Only the Lonely

Only the Lonely is a 1991 American romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by Chris Columbus, produced by John Hughes, and stars John Candy, Maureen O'Hara (in her final film role), Ally Sheedy, Anthony Quinn, and James Belushi. The film is a comedic take on the premise established in the 1953 television play Marty and the 1955 film Marty, while the title comes from the song "Only the Lonely" by Roy Orbison. The story follows a bachelor police officer who is looking to settle down and start a family with a mortuary beautician, while coping with his controlling mother who wants him all to herself. The film was met with mixed reviews. Plot Danny Muldoon, a 38-year-old police officer and member of the Chicago Police Department, lives with his controlling Irish mother Rose Muldoon. A lonely bachelor, he falls in love with Theresa Luna, an introverted girl who works in her father's funeral home. On their first date, they have a picnic on Comiskey Park field. Dating becomes difficult as Rose fears Theresa is trying to steal her son away. Danny's brother Patrick tries to convince him to remain unmarried and move to Florida with their mother to take care of her; Salvatore "Sal" Buonarte, one of Danny's married friends and a fellow officer, advises him not to settle down just yet, as he did. Danny begins to feel guilty about his relationship, especially towards his mother. This leads to his interrupting dates with Theresa to check on her.