Christopher’s comments are especially moving now.
Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour are pretty lovely young lovers!

Somewhere in Time isn't a classic by any means, but a deliberately old-fashioned movie that's genuinely sweet, bolstered by a skilled cast, led by two gorgeous young stars at the start of their fame. A love story with Michigan’s beautiful Mackinac Island as backdrop, Somewhere in Time is place you will want to stay forever should you ever visit.
"Come back to me."


29 comments:

  1. My daughter and I attended the Somewhere in Time weekend just after Christopher Reeve's accident. His comments brought tears to just about everyone. The weekend is expensive but so very worth it. We dressed in period dress, the food was marvelous, the walking tour was fantastic and meeting the people involved in the production was wonderful. Can you tell we had a once in a lifetime experience? We have an entire scrapbook of all the pictures we took. If you ever have the opportunity to go, do so.

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    1. How lovely! I did see the clip on YouTube of Reeve after his accident, speaking. It was quite moving. And while, as a MI resident, have been to Mackinac Island a number of times, not to the Somewhere in Time Convention. Sounds like a great experience! Cheers, Rick

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    2. I first fell in love-knowingly in watching this movie!! A deep feeling of warmth after watching it. Truly enjoyable. And I didn't miss not having popcorn nor a drink. Attention grabbing movie.

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    3. Don't you love movies that make you feel that way? Cheers, Rick

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  2. I couldn't agree more great Review...! I would like to go to one of these Reunions on the Island having been by there once in my travels when in the Air Force. I rem. that description also in my book copy of Chris Reeves "Still Me"

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    1. Thanks, and glad you made it to the Island. The Reunions sound like great fun. You can find the video of Reeve speaking at one of those gatherings on YouTube. It's very moving, especially given his situation at the time. Cheers, Rick

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  3. I have been in love with this film from the very start. I still have my VHS copy of the film and my Album; yes vinyl. But I thought this book was written before the Cameron Titanic version. So for me the comparison does not matter. I love both of these films. But I am in to the whole time travel love story theme!

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    1. That's cool that you still have your originals! What I meant by comparing Somewhere to Titanic, is that Somewhere in Time came first, and seems an inspiration to the later. I am really jazzed to read the book of Somewhere this summer! Cheers, Rick

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    2. There are a few versions of Titanic that precedes the latest one.

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    3. Hi,
      Referring to the latest version of Titanic, in terms of plot structure. Thanks for writing, Rick

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  4. It's lovely to see a man who appreciates this film as well. I would disagree that the relationships are a true triangle - Robinson is invested in Elyse's career. Not in the romantic possibilities, and his scene with Richard on the lawn makes that clear. As much as I love the film, there are parts I find a little disturbing today - for example, Richard disregarding period morés and very quickly getting physical with Elyse. Indeed the whole Hollywood trope that because the leading man is interested, the disinterested leading lady will eventually succumb to his charm. Having said that, the chemistry between Jane Seymour and Christopher Reeve is unmistakable. One only has to look at the stills you included, and it's still palpable for all the world to see. Despite owning VHS and DVD copies, this is one film that I watch only rarely, because it's that special to me, and I want it to remain special. I saw it in its initial cinema release on my 21st birthday, and the emotions that the film is still able to stir in me reminds me why I cherish it so much.

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    1. Great comments! Did you read that Jane appeared at the recent Somewhere in Time weekend on Mackinac Island? Next year is the 40th anniversary, I wonder if she'll appear for that? Some great YouTube clips of her and Chris at previous Somewhere weekends...
      Cheers, Rick

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  5. I am genuinely moved by this sweet love story. It was shown on TV here just after its release in 1980 and all of us siblings loved it then. After almost 40 years, I recently got the media file of the movie along with sub-titles saved on my laptop and enjoyed it thoroughly. Yes, all the actors performed too well in this movie and the locations are classic. It's a must see for anyone who has been madly in love and gone through heart-break!

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    1. Thanks for your thoughtful comments, this movie has a fascinating story, I think! Rick

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    2. You welcome. In 1986 when I was in my teens, I had a crush on a female cousin. I went partially insane and walked on foot for about 7-8 kilometers from home to the best hotel in the city where we used to have our family get-togethers. In that period of insanity I imagined I had a history in that hotel akin to the experience of Richard Collier :) The movie was shown on television in Pakistan 4-5 years earlier. This was the impact of the movie on my mind though I experienced much pain of 'loss of love' in the later years too.

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  6. I was 11 when Somewhere in Time came out. While I didn't see it, I took note of it because I was a fan of the Superman movie. Recently it was on cable and I tried to give it a go. I suspect I am in the minority with my viewpoint, but rather than seeing Somewhere In Time as a beautiful romance, I see the a story about a sad man who does not actually go back in time, but rather keeps himself in the grip of a self induced hypnotic illusion until he dies from dehydration. Everything he believes he experiences in 1912 was a figment of his imagination.

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  7. Interesting! I've always wanted to read the novel from this by Richard Matheson. Have you read it, by any chance?
    Rick

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  8. I am so excited!! I will be attending the Somewhere in The weekend in a couple of weeks!! I cannot wait! I saw this movie when I was 9 and loved it ever since!! ❤️

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    1. That's fanastic! I hope Jane Seymour makes it for the 40th anniversary of Somewhere in Time. Enjoy, Rick

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  9. Just found your review and loved reading about this movie, which happens to be my favorite of all time! Loved the way you incorporated each of the characters into your writing as I, too, believe everyone in this film deserves accolades. Every time I watch it I see something I hadn't noticed before. It truly is magical.

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    1. Thanks, I had fun writing this one, back when I was recovering from knee surgery!
      Cheers, Rick

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  10. I met a girl in September of 1980 , she was 16, and I was 20. We went to a movie theatre in October and seen "Somewhere in Time" . I can still remember the seat location we sat in, even thou the Theatre is no longer there. I have now been Married to that Girl for 38 years. That Movie has always had a special place in our relationship. Doug

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    1. That is wonderful!I hope you both have many more years together, Rick

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    2. BTW, did you and your wife ever make it to Mackinac Island? It's beautiful! Rick

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  11. I was introduced to this movie by my late wife. This was one of her favorites & began a lifelong appreciation by her for Jane Seymour. We as a family visited Mackinac Island in July of 2009..she enjoyed walking on the porch of the Grand Hotel & seeing the gazebo from the movie, as well as buying some books related to the film.
    5 months later, she was gone. I will always think of her whenever watching this timeless movie.

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    1. I'm sorry for your loss, Scott, but glad you have beautiful memories, such as your trip to Mackinac Island. Cheers, Rick

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    2. So happy for your great LOVE!!!!!

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