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TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS:
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(All times Eastern)
TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS:
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(All times Eastern)
"On Valentine's Day" is the central film in Horton Foote's semi-autobiographical trilogy that also includes "Courtship" and "1918." It is a nearly verbatim retelling of his stage play "Valentine's Day," and the sets and costumes beautifully transport the viewer back to the days of homefront World War I. Foote's central characters, newlyweds Horace and Elizabeth Robideaux, are acted with what might be termed "British" sensitivity (high praise!), and even his subsidiary characters are fascinating -- particularly Uncle George and Cousin Bobby. Though leisurely (some might say "stagy") in director Ken Harrison's affectionate realization, "On Valentine's Day" remains a gripping narrative. In the context of the filmed trilogy, it becomes much more: a shattering experience peopled by some of Horton Foote's most indelible characters.
Chein is a city boy who moves with his cousins to work at a ice factory. He does this with a family promise never to get involved in any fight. However, when members of his family begin disappearing after meeting the management of the factor, the resulting mystery and pressures forces him to break that vow and take on the villainy of the Big Boss.