hdavis-29 I first saw this film in its theatrical release in Toronto. I knew it was a pretty special movie back then. We talked about it with our friends, and then it quietly slipped away, replaced by more recent fare. Years later I found the video tape on a table for $5 and I bought it, remembering that I had liked it ten years earlier. This time around I liked it even more and began to re-appreciate how special some of the performances were.Now, 15 years later, during a purge of video tapes, I've rediscovered DESERT HEARTS. I find I like it even more this time. Frankly, I couldn't care less about gay politics. I acknowledge that North America (the US and Canada, anyway) hasn't been real great in dealing with minority groups (race, religion, sexual orientation) during the past century. But I don't even see this film in terms of sexual politics. It's just a great love story dealing with the painful steps it takes to cross over any barrier. The sexual tension is palpable. Ms. Charbonneau is both gorgeous and a natural actress. The scene in the hotel room where she waits in bed for Helen Shaver is just spectacular. The supporting cast and the settings are also excellent.I like the vintage music (when is the last time you heard Johnny Cash sing "Get Rhythm" on a soundtrack?) My one criticism concerns the abrupt fade-to-black style at the end of each brief scene. For me, it got in the way of the story telling and continuity.Although I've discounted politics in writing this review, I have to admit that DESERT HEARTS was surely a brave film in its time. Maybe in this time, too. Kudos to those involved for taking those risks.

moonspinner55 Solid lesbian-themed film from Jane Rule's book "Desert of the Heart" has an unusual ambiance and compelling desert locales. Set in Reno in the 1950s, Audra Lindley plays a salt-of-the-earth type who runs a ranch for women preparing their divorces. Prim and proper boarder Helen Shaver quickly becomes curious over sexy, smoky hellion Patricia Charbonneau, who enters the film driving in reverse down the wrong side of the road. A balky pace and several odd directorial touches detract, but the modestly-produced picture is frequently intriguing and absorbing. The love scenes are tasteful, while Charbonneau steals much of the acting thunder with a terrific performance. Not a landmark in gay cinema, but a step in the right direction. **1/2 from ****

gaea1969 great movie The acting is first rate as is the entire production,miss shaver is hot in this one,this was one of the first lesbian movies my second choice of lesbian movies would be the hunger, if your a fan of(Catherine Deneuve). also reminds me of me and my girlfriend whom is 10 years younger than i am shes a English teacher and I'm a artist she also thinks i look like h shaver everything is spot on in this movie pretty convincing ,they sure did a nice love scene.The book by Jane Rule is called "Desert of the Heart." both the book and the movie are good. Desert Hearts is basically a love story. It was the first true lesbian love story certainty this movie is the most influential lesbian movie so far i give this movie a 10 out of 10 buy the DVD

hale_goodfellow I love this movie. I can't remember the first time I saw it (probably in college in the late '80s), but I've kept coming back to it over the years. The movie definitely stands on its own, but I was also drawn to read Jane Rule's book, "Desert of the Heart," upon which the movie's based. In the book, Reno (and the desert around it) are as much a principal player Cay and Vivian. Time, heat and wide-open desert give the story a gravity and sad emptiness the film doesn't quite capture, and Rule's writing is really a quite beautiful and multi-layered affair. But the movie does a wonderful job of juxtaposing the carefree passion of young, unattached Cay with the stifling oppression that Vivian longs to divorce. In early 60s USA, Reno is a perfect frontier town for reinvention of self. And the sex is hot.