Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #17756 in VHS
• Released on: 1999-01-12
• Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Formats: Color, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of tapes: 1
• Running time: 95 minutes

Customer Reviews

WONDERFUL, A MUST SEE !
Having read recent newspaper accounts of the repeal of the remaining anti-miscegeneration laws in various states. I wanted to see more about the case which began it all. The State of Virginia V Loving. With a name like that the State of Virginia did not really stand a chance. But it would take another six years after Richard and Mildred Loving married before the United States Supreme Court overuled the State of Virginia's viciously racist findings to allow the Lovings to finally cohabit and return to their waiting relatives in Virginia.

This wonderful film is about a genuine love story in which the Lovings a interracial couple from Virginia marry in segregation era America and feel the full impact of the old slavery laws come hurtling down on them. On their wedding night the Lovings are dragged from their beds and thrown unceremoniously into jail. Richard Loving is freed a day later because he is white but his wife has to languish in jail for another seven days before she is informed of what "crime" she has committed.

The Lovings are invited by the judge to accept jail or be banished from the state for 25 years. After choosing the latter the Lovings find it impossible to shake off the homesickeness for old friends and family and decide to secretly return home. The remainder of the film is dedicated to their participation in the Civil Rights movements, the birth of their children and the legal battle which ensues with the State of Virginia. The Lovings legal representation was rpovided free by the American Civil Liberties union after Milded Loving wrote to President John F Kennedy. This scene is particularly moving.

The leads are played by the beautifully sensual Lela Rochan ( Waiting to Exhale 1995) and the gorgeous Timothy Hutton (The General's Daughter (1999) This stunningly sexy couple who are instantly likeable and engaging , really bring the Lovings story to life. However this is a Hallmark film on a smallish budget so no one should expect riveting car cashes or lenghty court room speaches. The focus is always on the emotional chemistry between the couple and how their right to live without being harrassed by the state of Virginia or separated from their extended family is a matter of personal dignity and essential to the integrity of American society. Watch out for some original archival footage from Martin Luther Kings legendary "I have a Dream" speech.

Follow-Up to Another Review
In another review, someone asked what happened to the real Mr. and Mrs. Loving. I have read several newspaper/magazine about the Lovings. Richard Lovings was killed in a car accident shortly after he and Mildred were able to return to Virginia permanently. Mildred became blind in one eye as a result of the accident. Mildred is still living in Central Point, Virginia (the town where she and Richard grew up and met), but she does not want to be bothered by the media. For the reviewer who said the movie did not explain why Mildred and Richard got together, I have an answer to that as well. The town where the Lovings grew up had been racially mixed for decades, and had a long history of peaceful, friendly relationships between blacks and whites, as well as many interracial relationships. So, a white man and black woman becoming romantically involved (and the white man respecting and not using the black woman) was nothing unusual.

Where are the "real" Mr. and Mrs. Loving?
I have seen this movie. I thought it was wonderful!!! Thumbs up to the actors Lela Rochon and Timothy Hutton for bringing such an emotional story so realistically to life. I cried during several scenes when I first saw the movie. I don't think the chemistry would have been the same with any other actors. What I have wondered about since seeing this movie, is where are the "real" Mr. and Mrs. Loving today? Are they still together? If so, do they still live in VA? Where are their children? Does anyone know? I think they should do a documentary on the "real" Mr. and Mrs. Loving.