Montgomery Clift is a thoughtful soul and a writer looking for a job. He goes to great lengths to meet Robert Ryan who owns a newspaper, but learns Bob is a hard cynic and not very likable, therefore Bob has a very certain opinion about people like Monty. He hires him as a dare to make good, placing him in charge of a new column, "Miss Lonelyhearts." At first, one thinks this is ideal for someone with Monty's characterization, but soon it becomes apparent that his affection and empathy for his readers are too much for him to bear, when he knows he can't really help them. In a rare case, he actually meets one such poor soul (Maureen Stapleton, who gives a very memorable performance), but finds there is more to the story then her letter. Bob's wife Myrna Loy takes a liking to Monty right away, this sentimental and sensitive young man, and Bob's treatment of Myrna is awful and Bob is a complete jerk. (Unfortunately, Ryan was always typecast as these types of short-tempered bigots, and his performance is too convincing, despite the fact he was a sweetheart in real life, as Ida Lupino says.) What becomes of those he can't help? What becomes of Monty and his fiancée, when he feels inferior and inadequate to his job and life? This is a very intelligent and deep study of people. People are three-dimensional and complex. All the stars give outstanding performances, making this worthy of your time to see over and over. It needs more than one viewing to understand and enjoy, much like most people.
Review of Lonelyhearts
