It Couldn't Happen to a Nicer Guy
When Harry Walters runs out of gas, he gets picked up by a beautiful young woman. But when she pulls a gun on him and orders him to take his clothes off, Harry puts up no resistance and is sexually assaulted. He reports the incident to the authorities, but they either don't believe him, or, if they do, can't understand why he would consider it a crime - a reaction he also gets from his friends and family.
Insights
Plot Summary
A successful and seemingly content advertising executive finds his life unraveling when he is diagnosed with a terminal illness. Facing his mortality, he begins to re-evaluate his relationships and career, leading to a series of impulsive decisions and a confrontation with his own past. The film explores themes of regret, midlife crisis, and the search for meaning in the face of death.
Critical Reception
This television film was generally well-received, particularly for Kirk Douglas's central performance. Critics noted its surprisingly frank exploration of serious themes within a made-for-television format, though some found the pacing uneven.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised Kirk Douglas's powerful and nuanced portrayal of a man facing his mortality.
- Appreciated the film's willingness to tackle mature themes for television.
- Some found the plot predictable or the tone inconsistent.
Google audience: Audience reception is not widely documented.
Fun Fact
Kirk Douglas, who was already a major Hollywood star, took on this television film role, which was less common for actors of his stature at the time, signaling a shift in the television industry.
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