Posts from ethanedwards in thread „Only The Lonely (1991)“

Only the Lonely romantic comedy-drama film
written and directed by Chris Columbus.
It starred John Candy, Ally Sheedy, Maureen O’Hara and Anthony Quinn.
The plot is similar to the earlier award-winning film Marty.

Great Film and lots of fun,
with the late John Candy, being a great support
to Maureen, whom he respected.
Also good performances, from other
stars of past and present Anthony Quinn,
James Belushi and Macaulay Culkin

User Review

John Candy In His Best Role... More Serious Than Usual
18 September 2004 | by hokeybutt (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) s

Quote

Probably John Candy's best role on film... not an all-out comedy laugh-fest as most would expect... it's actually a kind of sweet, sentimental story (somewhat influenced by the classic film/play "Marty" starring Ernest Borgnine) about an aging bachelor cop (Candy), his overbearing mother (Maureen O'Hara, just as sassy on screen as in her heyday) and the plain, young mortician with whom he falls in love (Ally Sheedy). Yeah, right... Ally Sheedy is "a little plain"... just like she was in "Breakfast Club". Why, oh why so they always have to cast these drop-dead gorgeous movie stars as "plain" people. (Michelle Pfeiffer in "Frankie and Johnny"... anyone buy THAT one?) Anyway, Sheedy and Candy do have a sweet chemistry together... the movie is a very NICE movie... there is a little bit of a dramatic subtext that could have been explored a little deeper... but the film chooses to keep the tone light... maybe *too* light. Several scenes of Candy imagining terrible accidents happening to his mother due to his absence seem a little too "cute-sy"... but I guess they didn't want to freak audiences out by getting too realistic.

Information from IMDb

Plot Summary

Cop big Danny, falls in love and gets engaged to Theresa.
Although they sneak around, behind his mother's back,
he can't help, but worry about her!
Putting pressure on the ensuing romance.
Written by ethanedwards

Full Cast
John Candy .... Danny Muldoon
Maureen O'Hara .... Rose Muldoon
Ally Sheedy .... Theresa Luna
Kevin Dunn .... Patrick Muldoon
Milo O'Shea .... Doyle
Bert Remsen .... Spats
Anthony Quinn .... Nick Acropolis
James Belushi .... Sal Buonarte
Joe Greco .... Johnny Luna
Marvin J. McIntyre .... Father Strapovic
Macaulay Culkin .... Billy Muldoon
Kieran Culkin .... Patrick Muldoon Jr.
Allen Hamilton .... O'Neal
Teri McEvoy .... Susan Muldoon
Bernie Landis .... Larry
Les Podewell .... Jack
John Davis Chandler .... Tyrone (as John Chandler)
Martin Fisher .... Chess Player
Timothy O'Meara .... Cop
James 'Ike' Eichling .... Cop
James Deuter .... Waiter
John M. Watson Sr. .... Leo
Dick Sollenberger .... Suit Salesman
Doyle Devereux .... Tuxedo Salesman
Clarke Devereux .... Tuxedo Salesman/News Vendor
Michael W. Nash .... Crazed Prisoner
Porscha Radcliffe .... Halloween Bum
Brittany Radcliffe .... Halloween Witch
Marlon A. Morris .... Cop Friend
Jesse J. Donnelly .... Policeman
Sandra Macat .... Stewardess
Rick Le Fevour .... Hoodlum (as Rick LeFevour)
Mahlon Sharp .... Tommy Bones
Tony DeGuide .... Chicago Cop (uncredited)

Writing Credits
Chris Columbus (written by)

Produced
Tarquin Gotch .... executive producer
John Hughes .... producer
Hunt Lowry .... producer
Mark Radcliffe .... co-producer

Cinematography
Julio Macat

Trivia
This was Maureen O'Hara's first feature film role since Big Jake 20 years earlier. However, (with the exception of three tv movies) she never acted in another feature film after this.

The first date picnic at old Comiskey Park was filmed not long after the final baseball game was played there on September 30, 1990. The new Comiskey Park (now known as U.S. Cellular Field) can be seen across the street from the old park in the establishing shot. Demolition of old Comiskey Park began in April of 1991.

Chris Columbus wrote the script with actress Maureen O'Hara in mind for the role of the mother. Once casting had begun, he insisted on having O'Hara play the role and began a search for her. What he didn't know was that she had long since retired and was living on St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands. Knowing her brother Charles B. Fitzsimons was still in the movie industry, Columbus contacted him and had a script sent. O'Hara's brother then sent the script to her and said, "This you do!" After reading the script herself, Maureen contacted her brother and said, "This I do!"

Maureen O'Hara refused to sign the movie contract, though she loved the script, until she met co-star John Candy. Fortunately the two of them instantly created a strong rapport and she hastily signed on the dotted line.

The producers of the film did not include a trailer on location for Maureen O'Hara in their budget. John Candy was furious that the producers were showing someone of her stature such disrespect he gave her his own trailer. The producers finally caved in because they couldn't have Candy, the star of the film, without his own trailer.

The part of Doyle was originally meant to be played by Roddy McDowall.

Memorable Quotes

Filming Locations
1152 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, Illinois, USA (as Hotel Roosevelt, lowering the body out the window)
212 S Halsted St, Chicago, Illinois, USA (Dianna's restaurant)
3365 N Clark St, Chicago, Illinois, USA (O'Neill's tavern)
930 W Roscoe St, Chicago, Illinois, USA (Danny's house)
Amtrack Railroad Station - 598 Dey Street, Niles, Michigan, USA (last scene)
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Clark St & Roscoe St, Chicago, Illinois, USA (opening crane shot under el tracks)
Comiskey Park I - 324 W. 35th Street, Armour Square, Chicago, Illinois, USA
Niles, Michigan, USA
Oak Brook, Illinois, USA
Omni Ambassador East Hotel - 1301 N. State Parkway, Near North Side, Chicago, Illinois, USA
Roosevelt Rd & S Wells St, Chicago, Illinois, USA