Since I could not find a youtube video link of Moviedrome presenter Alex Cox’s intro to director Francis Ford Coppola’s experimental 1981 romantic musical drama One from the Heart, I will have to make do with a transcript of it (read here). The episode’s original airdate was August 14, 1988 (read here). While Cox does not hate One from the Heart, he does feel that it’s straightforward love story meshes uneasily with it’s (actually) $26 million budget (he said $25 million), which was spent on lavish sets and dance numbers. At first, I thought he was out of his mind when he dismissed Tom Waits and Crystal Gayle’s songs as awful, but thankfully, he elaborates on this by implying that it is not so much the songs as it is with it’s relationship to certain scenes in the film. Personally, I adore One from the Heart for all the elements Cox sees as drawbacks. Along with Peter Bogdanovich’s At Long Last Love and Martin Scorsese’s New York New York, Coppola’s One from the Heart is a daring entry within the musical genre that (sadly) could have only been made during a period that appreciated such genius whether it be a success or folly – apparently all three of them ended up in the latter category. The period I am talking about here is obviously the New Hollywood era (1965-1983). Hit or miss (and I count myself in the former group), One from the Heart makes Damien Chazelle’s La La Land (with all due respect to him, the film and it’s supporters) look like the bland overrated tripe that it is. If any of you readers are interested in reading my list of my favorite Francis Ford Coppola films, read here.
I do not know what is considered to be the actual original theatrical trailer for it, but here is a youtube link to one of the American ones below
Though it says 2003 on the description, I think the youtube link to this one below may have came much earlier than that
And finally, here is a youtube link to screenwriter Larry Karaszewski’s Trailers from Hell (also read here) commentary for another one below
cinematiccoffee 
Such a great choice, John. I cannot tell you just how much I adore ‘One From The Heart’. It has long been overlooked, usually misunderstood, and seems to have now been forgotten too.
One of my favourite modern American films, and a true gem.
Best wishes, Pete.
I’ve got to see this film.This is the first I’ve heard of it. One thing for sure, it’s going to be interesting. Just the other night I watched The Killing of a Chinese Bookie again. I’ve seen it many times. I happen to be on the side that likes the film, there are plenty who do not, same thing with Electra Glide in Blue and Ulee’s Gold. These films speak very personally to me, but to other’s they shrug their shoulders and say, “Boring, I don’t get it.” I understand that these films aren’t for everybody and even discerning film lovers can hate these films that I love.
I totally agree that One from the Heart is a misunderstood gem. Coppola’s intent was to cast normal looking people as the leading couple whereas their non-married (for lack of better word) partners would be played by more attractive (or at least by comparison) looking people. Aside from the songs, the technical aspects of this film is what was supposed to drive the plot, which was an intentionally routine romance. Anyway, thanks for dropping by 🙂
I love The Killing of a Chinese Bookie as well 🙂 That “boring” response by some people concerning your taste in films is bound to sound similar If I ever get around to discussing the films of Jean-Luc Godard to non-passionate (for lack of better word) viewers of films. Anyway, thanks for dropping by 🙂
Yes, exactly. And Truffaut too. And Terrence Malick, who is heavily influenced by New Wave.
One From the Heart is another film that has completely escaped my attention over the years. Reading the introduction I realised I’d never heard of Zoetrope Studios either. It’s interesting Moviedrome also featured Coppolla’s Rumblefish a small, cheap film Alec Cox found “very satisfying.” Now that’s a film I have seen, so I’ll go and have a look where it features in your Coppola favourites.
Yeah check out One from the Heart because at the very least, you will find it fascinating. Anyway, thanks for dropping by 🙂
I thoroughly agree.. About the film and the songs.
Regards Thom
Glad to hear that Thom 🙂 Anyway, thanks for dropping by 🙂