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Christopher Reeve, Romantic Superhero

© Jen Davis

A few years ago, I was lucky enough to attend an event at which Christopher Reeve was speaking. When he came onstage, everyone in the packed arena listened in rapt attention. I remember thinking, he really is Superman. He's holding the entire audience in the palm of his hand.

Like most people, I was introduced to Christopher Reeve when he portrayed Superman in 1978, and in its sequels. I thought he was excellent as the Man of Steel. But by far, my favorite of his movies was, is and remains "Somewhere In Time" (1980).

Christopher Reeve plays Richard Collier, a young playwright who becomes entranced by an old portrait of a young woman. After doing some research, he learns the woman is Elise McKenna, an actress who worked early in the 20th century. He also learns she is the mysterious woman who gave him a beautiful pocket watch and asked him to "come back to her" after his first play opened as a college student, a scene that takes place early in the movie. At the time, he was mystified by her gift and words, but he becomes increasingly convinced that he could travel back in time to see her again. Without giving away the entire plot, I'll just say that love always finds a way.

Christopher Reeve is the ideal leading man in this movie. Not unlike his fame-making role of Superman, as Richard he is strong, handsome, and willing to go to any length to be with the woman he loves. Ironically, this was supposed to be a "go-between" movie for Reeve, in between "Superman" and "Superman II," but to his fans it has stood the test of time just as well as the blockbusters. He reportedly turned down the lead roles in "American Gigolo" (1980) and "Body Heat" (1981) to make the film because he believed in the story. As Elise McKenna, the only word fit to describe Jane Seymour is luminous, and together she and Reeve make one of the best on-screen couples of all time.

It would be remiss to talk about "Somewhere In Time" without talking about the soundtrack. The haunting themes by John Barry add to the romance of the film. The music almost becomes a separate character because its presence in the movie is so important. "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini" is easily one of the most widely recognizable pieces of music in the world, and has been used in other movies as well, such as "Groundhog Day" (1993). This soundtrack is a must own CD.