Poseidon-3 Review of A Sensitive, Passionate Man

A Sensitive, Passionate Man (1977 TV Movie)

Harrowing glimpse into the personal destruction of a man.

[5 September 2006]

It's fascinating to look back almost thirty years to see the way male and female roles were handled at the time, both on screen and in real life. This arresting TV-movie examines a marriage that starts out as loving and solid, but is undone by the demon of alcoholism. Doubtless, the fact that this was adapted from a book aided the film-makers in presenting a solid story with plenty of detail. Janssen and Dickinson play an upper middle-class couple with two young sons who enjoy an almost idyllic existence of tennis, cocktail parties and family life in their attractive home. Unfortunately, Dickinson begins to notice that Janssen has trouble putting the bottle down. He has even begun to slip booze into his breakfast regimen. His slide into alcoholism is puzzling since they seem to be leading a charmed and fulfilled life and are surrounded by adoring friends. Dickinson knows that there's real trouble when she accidentally discovers the reason behind Janssen's despair, but she's practically powerless to do anything about it. Everywhere she turns, she's either pooh-poohed, discounted or dismissed thanks to her reduced social and legal standing as a housewife, making it extremely difficult for her to correct the situation or even to extricate her and her children from it! Meanwhile, what started for Janssen as a destructive habit has now morphed into a life-threatening illness. Dickinson, an actress who was often noted more for her fairly wooden performances and stellar legs in the 50's and 60's really rises to the occasion here. She convincingly portrays the concern, despair and heartbreak of watching a loved one unravel, yet never loses her attractiveness. Janssen is extremely authentic (perhaps too authentic, considering the way he was rumored to imbibe in real life) and his scenes are difficult to endure at times. This was a physically, as well as emotionally, challenging role for him. The viewer knows what he needs and knows where he's headed, but, like Dickinson, can only stand by and watch. This couple has tremendous chemistry and commitment to the work. Potentially amusing scenes such as Dickinson being knocked into the pool while wearing a flowy 70's top or Janssen rolling around on the floor or the ground retain their horror thanks to the earnestly sober work by the pair. Even so, Dickinson is able to slip in a tiny bit of jaded humor as in her handling of an amorous garage mechanic. Mostly, though, the film consists of increasingly tense episodes allayed occasionally by peaceful plateaus. This is not an easy film to watch as there is a sense of drowning or dread hanging over it. It pulls no punches and refuses to sugar coat the situation. This only makes it's message more powerful. It's important to note that the makers didn't dream up some perky, bright ending. Several seasoned TV actors round out the cast such as Venture and Costello as married friends of the couple whose assistance can only stretch so far. Playing Janssen's secretary is Princi, who would later forge a career in daytime television, most notably as a replacement Dorian Lord on "One Life to Live". Unfortunately, Emmy voters couldn't find spots for the deserving leads in the 1978 ceremony. They both deserved at least nominations.