Rex Harrison Presents Stories of Love (1974)

Rex Harrison Presents Stories of Love Poster

Pilot for a proposed television anthology series with stories about love, either dramatic or comedic. In this pilot, there were three different segments: in the first, a computer falls in love with its programmer; in the second, a World War II vet falls in love with a murderer; in the third, a woman falls in love with a penniless painter.

Introduction
"Rex Harrison Presents Stories of Love" is a 1974 drama anthology movie, directed by Bill Persky, John Trent, and Don Medford. It includes 3 separate stories with the common style of love, all looped by the narrative of legendary actor Rex Harrison. The movie stars Harrison, Lesley-Anne Down, Valerie Perrine, John Beck, Keenan Wynn, and Julie Harris, among others, who bring life to these heartwarming tales. The film is based upon the works of William Saroyan, Damon Runyon, and Irwin Shaw, providing a charming, funny, and poignant expedition of love in its different types.

"The Journey"
The very first story, "The Journey", is an adjustment of William Saroyan's work and stars Lesley-Anne Down as Catherine, a girl who takes an unscheduled trip with her boyfriend, Frank, to invest the day in an attractive seaside village. While driving through the beautiful countryside, Catherine recollects about her dad, a railway brakeman who as soon as took her on a comparable trip when she was simply a girl. This classic journey is filled with the enjoyment of a brand-new love and the bittersweet awareness that Catherine's daddy will never satisfy the male she loves.

Throughout this story, Catherine and Frank explore their budding relationship, opening up to each other about their dreams and fears. In one particularly moving scene, Catherine shares her sadness over her dad's passing and how she should continue to check out the world without him by her side. Frank comforts Catherine and makes it clear that they are on this journey of love and life together. "The Journey" records the tender minutes of a progressing romance against the background of life's inevitable barriers.

"Fleas, Flies, and Friars"
The 2nd story, "Fleas, Flies, and Friars", is based on a narrative by Damon Runyon. The tale follows a scam artist named Melvin Pirelli, played by John Beck, and his girlfriend, Maria, played by Valerie Perrine. Pirelli sets out to recreate the well-known "Our Lady of Fatima" occasion in order to get rich fast. Throughout their quest, they must convince a priest, played by Keenan Wynn, that they are authentic followers. Pirelli deals with unanticipated problems as he ends up being conflicted in between the people's sincere faith and his own greed.

As Pirelli's plan unfolds, he starts to find out the true significance of love and the significance of selfless care. When a little young boy in requirement of a wonder approaches Maria, she tells him about the power of belief and the importance of love to heal and transform. Overwhelmed by the boy's faith, Pirelli is forced to change his ways and really embrace the love and faith surrounding him.

"The Inheritance"
The last story, "The Inheritance", adapted from a work by Irwin Shaw, tells the tale of 2 siblings, Edith and Harriet, played by Julie Harris and Lois Nettleton. They inherit an important painting from their recently deceased mother. The painting holds nostalgic worth for both sisters, and a heated difference occurs over who must possess it.

The sisters at first cling to their shared memories and the painting's symbolic link to the mom they lost. Nevertheless, this attachment quickly turns twisted as the brother or sisters end up being consumed by greed, jealously, and anger. Ultimately, the sisters discover an uncomfortable lesson about the futility of materialism and how love can conquer the restraints of the past.

Conclusion
"Rex Harrison Presents Stories of Love" provides the audience a poignant exploration of love in its different forms: romantic, familial, and spiritual, welcoming them to assess the power love keeps in their lives. With its strong storytelling and stellar performances from the cast, the movie presents an ageless and interesting tribute to the complexities of human relationships.

Top Cast

  • Rex Harrison (small)
    Rex Harrison
    Self - Host
  • Bill Bixby (small)
    Bill Bixby
    William
  • Lloyd Bochner (small)
    Lloyd Bochner
    David
  • Roscoe Lee Browne (small)
    Roscoe Lee Browne
    Mr. Secretary
  • Lawrence P. Casey (small)
    Lawrence P. Casey
    Charlie Simpson
  • Colby Chester (small)
    Colby Chester
    Benton
  • Robert Emhardt (small)
    Robert Emhardt
  • Lorne Greene (small)
    Lorne Greene
    Hercule
  • Alan Hale Jr. (small)
    Alan Hale Jr.
    Walter
  • Fred Holliday
  • Juliet Mills (small)
    Juliet Mills
    Usherette