‘Lonelyhearts': Unraveling Secrets of the Heart
NR | 1h 40m | Drama | 1958
Robert Ryan stands out in films with his clear, powerful voice, and intense presence. When he's paired with other performers, there are moments when he he's matched, even balanced. '
In 'Lonelyhearts' (1958), he's paired with Montgomery Clift, another heavy-hitter, though of a completely different stripe.
William Shrike (Robert Ryan), in 'Lonelyhearts.' (United Artists).
Adapted from Nathanael West's 1933 novel, 'Miss Lonelyhearts,' and later a 1957 stage play, the film simplifies the title but keeps much of the existential despair and social critique intact. Clift plays Adam White, a young journalist scraping by for a shot at a job in major media.
Hungry for a Better Life
White stakes out a bar where he hopes to run into people who work for the Chronicle, a major newspaper that's headquartered nearby.
He strikes gold when he meets Florence (Myrna Loy), who happens to be the wife of William Shrike (Ryan), the paper's editor-in-chief.
Adam White (Montgomery Clift) and Florence Shrike (Myrna Loy) meet at a bar, in 'Lonelyhearts.'
United Artists
Shrike soon shows up at the bar and interprets his wife's actions as flirtatious with White. Despite a rather conflicted first meeting, Shrike offers White a job.
When White shows up the next morning, he discovers to his dismay that he's been assigned to the titular, 'Miss Lonelyhearts,' an advice column, instead of something he considers to be real writing. Desperate since he intends to marry girlfriend Justy Sargeant (Dolores Hart), he takes the position.
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Justy Sargeant (Dolores Hart) and Adam White (Montgomery Clift) are in love, in 'Lonelyhearts.'
United Artists
Shrike treats cynicism like an art form and condescension like sport; he delights in watching White sink under the weight of desperate letters from the hopeless and heartbroken. He dares White to actually meet one of the column's correspondents, Fay Doyle (Maureen Stapleton). This creates a brewing storm that ripples through White's life and rattles the lives of everyone around him.
Hidden Secrets
,
Long Monologues
Unfortunately, the movie retains much of the stage play's talkiness, for better or worse. Nowhere is that more evident than in Ryan's role. Every time he shows up, you can practically set your watch for a lengthy monologue—philosophical, cynical, and often laced with contempt for humanity. He also doesn't spare his long-suffering wife, whom he hasn't quite forgiven for an old affair, despite her regrets.
Ryan's performance, however, keeps things engaging. In lesser hands, the part might've sunk the film under the weight of its own verbosity. Instead, Ryan brings a sharp intensity to Shrike, making his scenes work. I found myself sighing 'here we go again' with a half-smile, not dreading the routine but recognizing it as part of the film's rhythm.
Clift holds up better than expected, especially considering this was one of his first roles after the 1956 car accident that nearly ended his career. While his reconstructed face shows subtle signs of strain, most notably a stiffness around the mouth that occasionally affects his diction, he still radiates sincerity.
Clift was nearly 40 when the film was released. Though his frame and posture give him a slightly fragile appearance, the dynamic works well against Ryan's larger, more imposing presence. The contrast between the two men—Clift's quiet vulnerability and Ryan's commanding cynicism—adds a noteworthy dynamic to the film.
In some ways, 'Lonelyhearts' reflects its lead actor, Clift: a little wounded, a bit uneven, but quietly affecting. It's not a polished film nor a particularly brisk one, but it has a thoughtful core.
Beneath its drawn-out dialogue and moody tone lies a meditation on loneliness, redemption, and the challenges faced when trying to connect with others. Stick with it, and it offers a modest but meaningful payoff.
'Lonelyhearts' is available on Amazon, Hoopla, and Tubi TV.
'Lonelyhearts'
Director: Vincent J. Donehue
Starring: Montgomery Clift, Myrna Loy, Robert Ryan
Not Rated
Running Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Release Date: Dec. 26, 1958
Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5
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