Hello - I believe the film was released in Europe first before being released in North America in 1981. Actually, there are two versions of the film with the European version clocking in at about six minutes longer with more dialogue and scenes that are crucial to the flow of the story were cut out to make the film more accommodating to the North American audiences. Why that happened is anyone's guess because once you see the European version, the North American version is completely unwatchable. It's so much better (the Euro version) and makes one appreciate the film even more so.
shareThank you Excalibur.I remember the film fondly.I thought the sensitive subject was well handled.And both Burton and O'Neal gave honest performances.
shareYou're welcome and thanks for acknowledging my answer to your inquiry. I agree with you in the matter of the sensitive subject - it was handled very well by the late, great film director, Jules Dassin and the producers. They avoided certain pitfalls. Although not as complete as the novel, as films never are but the premise of the original story, A Lesson in Love, was respected by Thomas Hedley with his screenplay. It didn't become some cheap smut-fest which could've easily happened had it been done by someone with less of an artistic vision. I think the film is quite intriguing and doesn't deserve the fate its been handed.
Jules Dassin was an American by the way. A lot of people tend to think he was from France or thereabouts abroad. He was born in New York and passed away at the age of 96 in March of 2008 while living in Greece. Circle of Two was the last film he worked on.
I could have sworn CoT was covered in Playboy magazine's "the year in film, 1980" issue (w/ photo of topless O'Neal), and that usually covers American releases.
Can't say for sure, as I didn't see it until today on YouTube.