Moment by Moment * (1979, Lily Tomlin, John Travolta) – Classic Movie Review 13,824

The 1979 younger man, older woman American romantic drama film Moment by Moment stars Lily Tomlin and John Travolta.

Writer/ director Jane Wagner’s 1979 film Moment by Moment stars Lily Tomlin and John Travolta.

Moment by Moment proves a bad moment for the then hot young star John Travolta as a sexy layabout who has a fling with an older, estranged wife (Lily Tomlin). John brings Lily back to life but can’t do the same for the film.

This romantic drama is written and directed by Tomlin’s friend Jane Wagner, who deservedly took the flak for the clichéd script and risible dialogue. To be fair, Travolta remains likeable and the opening courtship section is pleasant. Travolta wanted to make the picture after seeing Tomlin’s solo stage show.

It was much derided and its badness has led it to have some minor camp value as an object of ridicule.

Shot in Malibu, California from April to July 1978, it was made by Robert Stigwood’s RSO Records company and released by Universal Pictures on December 22, 1978. It ended Travolta’s three-film contract with producer Robert Stigwood following Saturday Night Fever (1977) and Grease (1978). So third time unlucky then. Nevertheless, it cost $8 million and earned $11 million at the box office, so it probably didn’t lose money.

Yvonne Elliman sings the title track.

© Derek Winnert 2025 – Classic Movie Review 13,824

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