Theme Song: A bunch of violins.
Interesting Dated References: Jogging/marathons being new/interesting; A “new age” character who repeatedly references meditation, primal scream therapy, spiritualism, etc.; Having curb feelers installed on your modest sedan.
Social Context: This movie is written by men, from the perspective of men, and for consumption by men. Longing for extramarital affairs, fixation on younger women, unhappiness with a spouse, disappointment with kids – it’s all here.
Summary: Through lazy voiceover, we’re introduced to Walter Burton (Bob Newhart), a corporate cog nearing 50 who enjoys running with his two buddies in their home base of San Francisco. Walter feels underappreciated at home, so he fixates on an attractive woman named Barrie (Leigh Taylor-Young) during a 10k race.
After several uncomfortable encounters, they start a relationship, and she asks him to run the New York marathon with her. Walter agrees, but after arriving, Barrie has to drop out due to injury.
This leaves Walter and his two friends to finish the race. There’s Bud (Dick Gautier), the over-50 womanizing ladies’ man, and Saul (Herb Edelman), the aforementioned new-age spiritualist. Throughout the marathon, Walter realizes it’s his wife that he loves. Luckily, his wife, who was previously unsupportive of his marathoning, decides to leave a business trip early to be at the finish line so they can embrace.
It’s simple enough, but holy shit is this movie a dud. There are attempts at slapstick that are miserable, attempts at funny impromptu banter are stiff, and an overall “boys will be boys” attitude permeates the whole thing. Walter is clearly initiating the affair with Barrie and everyone just shrugs. When Walter hugs his wife at the end of the race, Barrie literally just smiles, shrugs, waves and walks off.
Worth Mentioning:
– There is a trove of ‘80s-era New York footage during the marathon.
– Dick Gautier’s character Bud appears to be wearing the thinnest nylon material for shorts. You can see his dick flopping around during most of the running sequences, and there’s definitely no underwear involved. Bold choice.
– John Hillerman plays Greg, Walter’s wife’s boss, who tries to woo her into bed on various business trips.
Poster and Box Art: Because of Newhart’s popularity, this made-for-television movie was released on home video. The box makes the movie look a little more serious than it is.
