I Never Sang for My Father
Hackman plays a New York professor who wants a change in his life, and plans to get married to his girlfriend and move to California. His mother understands his need to get away, but warns him that moving so far away could be hard on his father. Just before the wedding, the mother dies. Hackman's sister (who has been disowned by their father for marrying a Jewish man) advises him to live his own life, and not let himself be controlled by their father.
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- Cast：
- Gene Hackman , Melvyn Douglas , Dorothy Stickney , Estelle Parsons , Elizabeth Hubbard , Conrad Bain , Sloane Shelton
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Reviews
By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.
An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.
It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.
The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.
A great film with wonderful performances from Melvyn Douglas and Gene Hackman that displays the relationship between father and son and the difficulties of aging, growing up and moving on. This film echoed several personal things in my own relationship with my father, and the moments in the film felt real to me. Any person who has had to deal with complicated relationships with their parents owes it to themselves to watch this film. I'm only sorry it took me so long to watch it, but given that my parents are entering their twilight years it really connected with me. I can't recommend this film enough for it's acting and truthful screenplay. My only complaint would be the music which seemed dated and obtrusive in places.
I never sang for my father is a great character driven story that will always resonate with me because it mirrors the dynamics of my family. Whenever I watch this movie, it is an out of body experience. I am floating above the characters watching myself, my parent, and my sibling react to the narcissistic sociopath who is disguised as a dad.This is an outstanding movie that one will never forget especially for people who can relate to an overbearing parent who mentally manipulates and abuses their offspring.For those who've have had healthy parent child relationships, you will be able to peer into lives that are unlike your own and it will hopefully give you a better understanding about the human condition.I cannot say enough about this powerful movie. It is one of the best in a lifetime.
as are the performances of Gene Hackman and Melvyn Douglas, who portray an alienated father and son, brought together after the death of Hackman's wife, and as his father is becoming in need of more medical assistance and attention.Anyone who has taken care of an elderly parent may be heartbroken by the performances in this film, as I was. Melvyn Douglas is at once critical, angry and resentful of his son, yet still hopes for his love, in the end. Gene Hackman is torn, whether to sacrifice his life, and ultimately feel better, having done the "right thing" or to marry his new fiancée.Estelle Parsons is always affecting, as she advises Hackman to "live his own life- why bother..." Therein lies the dilemma; people have to sort through issues like this everyday- there are no concrete answers. Highly recommended. 9/10
This '70 drama is very powerful with a towering performance by Melvyn Douglas and an authentic and insightful one by Gene Hackman (right before FRENCH CONNECTION) as his son. Hackman's 2nd nom. after BONNIE AND CLYDE and I wish he'd made more human dramas like this one in the 70's and 80's instead of junk like SUPERMAN, ZANDY'S BRIDE, MARCH OR DIE. Check him out in CISCO PIKE. Estelle Parsons who played Hackman's wife in B&C plays his sister in this and is glad she escaped the clutches of her old man. Fine acting and well-directed.A 7 out of 10. Best performance = Melvyn Douglas (also nominated for Oscar). Nerves on edge and tragedy of aging beautifully told.
