Alec Baldwin reprises a role he originated in Craig Lucas's off-Broadway smash (which later had a Broadway run without him) in this touchingly romantic, funny and underrated fantasy. He falls for a woman (Meg Ryan) at first sight and marries her but on their wedding day an elderly stranger wanders into the reception, kisses the bride and trades bodies with her. Once Baldwin figures out that something is amiss with the Mrs., he must track down the old man, in whom resides the spirit of his true love. This is a beautiful allegory about the nature of love and the commitment to give oneself in sickness and health, for better or worse, to achieve a true meeting of the spirits. Prelude to a Kiss was directed with a light touch by the late Norman Rene, with strong performances by Baldwin and Ryan.
Synopsis
Peter (Alec Baldwin) and Rita (Meg Ryan) follow their whirlwind courtship with a storybook wedding, though Rita has those nagging doubts every now and then. After the ceremony, a mysterious elderly man appears and asks to kiss the bride. It is this kiss that sends the two lovers on a magical journey that they will never forget, and which puts their love to the test by unknown forces. Directed by the late Norman Rene, who directed the Oscar nominated LONGTIME COMPANION. Based upon the play by Craig Lucas.
Peter Hoskins (Alec Baldwin) and Rita Boyle (Meg Ryan) meet at a party, and it is practically love at first sight. After a whirlwind courtship. they decide to get married. At their wedding, an old man (Sydney Walker) wanders in and kisses the bride. Suddenly, Rita's body is occupied by the spirit of the old man, while Rita's spirit is consigned to the old man's body.
On their honeymoon Peter senses that something is not quite right about Rita. It is inexplicable to him that he could have been so mistaken about her. Gone is the Rita with whom he fell in love, his soul mate replaced by a virtual stranger housed in Rita's body. It is from this premise that an allegory on love flows beautifully throughout this film and serves as an insightful commentary on the nature of true love.
When Peter finally is able to figure out what has happened, he contrives to find away a way for Rita to come back to him as she was. You see, he does not love the "new" Rita. As lovely as she is, she is not the Rita with whom he fell in love. It is now the old man with whom he has an affinity. It is the old man whose company he now enjoys.
What happens and why certainly gives the viewer food for thought as to the nature of true love. Very well acted by Alec Baldwin, Meg Ryan, and Sydney Walker, this is a utterly charming and touching romantic fantasy. The strong supporting cast of Patty Duke, Ned Beatty, Stanley Tucci, and Kathy Bates serve to round out this excellent and entertaining film
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