Studious, lonely and awkward straight A student and cellist Jeremy (an excellent and engaging performance by Robby Benson) meets and immediately falls head over heels in love with shy and sweet new girl in school Susan Rollins (a fine and captivating portrayal by the radiant Glynnis O'Connor). Writer/director Arthur Barron tells the simple, yet touching and compelling story with great heart and sensitivity, placing the key emphasis on the tremendously appealing lead characters. Benson and O'Connor do stellar work in their roles: Benson projects a winningly quirky and gawky charm as Jeremy while O'Connor brings a beguiling delicate grace to the part of Susan. Moreover, the chemistry between Benson and O'Connor is wonderfully warm, affecting, and utterly convincing (the fact that they were both actual teenagers when they did this film gives the picture a substantial amount of genuine credibility). Their one big love scene is exceptionally tender and special. The couple's dates are likewise delightful, with the horse racetrack date rating as a definite highlight. Sturdy supporting turns by Len Bari as Jeremy's brash and outgoing best friend Ralph Marzoni, Leonardo Cinimo as Jeremy's stern, demanding, but helpful cello teacher, New Wilson as Susan's decent hard-working dad, Chris Bohn as Jeremy's hard-nosed father, and Pat Wheel as Jeremy's preoccupied mother. Paul Goldsmith's pretty grainy, yet slick and agile cinematography offers plenty of nicely gritty shots of the New York City locations. Lee Holbridge supplies a jaunty and melodic score. The tragic ending is a real heartbreaker. A poignant little winner.
Review of Jeremy
