Watch There's Always Vanilla

There's Always Vanilla is a 1971 independent romantic drama film directed by George A. Romero, who is best known for the horror classics Night of the Living Dead and Dawn of the Dead. The film stars Raymond Laine, Judith Ridley, and Johanna Lawrence. The movie explores the life of a young man named Chris Bradley (played by Raymond Laine), who has just returned home after a failed attempt at making it in the big city. He's a musician with big dreams, but he's struggling to find success. Chris reconnects with an old flame named Lynn (played by Judith Ridley), who works as a model and is also struggling to find her way in life. The two rekindle their relationship, but there are complications.

Chris's hippie lifestyle clashes with Lynn's more conservative views, and they struggle to find a common ground. Meanwhile, Lynn's father, an influential businessman, disapproves of Chris and tries to sabotage their relationship at every turn. The couple faces numerous ups and downs, including a surprise pregnancy, and must decide whether they can make a life together despite their differences.

The film takes place in the late 1960s, and it captures the social and cultural changes of the era. There are references to the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the counterculture movement, which are intertwined with the love story of Chris and Lynn. The film highlights the generational divide between baby boomers and the previous generation and shows how difficult it was for young people to find their place in society during this time.

The movie is not as well-known as Romero's earlier horror films, and it was not a commercial success upon release. However, it has gained a cult following and is appreciated by fans of independent cinema. There's Always Vanilla is a departure from Romero's usual horror genre, but it still showcases his talent for storytelling and social commentary.

The film's visual style is minimalist, with a focus on natural lighting and handheld camera work. The dialogue feels authentic and natural, and the performances by the three main actors are sincere and believable. The film's soundtrack features original music by William Loose and a few songs by local Pittsburgh bands, which adds to the film's realism.

In conclusion, There's Always Vanilla is a romantic drama that explores the struggles of young people in the late 1960s. Although it's not as well-known as Romero's horror films, it's still worth watching for its honest portrayal of a tumultuous time in American history. The film's strengths lie in its performances, dialogue, and social commentary, and it's a must-see for fans of independent cinema.

There's Always Vanilla is a 1972 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.1 and a MetaScore of 48.