Wanting to do more for the war effort, concert pianist, Felicity Crichton (Margaret Lockwood), purposes to leave her career behind and take a position with the RAF WAC's. In the physical exam required for admission to the corp, it is discovered that the fainting spells she had been having are not due to nerves as she had thought; rather, they are indicative of a fatal heart condition, resulting from her childhood battle with scarlet fever. According to her doctor, death is inevitable...and not far off. Wanting to enjoy every single minute of the few months she has left to live, Felicity journeys to the English coast, taking on the name Lissa Campbell for anonymity.
Also visiting the English coast is Kit Firth (Stewart Granger), a former RAF pilot no longer able to serve, due to an optic nerve injury which has left him with a prognosis of blindness. Although a surgical procedure could repair the damage, the odds aren't in Kit's favor, so he has refused the operation, a decision reinforced by his childhood friend, Judy (Patricia Roc). One of the few people aware of his condition, Judy is secretly in love with Kit and for that reason, views his impending blindness as a good thing, as it will keep him dependent upon her.
Though Lissa and Kit fall in love, in typical melodramatic fashion, neither will reveal their condition to the other. Not wanting to burden one another, they vow a "no strings attached" kind of relationship, which means their love may not even survive the short time they could have together.
Though not spectacular, this film is well worth watching. It is a bit on the slow side, but the story is sweet, Stewart Granger is incredibly handsome, Margaret Lockwood is lovely, and the music is beautiful. Definitely, for me, an enjoyable, 3-star viewing experience.
Love Story is out on DVD and available through Classic Flix. It is also available in its entirety on YouTube.
Happy viewing!!
