On October 19, 1973 "The Way We Were" was first released in theaters. (Cue: "Memories".)
The romance sees Robert Redford and Barbara Streisand as star-crossed lovers, pulled away from each other due to the usually deal breakers -- political convictions, naval service (and, I guess, curly hair?). In the 39 years since its initial bow, even a mention of its title still elicits a wistful "ugh" and a heart-clutch.
But that reaction is practically tepid compared to that of my mother's. When Babs first pushed away Hubbell's golden locks, she was 17-years-old and it has remained her favorite tear-jerker ever since.
Whenever I would remind her that, no, I have not seen "The Way We Were," she would become wild-eyed and throw up here hands. "Oh, my god!" she'd shriek. "We have to see it. We absolutely must. You will love it. Love." (There aren't enough italics in the world to convey her enthusiasm.) It was like that scene from "Sex and the City." All the time.
So, suffice it to say, we never watched the film together. Until now. Yes, it's another installment of my sob-blog! But for this particular rite of passage, my mother will be here, crying to my left. Destiny, here I come.
↧