Lonelyhearts (1959)

In the bustling world of print journalism, the ambitious yet conscientious Adam White yearns for a chance to scribe for the renowned Chronicle newspaper. His dreams align with reality when he encounters the hard-edged, enigmatic editor, Bill Shrike. The coveted position, however, is not quite the glamorous assignment Adam envisions. He's tasked with penning the Miss Lonelyhearts advice column - a six-day-per-week, 1,000-word per edition endeavour. Unbeknownst to Adam, Bill harbours ulterior motives, weaving an intricate web that entangles his despondent, adulterous wife, Florence. Initially, Adam greets the assignment with scorn, but the desperation echoing from the letters he receives slowly sinks its claws into his empathy. His earnest desire to guide these troubled souls begins to erode his own sanity, casting a shadow over his relationship with his sweetheart, Justy Sargeant. Bill, an insatiable puppet master, prods Adam towards more sensational journalism, urging him to meet one of his correspondents, Fay Doyle. Fay, a melancholic, self-absorbed woman, attempts to ensnare Adam in her web of woes. Adam's loyalty is tested, torn between his commitment to the newspaper and his love for Justy. As Adam delves deeper into the heart-wrenching stories of his readers, he is forced to confront his own hidden past. His confrontation with the disparity between Fay's genuine narrative and her written words prompts a profound introspection. Trapped in a world of despair, deceit, and dark secrets, Adam must navigate the murky waters of his newfound occupation while battling the demons of his own past.

Lonelyhearts is a drama movie featuring Myrna Loy and directed by Vincent J. Donehue.

Lonelyhearts is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Tubi TV.