
Chris & Don: A Love Story
2007, Documentary, 1h 30m
36 Reviews 250+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Chris and Don paints an affecting, enlightening portrait of a one-of-a-kind love affair. Read critic reviews
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Where to watch
Chris & Don: A Love Story Photos
Movie Info
This poignant documentary presents the story behind the real-life romance between lauded writer Christopher Isherwood and his considerably younger partner, Don Bachardy. Not even 20 years old when he meets Isherwood, Bachardy becomes a respected artist, thanks, in part, to his lover's support. An openly gay couple during an era when homosexuals often remained closeted, Isherwood and Bachardy face plenty of challenges, but they see each other through hard times with commitment and love.
Cast & Crew
James Berg
Host
Host
John Boorman
Host
Host
Paul Bowles
Host
Host
Don Bachardy
Host
Host
Ted Bachardy
Host
Host
Katherine Bucknell
Host
Host
Critic Reviews for Chris & Don: A Love Story
Audience Reviews for Chris & Don: A Love Story
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Jun 16, 2013I really don't like the stereotypes, but what more could have been expected in emotionally hobbled earlier eras? Sad and uplifting at the same time.Christian C Super Reviewer
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Jul 13, 2010More than anything its just a sweet story about two people terribly in love with each other. Without overstating it, the film shows that all people regardless or sex, class, race, or sexual orientation all go through the same things in relationships. I would have liked a more in depth portrait of Isherwood, but still the film is adequate.Alec B Super Reviewer
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Mar 29, 2009This was a very well-made documentary but I did feel a bit uncomfortable about Chris and Don's relationship - not so much the age difference itself but the fact that it began at 16 and 46.Sunil J Super Reviewer
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Jun 15, 2008[font=Century Gothic]"Chris & Don: A Love Story" is a touching documentary about the decades-long relationship between writer Christopher Isherwood(1904-1986) and Don Bachardy who met in 1952 when Bachardy was only 18 and stayed together until Isherwood's death. While not always monogamous, they were more importantly open in showing their love for each other. Even while Bachardy imitated his lover's accent or mannerisms, he developed a career on his own as a portrait painter of the famous, most of whom Isherwood had introduced him to.(Bachardy grew up as a starstruck child in southern California.) As with any relationship such as this with a large age difference, I think it is only natural for there to be a large degree of cultivation, expressed in an introduction to a previously unknown world and ideas.[/font] [font=Century Gothic][/font] [font=Century Gothic]Most of their story is told by Bachardy who keeps active with his painting but there are also interviews with experts and notables including Leslie Caron, John Boorman and Liza Minnelli.(Isherwood's most famous work was "The Berlin Stories" which was adapted into the movie "Cabaret." Not surprisingly, Michael York reads selections from his diaries.) There is also archival footage, recreations, animation, and most especially home movies which are incredible in not only capturing the two men together, but any number of celebrities they encountered, most notably in the behind the scenes footage of "The Rose Tattoo."[/font]Walter M Super Reviewer
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