Second-Hand Hearts

Synopsis

Second-Hand Hearts is a 1981 romantic comedy-drama directed by Hal Ashby, starring Robert Blake. The film tells the story of two damaged yet endearing individuals who form an unlikely bond after a series of misfortunes. Set against the backdrop of small-town America, the narrative explores themes of loneliness, connection, and the search for love amidst imperfection. With dry humor and poignant moments, the movie paints a quirky portrait of flawed characters navigating their emotional scars, attempting to piece together fragmented lives through a chance relationship that challenges their preconceived notions of happiness and companionship.

Cast

• 

  Robert Blake

  Loyal Muke

• 

  Barbara Harris

  Dinette Dusty

• Collin Boone

  Human Dusty

• Amber Rose Gold

  Iota

• Jessica Stansbury

  Sandra Dee

• Erica Stansbury

  Sandra Dee

Reviews

Second-Hand Hearts received a mixed to negative reaction from critics and audiences upon release. On IMDb, the film holds a rating of 4.5 out of 10, indicating largely unfavorable viewer opinions. Metacritic's score is even lower, at 28 out of 100, reflecting generally poor reviews. Many critics noted the film's uneven pacing and a tone that oscillated awkwardly between comedy and drama. Some reviewers appreciated Hal Ashby's attempt to delve into complex character studies and the offbeat humor, but felt the execution lacked cohesion. For example, some praised Robert Blake's nuanced performance but criticized the screenplay for not fully fleshing out its characters or delivering a satisfying narrative arc. Rotten Tomatoes does not have an official rating due to limited reviews, but retrospective assessments generally label the movie as a lesser work in Ashby's filmography, describing it as an ambitious but flawed effort that struggles to maintain audience engagement throughout. The film's quirky style and off-center storytelling may appeal to niche fans of 1980s indie cinema but largely falls short of broader critical acclaim.