The Other Man (1970 TV Movie) User Reviews

This movie is on you tube

[salemslot9 · 7/10 · 3 September 2020]

I was looking up Roy Thinnes I noticed this movie was on you tube The twist confused me a bit I'll watch it again in future

Who's there?

[AAdaSC · 6/10 · 12 March 2017]

Neglected housewife Joan Hackett (Kathy) meets playboy Roy Thinnes (Johnny) and begins an affair. She agrees to leave husband Arthur Hill (Paul) and about halfway through the film, the moment comes when she has to carry through her plan. But, hold on, an incident now occurs that changes everything and the film ceases to be a romantic drama and heads into spooky, mystery territory.

The cast are good and Hackett gets the audience on her side. Thinnes, too, has a story to sympathize with. I'm afraid I had to mark the film down because of two things – firstly, the ending which was a cop-out. Secondly, whilst, I didn't guess the final twist, the last segments got rather complicated and left me trying to work stuff out in my head. I think I get it but not too sure. So, pay attention, especially in the last half hour or so. I also noticed that my copy runs for 1hr 45mins but this site lists it as having a 2hr running time. Is there another version out there? My copy has been put onto DVD from a video and the quality is poor at the beginning credits but becomes watchable. Maybe I have an edited version?

Jealous revenge could lead to murder.

[mark.waltz · 6/10 · 19 May 2023]

Too busy for a romantic relationship with wife Joan Hackett, district attorney Arthur Hill basically neglects here, not cruelly, but simply out of ambition for his career. She accepts the attention of a stranger (Roy Thinnes) who comes to her rescue when she gets a flat tire, and soon they are involved. But it's a short term involvement because he's soon murdered, and it turns out that Hill once prosecuted Thinnes for a traffic crime that left someone dead. So now Hackett suspects that her husband may have been responsible, and goes from neglected wife to fearful one!

A pretty generic TV drama with good performances, a bit of suspense and lots of soapy plot twists. It's too bad that Thinnes only has limited screen time and becomes a victim because he's much more interesting than the very staid Hill who seemingly lacks any kind of passion outside the court room. Broadway's Tammy Grimes (the original Molly Brown) is dun as Hackett's advice giving pal, and veteran character actress Virginia Gregg has a great scene that is quite insinuating over the possibilities. Certain elements seem unrelated to everything going on, but for the most part, it's an okay vintage TV movie from the early years of that genre.

This movie is one of my all-time favorites.

[ginalin · 10/10 · 3 September 2000]

This movie has a twist that caught me off-guard. It made me go over the scenes in my mind to see if there were any clues along the way. Loved the gorgeous Roy Thinnes and Joan Hackett's skillful acting. The beautiful, haunting music stays with me as well as the intriguing story.

the movie is one of my favorites

[kimguenot · 27 July 2002]

The music and the theme are one of the most beautiful pieces of music I have ever heard. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, and, I loved Roy Thinnes and Joan Hackett together. I felt like I was falling in love. I so wish I had access to a copy again. I would love to have it become part of my collection.

I'm interested in buying this movie

[CaroleAnn-3 · 10/10 · 19 October 2006]

This movie has remained in my mind for years as one of the best made-for-TV movie mysteries I've ever seen. The acting is superb. I've seen it twice and still am puzzled at some parts. I'd love to have a copy so I can play certain parts over and over again. I am interested in buying a copy of this movie, but cannot find it anywhere.I am wondering if if anyone has any suggestions how to find it? I've tried e-bay, Amazon.com, Internet searches, and am completely frustrated. I've not seen it on Turner Classic Movies, nor on American Movie Classics and I have even put out fliers in our community asking if anyone has a copy.

Harma is a biatch!

[jleon25 · 5/10 · 3 March 2020]

After reading some of the reviews and their emphasis on the story line which is somewhat confusing at first. I take a different view of this story. I see it as a more raw tale about a modern woman cheating on her trusting husband whom worshiped the ground she walked on. Early on, you see his wife having dinner with her monogamous loving husband while her thoughts are basically ridiculing her cuckold husband about her infidelity. She is almost rubbing her promiscuity into him about how proud she was keeping her cheating a secret and with the help of her employees. Meanwhile she was trying to get him to admit if he was looking to have an affair, Next we see her leaving for a trip to Milan, where she probably went to be with her lover again.

This is when the confusing time line jumps to after her death and back at their house when he is getting into an argument with his daughter on what to do with her belongings and this is where the plot reveals her infidelity with a phone call and his access to her laptop. To me, this is where the KARMA comes into play. How properly was her death a reward for her deceptions? We see her lover recount his persistent pursuit of her and how she finally caved in in front of all her factory employees, unless it was another of Ralph's BS story.

Another big slap in her husband's face was the guy she hooked up with. He didn't whine and dine her. He was a pauper, a janitor and he bragged about how she paid is back due bills.she paid for everything including his bills.

This part of the plot made no sense to me, which most other reviewers missed. Her refusal to have surgery to possibly stop the cancer progression. We see her doctor explaining to her husband she declined the mastectomy, I assumed she was dying from breast cancer. Both the doctor and her husband agreed about her vanity by her refusal to have the surgery, was to keep her body intact to her death, even do, in the end, breast cancer ravished the body. My take on her refusal to pass on the surgery was due to her eventual guilt with her betrayal to her loving husband. Hence, Karma is a biatch!

Atmospheric tale of romance and revenge

[WishfulDreamer · 10/10 · 6 January 2005]

Roy Thinnes and Joan Hackett are superb in this 1970 melodrama. The lush settings, the haunting music, and plot twists make it a truly interesting film. I had seen it when it first came out on TV. Once more it aired when I had a VCR, but I did not have a chance to tape it. Would love it on VHS if someone has a copy. Apart from the suspense (which is worked in beautifully) I feel the story is unique, and is pretty much true to the book, MRS. MAITLAND'S AFFAIR by Margaret Lynn. I would say that it was one of the greatly overlooked best films of the 1970's out of movies made for TV. I have given the film a number #10 rating, because it is done with so much originality. There is a true pathos and air of romance which has the viewer sympathizing with the culprit.

Five soap opera plots don't make a good movie

[TeenVamp · 4/10 · 21 March 2023]

Like most 97 minute tv movies this one runs out of steam. It's like 5 daytime soap opera plots made into a movie. Don't you just love the married woman who's husband has given her everything , living in the lap of luxery....only to cheat on him? It's ridiculous that thinks she has the right to ask her gigolo boyfriend to be faithful to her. Then she gets upset that her husband may have lied? Give me a break. Roy Thinnes is always good especially in the 70's but this one started well then ended contrived , lame , and confusing. Thankfully Tammy Grimes role wasn't larger because her voice and mannerisms really irritate me. I'd still like to see any 70's tv movie get a blu ray release with extras though.

My all time favorite made for TV movie

[Robinre36 · 23 February 2005]

My sisters and I have been searching for a copy of this made-for-TV movie for thirty years. It is such an intriguing masterpiece. Joan Hackett and Roy Thiness have great on screen chemistry and we found ourselves drawn into their illicit affair. We never could have imagined the actual outcome of the movie. In fact, my three sisters and I still have our different opinions as to who Roy Thinnes actually was(the doctor or the gangster). The musical score heightens the suspense and the beautiful ocean views certainly add to the romantic aspects of the movie. The site review for this movie is very misleading. I would have created a much better synopsis. I would pay anything for a copy of this movie. The musical score is just lovely and the scenery breathtaking. The ending is, of course, a real tear jerker.

Excellent movie

[moosetales · 10/10 · 4 January 2006]

I first saw this movie at least thirty years ago, and it remains one of my all-time faves! It's a classic - the intriguing plot, great characters, suspense and shocking twist ending (all set against the backdrop of the gorgeous Monterey/Big Sur coast) never get old. Roy Thinnes portrays Johnny Brant, a captivating character that grows more mysterious as his true identity unfolds. The acting is great and believable; viewers get caught up in the web that develops between the workaholic husband, disenchanted wife and the alluring stranger (Thinnes as Brant). I have searched for a copy to buy for years - I guess TV movies don't get released to video, unfortunately. Great movie, see it if you can find it.

This movie is excellent and should be on video. It is intriguing and full of suspense.

[dgdemers2 · 10/10 · 5 September 2004]

I remember seeing this movie 34 years ago and it was full of suspense and twists. It grabs you at the beginning and keeps you guessing throughout the whole movie. I have thought about this movie for the past several years and have checked in video stores to see if it's available, but was never able to find it or anyone who had even heard of it. I think this type of movie is timeless, and I know it would be enjoyed by a whole new generation of movie watchers. I hope this gets on video soon as it would be fun to see if it has the same impact on me as it did back in the early 70's.

It's very rare that a TV movie can make that much of an impression, but this was did and still does after so many years.

I want to see this again

[edward-miller-1 · 10/10 · 3 November 2006]

I was a 20 year old college student living with the folks when I first saw this, and I've never forgotten it. I'm a huge Joan Hackett fan, and this film was perfect for her remarkable talent. I'm so glad to see that so many other people have such a fond memory of seeing this. Naturally, it's not available on any media! It would be perfect to show on Lifetime, but because of its age, they won't. You never see anything there before the mid-eighties. I can still remember what made me watch it when it was first run: Rex Reed reviewed it in The New York Daily News, and he said that it was like a throwback to the great Hollywood films of the forties, and had it been made then, the Hackett and Grimes parts would have been played by Stanwyck and Crawford. Think about that! P.S. So sad that Joan Hackett left us so tragically young.

Fascinating and beguiling.

[babbh · 25 March 2004]

Even though it has been 34 years since I saw this made for tv film, I still think about it. The scenery at Carmel and Big Sur fit the story perfectly with the brooding sounds of surf, wind and storm. Both Hackett and Thinnes were perfect in their roles. I would love to see it again and see if what I remember is the real film and not just selective memory. After reading the cast list, I began remembering more of the film and it's characters. I loved Tammy Grimes in her role--and Arthur Hill was well cast as the career preoccupied husband. The music also sets both the mood and tempo of this wonderful film.Perhaps someone reading this might know how to contact ABC tv and see if a video is a possibility.

Movie of a lifetime

[shawe49 · 10/10 · 1 September 2005]

I have Never forgot this movie. All these years and it has remained in my life. I have looked for this movie on so many sites and stores. If anyone ever reads this and has a copy I will pay you for a copy of it or please let me know where I could find one. This is a movie that should be a Classic Romance known as well as my other favorite, Somewhere in Time. It was truly brilliant. If the right actors would remake this film and give it the Patience it needs, to be the Right acting, It could be a block buster.A Love story as powerful as this should be around for all lovers to see. I remember how sad I was at the ending and it really came as a shock. I believe with all my heart that Johnny really loved the woman and she him. This was one terrific movie and it is a shame that it is not available for us to purchase. Please contact me at [e-mail] - I want to give my thanks to a wonderful lady that responded to my message almost a year later. She had a copy of the movie and was so kind to send it to me. She is a great fan of this movie as I am. With her help, there have been 3 happy ladies to receive these DVDs'. She is waiting for the book that it is based on. I am checking with my local library for it, titled 'Mrs Maitlands Affair, by Margarett Lynn. I am sure it is great also. Many thanks to Julie for her graciousness and friendship. I am your friend always,/ Sharon

Wake Up NBC Universal; Release This Awesome TV Movie to DVD!

[joann-dascenzo · 10/10 · 11 June 2010]

I managed to secure a copy of this movie recently and was totally intrigued by the beauty and excellence of this film (even though my copy was not very good). The haunting music, the mystery, and the romance make for an absolutely breathtaking picture that I still can't believe was "Made-for-TV." The physical location where the movie was filmed is absolutely gorgeous and the chemistry between Roy Thinnes and Joan Hackett is simply splendid! The film moves at a fast pace and the viewer becomes easily entangled in the twists and turns of the plot. It definitely had me sitting on the edge of my seat!! This was the stuff real movies used to be made of and it is a crime that fans cannot purchase a clean, digital copy today. So, please NBC Universal, how about it--have some pity on us and open up that vault; 40 years is an awfully long time to wait!

A beautiful neglected wife finds a lover who gets murdered, by her husband?

[clanciai · 9/10 · 7 September 2019]

This is a very remarkable thriller, for its wondrous cinematography and extremely romantic character, which was very unusual in the late 1900s, and only flourished in films of the 40s. The story is complex and actually does not quite make logical sense, but you forgive this one flaw for the beauty and pleasure of the film, while the thriller suspense actually increases throughout the film to almost reach unbearable tension towards the end. Joan Hackett is irresistible in her beauty from the start, and your heart must be on her side to the bitter end, and the message of the film carried by her makes her triumph in the end, as love always must be victorious. In spite of its flaws, the intrigue is fascinating in its developing compexity, and who would not be sure of the husband as the killer? He loves his wife, and when she becomes involved with a lover, the lover is murdered, and who else would have any motive? Everything points at the husband, who is rather rude at that, and even though he knew about the lover and his gun was used in the murder, he insists on his innocence. No wonder Joan Hackett gets confused and afraid, especially as someone keeps stalking the house...

The Other Man - 1970

[mcannady1 · 10/10 · 10 June 2015]

Movie Girl - Several years ago I was searching in vain for this wonderful film. Not long afterwards, from a reply I had written to a post here, a very lovely and generous lady sent me a copy! In return I sent her the book, Mrs. Maitland's Affair by Margaret Lynn. The film is true to the mystery novel.

This poignant story has romance and pathos. It is set in the Carmel, CA. area and features very lovely settings. The hauntingly lovely music enhances the tale as it advances.

I first saw The Other Man in 1970 when it was new on TV. Sadly, I came in on a scene where Joan Hackett (the neglected young wife of a rising attorney) meets a mystery man, Johnny Brant, who changes a flat tire for her.

In the weeks that follow Joan's character and Johnny meet for a few moments, seemingly accidentally. Soon they are in love. On the day he asks her to leave her husband, murder ensues.

From the very beginning the watcher feels an empathy with the talented and lovely Joan Hackett whose character is very realistic. As expected, she falls madly in love with Johnny, but is eventually sadly disillusioned.

Roy Thinnes as the charming and seemingly distant Johnny Brant is playing a part of his own and does not expect to fall in love with his prey. One can sympathize with his character, even though he wishes to punish someone else for unfairness that ruined his life.

The film is beautifully directed, acted, and from the beginning to the denouement it holds the watcher's interest. The poignant music and all of the talented cast enhance this wonderful story.

I am hoping one day to acquire a very good copy, but am grateful to have the one I finally obtained.

I hope the film will be aired on TV again soon. To my knowledge, it has not been broadcasted on TV since the early 90's. It was already in progress when I returned home from work, so I missed taping it.

great overlooked film

[neideparente · 9/10 · 17 August 2008]

Having seen only once and in the dawn hours, I can't seem to forget this haunting film. A mix of mystery, suspense, and heartbreaking romance it reminds me of Vertigo.The actors, though not that well known are good especially Joan Hackett in one of her best performances.You believe in her, in her love,in her newfound quest for freedom brought by her love, and in the end in her overwhelming pain.The plot is ingenious and compelling and does not stretch credibility. The direction and technical stuff certainly could be better but they do not compromise the overall effect. And it has one message: don't let revenge blind you, you can became its last victim.A real pity it has not been remade, but perhaps it is a period piece better left alone.

The ultimate romantic drama, on TV no less!!

[robert-259-28954 · 10/10 · 26 July 2012]

I can't believe how many decades have passed since I saw "The Other Man" on television. I was even more surprised to realized just how many "baby boomers" like myself actually remember this classic. Not only was I totally surprised by the ending, but the ethereal nature of this Movie of the Week really transcended the genre—I can't agree more with the many people have posted positive critiques about the film here, only to say that I actually found a place online that carries this title!! Just Google "Roberts Hard To Find Videos," and order. For the romantically inclined, this little gem is imminently worth watching. The DVD is $20. I also recall being rather surprised that Roy Thinnes didn't garner more praise for his portrayal as a romantic leading man, but thank goodness we have these fabulous films on DVD for us to enjoy always. UPDATE/WARNING: I just viewed the DVD of this film that I purchased from 'Roberts Hard To Find Videos.' The quality was awful, obviously just taped off the TV with a cheap vid cam, and sent to me by someone named, "Leslie Razo" in Long Beach, CA. However, if you're desperate to see it again, you might have to made do with this terrible copy. Hopefully, if enough people request it, they'll make a quality DVD of this title, one that will actually do it justice:)

superb

[mmccardell · 10/10 · 8 July 2010]

Like most everyone, pretty much the best movie I have ever seen. Incredibly romantic, tense, a thriller..........incredible scenery, music, acting, photography...........

I hope when it was made, it got some sort of a limited national release and not just made for TV......

I have it on video, but alas, its 25 years old or more and is starting to fade......

I have never forgotten the movie and have been to the Carmel area and points south countless times after watching the movie........one of the scenes was filmed at Nepenthe and I go every chance I get...... completely unforgettable.

Joan Hackett was magnificent and made it a point to watch her subsequent work, she passed on much to early.

See this movie if you can somehow locate it on tape..... .

New Movie with Same Title

[clynnwade · 11 September 2009]

Today I read in newspaper that Laura Linney has new movie coming out titled "The Other Man." Could it be true that someone has finally made remake of the wonderful Joan Hackett film of same name? I still remember how good the '70 television movie was; in fact, rather exceptional for its day. Although made for television, perhaps Bravo, AMC, or TCM would consider running it some time. Ms. Hackett was a wonderful actress who was good in everything she did; comedy and drama. I still remember being shocked when I learned she had died at a very young age of, I believe, ovarian cancer. They don't make good movies for television like 'The Other Man' any more. It would take time and money away from reality t.v. productions... wouldn't that be a tragedy. I guess I will have to wait until the Laura Linney version makes it to DVD to satisfy my quest to watch this great story again and again.

Best Movie Ever!!

[LadyIlea · 15 March 2010]

I could have written most of these reviews. I saw this movie originally and have never forgotten it. It grabs the viewer and involves them in the entire movie and I can't even remember the ending correctly. I do remember thinking that I could figure out every plot twist in this movie and every time I was wrong. This is the only movie that I was never able to figure out as it went. I have always been able to pick out the plot twists except in this movie. This has been my favorite movie and the actors and actresses were the best selection. No one could have done any better! I wish I could find this on DVD or even on television again. It just has not been shown often and that's too bad! If anyone finds a DVD of this, I'd like to know where to get one. Thanks, Ilea