Love Story        

By Tom Keogh

Strife-torn America wanted a meat-and-potatoes romance in the late '60s, and the country embraced Erich Segal's slim, generic-sounding novel in a big way. It did so again for the film adaptation in 1970, starring Ryan O'Neal as a law student who defies his rich and powerful father (Ray Milland) on every issue, including the former's love for a music student (Ali MacGraw). The two marry, start life together...and then the Grim Reaper turns up at the door. Directed by Arthur Hiller (The In-Laws), the film ends up lacking the kind of stylistic boost that might have made it a must-see for the ages. But its faithfulness to the book's uncomplicated and, yes, moving intentions is pretty solid. O'Neal is convincing as a nice guy who's as bullheaded in his own way as his steely father (a nice job by Milland), and MacGraw has a way of getting under one's skin. A viewer just has to try not laughing at the refrain, "Love means never having to say you're sorry."

Academy Awards

Love Story received an Academy Award for Best Original Score (Francis Lai). Love Story also received Academy Awards nominations for Best Picture (Howard G. Minsky - Producer), Actor (Ryan O'Neal), Actress (Ali MacGraw), Supporting Actor (John Marley), Directing (Arthur Hiller), Writing (Best Story and Screenplay based on factual material or material not previously published or produced; Erich Segal).

Share Your Memories!

Is Love Story one of your favorite movies? What do you remember about it? Share your stories (or your reviews) with the world! (We print the best stories right here!)

		Your Memories Shared!

"The best movie of the Super70s a time when life was more simple. A time we could escape and feel like we were part of the characters. Wanting to reach out to Oliver and make him feel better." --Anonymous

"I was born in 1963 and remember my older sister going to see "Love Story" countless times. Then she bought the album (soundtrack) and I absolutely fell in love with it. I know I was very young, but I honestly think that's where I fell in love with Bach and Mozart! The story is simple but oh-my-God so ... sigh. To find love like that would be amazing." --BelleauWood

"After 32 years, I watched Love Story. This time on cable. I cried so much I called the mrs. to come comfort me, but she said "no. Or I'll start crying too." Best of the best when it comes to tearjerkers. 4 stars" --crybaby

"Love Story is the greatest movie of all time. It holds special meaning to me in more ways than I could share. The characters in the book are portrayed very well in the movie. If you have never seen this movie or read the book, you just should. The music by Francais Lai is absolutly beautiful. Erich Segal did a wonderful job and should always be proud that Love Story has touched so many lives." --True Fan

"Can you remember your first date? Love Story was a smaah hit that gripped the nation in 1970. If a movie theatre had two screens, then they were both showing Love Story all day and night. I will never forget seeing the tears of women flowing out after seeing Love Story. That paino medoly is still in my head after 30 years. It haunts me. Love Story is a must see rental for any young couples in love. I just wish I knew where Ali McGraw was right now." --Anonymous

"I was born 9 years later and 18 when I first watch it. But still, it makes my cry like an idiot whenever I see it. McGraw was fantastic." --Kucing_besar

"This is the first time I see this movie and we are en the 2002, can you imagine that. This is the most romantic movie I've ever see. It's also so sad, but teach us that love is the greatest thing in the whole world, I really love this movie." --Lisyros

"Love at it's very best and saddest. Totally a movie classic. No matter how many times I see it will make me all choked up!" --Ratman