Pat Neal Is Back (1968) User Reviews

The Subject Is Patricia Neal

[wes-connors · 5/10 · 22 September 2011]

This is a short film promoting actress Patricia Neal and her comeback appearance in "The Subject Was Roses" (1968). Born in 1926, Ms. Neal became a stage, then a screen actress during the 1940s. She was also known as Gary Cooper's young lover. After that ended badly, Neal focused on better roles, both on and off screen. Her stature grew until winning a shelf full of film awards for her excellent performance as Paul Newman's sexy middle-aged housekeeper in "Hud" (1963). She was in demand as an actress throughout the 1960s, but took time out for children when… suddenly, in 1965, she suffered a series of strokes...

Neal was not expected to ever "act" on screen again - if she was lucky enough to recover at all. Her strength, determination, and complete recovery was amazing. "The Subject Was Roses" revealed Neal was in top form. It is a little disheartening to see her smoking so many cigarettes; it did cause more pain in subsequent years, but she lived a long life anyway. Written and directed by Edward Beyer, "Pat Neal Is back" has some good "behind the scenes" moments showing Neal, veteran Jack Albertson, and newcomer Martin Sheen working on their film characterizations. The men had created their roles on Broadway.

***** Pat Neal Is Back (1968) Edward Beyer ~ Patricia Neal, Martin Sheen, Jack Albertson, Ulu Grosbard

Promotional Short

[boblipton · 4/10 · 29 January 2020]

Patricia Neal, Jack Albertson and Martin Sheen rehearse for the movie production of THE SUBJECT WAS ROSES.

In 1965, Pat Neal suffered a series of strokes that put her in a wheelchair. Her career, it was believed, was done. Yet through hard work,Miss Neal made a full recovery. Now looking much older than her 42 years - her smoky voice and dark looks had always given her a mature look - she talks about the movie she is working on.

Miss Neal would be nominated for her role in this movie. She had won for HUD five years earlier, and would continue working for another four decades, before dying in 2010 at age 84.

Martin Sheen, who played her son in this movie, may be more familiar to the modern audience. He appears briefly