That Cold Day in the Park (1969)

That Cold Day in the Park (1969)

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“I saw you from my apartment; I’ve been watching you in the rain.”

Synopsis:
When a wealthy spinster (Sandy Dennis) invites a shivering young man (Michael Burns) she sees in the park over to her apartment, a bizarre relationship quickly ensues.

Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:

  • Michael Murphy Films
  • Obsessive Love
  • Psychological Horror Films
  • Robert Altman Films
  • Sandy Dennis Films

Review:
Robert Altman’s final early feature before his breakthrough success with M*A*S*H (1970) — after helming The James Dean Story (1957), The Delinquents (1957), Countdown (1968), and quite a few TV episodes and industrial flicks — was this adaptation of an unpublished novel by Peter Miles, about a lonely woman whose concern for a bedraggled young man she sees outside her apartment window:

… turns into a most unusual series of events and circumstances. To the immense credit of the screenplay, we are kept on our toes throughout, sincerely wondering where in the world things will lead — and it’s most often not where we expected.

Dennis seems perfectly content simply caring for Burns, not minding too much that he is completely mute; indeed, this provides the perfect opportunity to bare her soul.

Horror-like elements are introduced from fairly early on (about 25 minutes in), when Dennis first locks Burns into his room:

… though as soon as he easily slips outside the window, we breathe a sigh of relief for him. We quickly realize, however, that he is not at all what he seems — or what Dennis believes him to be.

The mystery continues, as we’re introduced to Burns’s sister (Susanne Benton) and her boyfriend (John Garfield, Jr.), and learn why he was out there on that bench during that rainy, cold day.

Suspense continues, and Altman’s confident hand with his camera and actors ensures we are kept engaged — up until the disappointing final five minutes or so. Watch for Michael Murphy in a bit part as a man who helps Dennis procure services in a seedy area of town:

… and Luana Anders — from Dementia 13 (1963) — as a prostitute.

Notable Performances, Qualities, and Moments:

  • Sandy Dennis as Frances
  • Laszlo Kovacs’ cinematography

Must See?
No, but it’s strongly recommended for one-time viewing. Listed as a Cult Movie in the back of Peary’s book.

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One thought on “That Cold Day in the Park (1969)”

  1. Rewatch 1/29/24. Not must-see. As posted in ‘Revival House of Camp & Cult’ (fb):

    On a cold and rainy day, Frances Austen (Sandy Dennis), a reclusive virgin sheltered from the sexual revolution happening outside her door, suddenly becomes obsessed with an enigmatic 19 year-old boy she sees sitting on a park bench. Inviting him into her apartment to be bathed and fed, Frances’ repressed fantasies soon violently boil over into a dangerous and disturbing desire to keep the boy in her clutches… no matter what.

    Even for me, this movie is a little too weird… as in, too dull. I kept thinking, ‘If you’re gonna be *this* kinky, why are you still holding back?!!’

    An announcement of a UK release of the blu-ray touted a ‘complete’ 114-minute version that restores deleted material. Meanwhile, IMDB states the film is 113 minutes. Whoopee! A WHOLE ADDED MINUTE!!! 😉

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