The Way We Were - Deleted Scenes

[@collenekennedy]

That scene of her in the car should have never been cut. This film could have gone so far beyond the love story if it were edited differently & we would've all still loved it!

[@rockylps9999]

It’s also at USC, not UCLA

[@michaelg-ux1mo]

@collenekennedy Yes. The scene in the car and Katie learning from Hubbell that Frankie rolled over, apparently due to jealousy over Hubbell cutting in on their dance. Sheesh, like Frankie ever had a chance with Katie in the first place!

[@imshooshy]

Wow, knock me over with a feather...those scenes change everything! I wish they had been kept in the film.

[@mspinkytee]

I agree with Barbara, it never made complete sense to me why they broke up. It seems that Katie was the type to forgive an affair. But if he would of left those scenes in, it would of made more sense.....Also wondered why he did not keep up with his daughter once they split.

[@jazznpercy]

+mspinkytee He did not keep up with his daughter because he was the type of person who cannot be really intimate with anyone. He prefers to hide behind his smile and charm and not get close to people. It's the same reason - at heart - why he left Barbra. If their breakup had really been about her politics or his affair, he would have kept up with his daughter. He never remarried either - another sign that it was the kind of person he was on the inside. She was passionate about people and politics and life. He was always aloof. To me, the deleted scenes would have muddled things. There's nothing in those scenes that I didn't already understand without them.

[@fredaroberts9790]

I also wondered about so much, yet the baby he walks away with no child will never know his baby girl.He was no that big of an A$$ to be sure.

[@nancyhey1012]

Between his refusal to stick by Katie and defend her when she and her friends were being harassed by HUAC, and his not wanting to be a part of his daughter's life, I found it hard to admire Hubbel as a character. I think she forgave the affair, which was just a one-night stand, but there were deeper personality problems that made them incompatible. She was also willing to give him up for the sake of his career, because she knew that her political activities would hurt his career. You can agree or not with her political beliefs, but I think you have to admit in many ways she acted more nobly than he did, and made more sacrifices for him than he did for her.

[@glamdolly30]

@@nancyhey1012 This is an excellent post, I agree wholeheartedly!

[@m.e.d.7997]

My guess is he never told the new wife. And it was a different time.

[@GroovyShelly]

4:50 I love Pollack. A brilliant artist but the decision to cut out the scene explaining that Franke McVeigh informed on Katie and the subsequent scenes about her being "subversive" was a huge, huge mistake. It explains why Bissenger was prepared to fire Hubbell. Without it, as it ended up looking as though the director just didn't like Hubbell's screenplay. In this case, Streisand is right. They didn't break up over an affair. They broke up because of their individual perspectives on honor, politics and integrity vs. compromise.

[@RedKresnik11]

Shelly Goldstein Is... is that really how others viewed it? I never saw it like that...

[@jazznpercy]

+Shelly Goldstein I never saw it as them breaking up over an affair. The affair was incidental. If it was the affair, Katie would have been leaving him. He left her. Bissinger wasn't happy with the screenplay. Hubbell hadn't adapted from writing a novel to writing a screenplay. There were numerous scenes about that. You have it exactly right: "They broke up because of their individual perspectives on honor, politics and integrity vs. compromise."

[@jazznpercy]

+Lucas Chermont McCarthy pressured everyone who was accused of being a communist to name other people who were communists. That was called informing. It was considered to be a cowardly thing to do but some people did it to save themselves.

[@norrieanthony5056]

+jazznpercy good explanation

[@salicemccool9268]

+Shelly Goldstein If you or anyone else might explain, please - why does Streisand feel, do you think, that without those deleted scenes the audience would think they broke up because of the affair? I always thought (knew) that it was due to just what you state. I'm also confused about what Hubbell is "saying" to Katie in them. He says a divorce wouldn't solve things, and denies - sort of - wanting her to inform - ?

[@jgjazzman]

Totally, 100% with Barbara on this one. Much as I loved the movie, those two scenes would have given it much more meaning and substance.

[@afterthestorm9355]

Indeed!

[@rickgerrard8922]

These scenes tell a different film, in some respects. Granted, you could read into it without them...but this makes it more blatant and complete. Wonderful acting.

[@davefuller3311]

As far as wishing it hadn't been cut, because in my opinion it contains some of Barbra's BEST acting, it's the argument over going to Washington scene. It's less than 1 minute. "Now you've married one and she's going to have your baby and that is not where we started". Pollack should've kept that in.

[@mikesterSTLMO]

Barbra was right (about certain deleted scenes). I too always thought the reason for their break up was unjustified, baseless, and just sort of never fully explained. NOW I get it.

[@blessed7927]

Yep. Would have been great about the subversive part but in a way it made me look into the film more and I still felt he was weak and that was probably the gist anyways

[@cindymills9340]

I really agree with Barbara, it really did need those scenes! With the technology we have today, they should recut it!!

[@wotan10950]

Cindy Mills I don't think Streisand would ever re-edit another director's movie. As a director herself, she has said that she ultimately has to respect what the director chooses to show, despite her own preferences.

[@nylorij-Lori]

@@wotan10950 True. Sydney Pollack is gone now. So, that’s that. The movie will never be released with the inclusion of those two scenes.

[@bingovegas4867]

Do you? Well i agree with Barbra!

[@EmilieReneeRicordeau]

I dont understand how anyone could ever say that Barbra was ugly, she's unbelievably gorgeous..

[@ElectedOfficial1]

Emilie Renee that was Barbra's feeling more than anyone else's that she was ugly and plain looking.

[@susieq8424]

She really is unbelievably gorgeous! I don’t care about the haters or what other people say. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

[@glamdolly30]

@therese fassie No, Streisand isn't pretty - she's beautiful. Her facial features are classic and well balanced, her face has symmetry. It is a classically beautiful face. Who cares about pretty? Pretty is 'My Little Pony' and Snow White and pink cup cakes. Pretty is ordinary - Streisand is extraordinary. And those eyes of hers, they have such fire, WOW!

[@tru853]

I agree she is gorgeous

[@gaiac1979]

cuz she doesnt fit ideal beauty standards. her face isnt seen in hollywood

[@lisamartin5811]

She is beautiful.Hollywood was scared of her because she was and still is so intelligent,beautiful passionate and a powerful woman. The directors are so scared of women who have these amazing traits.

[@terfar5195]

Joke!!

[@linadjokic270]

Those two scenes definitely clear up the story and give it a higher meaning. It is still one of my favourite films.

[@sign543]

One of the secrets that makes a great actor different than a mediocre is exactly what Streisand said at the beginning...the camera picks up when you’re talking...it picks up the truth. When you watch Meryl Streep or Jack Nicholson or Daniel Day Louis...or Streisand, they have this uncanny ability to speak volumes with expression, eye movement...just a subtle change in an eyebrow while delivering a line changes everything. I think Streisand picked this up in her watching of films as a teenager. She got it...and wanted to do it herself. I think she was a natural at it. I think it came easily to her. Watch any of the real emotional scenes in this film....like when she’s just had the baby, she’s sitting in bed, he’s trying to make small talk...and it cuts to her face, and only her eyes show. Her expression is perfect for what is being felt. She didn’t even have to talk. Nicholson talks about this...about how acting is in the subtle movements of a hand across a face...the brushing of bangs away or swiping your cheek. He does that kind of thing a lot in his acting.

[@ThePolka]

I saw this movie for the first time, last night, on TCM, and its been with me all day, trying to figure out What this movie was doing to me. And, at 4pm, I figured it out. Forget the setting, forget the political dialogue. This is a timeless story of two people who desperately want to be together, she more so then him, but the who they are keeps getting in the way and finally, they are older, with a child, and they know it was all a tragic dream, scattered with misty water colored memories. Probably, an all time great movie.

[@crisguia]

I think he wanted to be with her as much as she wanted to be with him but he just didn't realize it until he had lost her. She clearly managed to move on so well while he was just making do without her. She was the one who pushed him to try to be the best he could be, but when they parted, he gave up trying for the best. I love the it's the woman who's shown as the strong one while the man, played by Redford so believably, was rather weak, not really fighting for what he wanted. I love Streisand and Redford together so much!.

[@eldiran2]

+Erik Raichle See my reply above. I think TWWW is not simply about '2 people' at all, but about 2 Ideals in the early years of America's growth: 'The Way WE Were'. THAT is why it is so affective, despite its minor flaws.

[@ThePolka]

I just watched it again, last night. I now believe one of the things that had a powerful influence on me was the song. What a beautiful song. In fact, when I go to the Don Cesar hotel to dine during the week, the piano player, Butch, begins playing the song when I go into the lounge. It still has a beautiful effect on me. Once again, a truly great movie.

[@catherinejoannides2229]

It was so exciting to be an extra in the movie. That movie had an effect on so many people. Everytime I watch a scene, it makes me sad, because I was only 30 yrs old at the time. I dont know where the time went.

[@nancyhey1012]

True, the lyrics of the song explain how they built a relationship based on dreamy ideals.

[@su....]

someone should put some of these scenes back in the movie and reissue it

[@jkrasney1]

Yes - a remake with those two sceens would change the perception of the movie, for the better. Streisand is correct. The choice of getting blacklisted or getting fired in Hollywood (where Hubbell's heart lies), should be the focal point of the movie.

[@nancyhey1012]

@@jkrasney1 I agree. Hubble had to make a choice. Staying with Katie would have gotten him blacklisted and sacrificed his career. So he had to choose between Katie and his career, and he chose his career. I reckon he thought if he got blacklisted then he wouldn’t be able to be a good provider for his daughter. That made their breakup make more sense.

[@brunelladelcorso8714]

J😊 8:36 ​@@jkrasney1

[@HollyGrayVeggieRap]

The deleted scene about her making the choice to be without Hubbell after the baby is born changes the entire movie for me... Barbra is so right in her analysis! I'm a little angry now that they deleted that particular scene. I still love this movie, however, because I am so Katie. Her character resonates with me. I watch and cry every time.

[@jessicazeller8060]

Same here! I am so much like Katie, it's scary. But flattering too, since Elliot Gould said of the character, "That's Barbra," and I really look up to her. She gets me. :)

[@jazznpercy]

+Holly Gray She is not the one making the choice not to be together. He is leaving her. He doesn't like the way she's always causing problems for him by being so outspoken and that she's always willing to argue with him about her ideals. Neither one of them is wrong - they just are not a good match for each other. Sometimes, love isn't enough.

[@stevenmorales7744]

jazznpercy Bull. He was not a good guy. And he knew it cost him a good life. Don't let anyone mess up your good thing. Character matters.

[@patriciamichelin7355]

That is exactly how I see it too. Hubbell was selfish. He had no character snd was loyal knly to himself, and his wasp-y friends and lifestyle. He was a putz.

[@MDali-el4zm]

This makes so much more sense! It always seemed like there was something missing to connect all of the dots!

[@paola4592]

I love this movie and I think it would've been a lot better with these scenes added.

[@m.e.d.7997]

Agree!

[@wotan10950]

I think the scenes would have improved an already good movie. But these were serious issues - informing was almost a death sentence in the McCarthy era - and it would've made their breakup more comprehensible. It wasn't over a trite affair - if they stayed together, his career would be ended. And she refused to rat out her friends.

[@snier91]

informing was almost a death sentence in the McCarthy era? that is just not true. death sentence was for atopm bomb's spies not for some writers or college hippies

[@helenenewman3651]

And in that era, having a wife who was an activist as well as Jewish, would have ended him professionally.

[@nancyhey1012]

@@snier91 I think that was just a metaphor. It meant the death of many people’s careers.

[@davidarochelle]

I absolutely agree. As a child I never, ever understood this movie or why they had to break up. I got the fact that they were way too different. She had changed everything she could about herself to please him, and it still didn't work. He wasn't willing to bend. The brief affair was an excuse; a finality.

[@19battlehill]

He was tired of her shit, he got how the world in reality worked and Katie was some idiot that had pictures of mass murderers on her walls and she didn't even know it. Kaie only liked him because he was beautiful talented and out of her league. Look at how she treated James Woods in the earlier scenes -- she is a complete hypocrite.

[@nancyhey1012]

@@19battlehill consider the fact that Hubble knew what her political beliefs were from the moment he met her. If he objected to that why did he marry her in the first place?

[@amybess]

He cheated on her while she was pregnant!

[@nancyhey1012]

@@xyz.928 I agree, I think he probably felt that way. On the other hand, I think it was kind of unfair of him to expect her to conform more just because she got older. Some of the issues that she cared about such as preventing nuclear war were perennial issues that a lot of people still cared about. Also there were a lot of people falsely accused by the HUAC, so I can see why a lot of people wanted to defend those people, and oppose HUAC. So in many ways, I think he decided that when her political activism was a threat to his career, he chose his career over his loyalty to her. Ivan only say though, that it maybe wasn’t just her though, but when he saw the prospect of becoming a father, he probably panicked and wondered if he could really be a good provider if his career was in jeopardy. There were other issues too, such as him just not wanting to take life as seriously as she did. But basically she didn’t change that much from when he first met her, she didn’t deceive him by pretending to be something she wasn’t.

[@nancyhey1012]

@@xyz.928 yes, that’s an ironic thing, it was those qualities about her that he initially admired her for and was what attracted him to her, ie the fact that she stood up for what she believed in and didn’t just conform to what society expected of her. But due to her upbringing, she had seen poverty and discrimination, and antisemitism first hand much more than he had, and so that’s why she didn’t want to just give that up just to fit into his world. That was what he wanted her to do, but no one really expected her to do that. So yes, the film is more than just a love story, but also a look at social issues and how a person’s upbringing shapes their views of the world.

[@PeaceFan1]

The Chemistry between Streisand and Redford was Palpable!!!

[@delorbb2298]

I never thought they broke up because of an affair. To me it was because she always asked for more than he could give. She wanted him to be this white knight, but he was much too pragmatic for that. She wanted him to be the great American writer, but that didn't pay the bills. Those scenes didn't add to that realization. I mean who cares if she were ratted out? Who cares if it were another woman? They were never going to last, which makes it so heartbreaking. We're left with two people trying to be what the other wanted but failing because they didn't know any other way to be.

[@michaelkessler3749]

These scenes should of never been cut from the film, what was Pollack thinking??

[@grapiken7766]

I agree. Some were not happy with his direction

[@JohnCoctostan]

She's absolutely right, those last couple scenes explain exactly the reasons for the breakup, and I thought it was because of his infidelity. In the movie their separation seems abrupt and not fully explained - and here it is. Maybe he wanted that ambiguity for some reason . . .

[@laineandrews9291]

Pollack was weighing the balance between romance and politics and opted for the romance. Which is better box office?

[@shannoncarbury3354]

just want to say in Barbra`s younger days she was soo beautiful I cant get over how stunning she was and even now she is still beautiful but she really suites the hair she had in this film and the long hair she had in "up the sandbox"

[@sagdragon64]

I think, that both of the Malibu apt scenes should have been left in as well as the drive by UCLA scene. It would have given the movie even more depth.

[@1960GABRIELA]

Watching this last Barbra's explanation is how I understood why they broke. It's a lifetime I didn't get the reason for their decision. Thanks!!!!!

[@billyboylb]

I also agree with Barbra. These scenes would've helped the movie make more sense. Despite that she and Redford are still brilliant in it.

[@roseschnow5640]

One of my my favorite movies, of Barbara Streisand n Robert Redford.❤👏

[@ricardathomason5485]

The deleted scenes make more sense of the movie, always thought it strange. Gosh, those two lite up the screen 🤩😍❤️

[@mikesterSTLMO]

The grape feeding scene is so incredibly romantic; they simply MUST re-issue this classic movie with these critical deleted scenes. Not to say that Sydney was to blame, but maybe now with him gone, they will get the green light on a special DVD or something.

[@vinista256]

Redford has enough clout in the industry that I’m sure he could make it happen.

[@jjaypem5154]

I am stunned. This is one of my favorite movies and Sydney Pollack is one of my favorite directors, but he could not have been more wrong about deleting these two scenes. The movie would have been so much more political and powerful, and less a typical love story of a marriage that fell apart from fatigue and infidelity. Maybe Pollack was afraid of "political and powerful"?

[@Book_Dragon2562]

There’s a sad idea in this country that everything needs to be political to be powerful. The movie is classic and timeless and plenty powerful all on its own.

[@nancyhey1012]

@@Book_Dragon2562 not everything needs to be political to be powerful. However, this film was political right from the beginning, starting with the speech Katie gave on the college campus. So that being the case, I think Sydney Pollack should not have been afraid to follow the political ramifications through to their logical conclusion, which restoring the cut scenes would have done. It would have given a historical context to the film.

[@nancyhey1012]

It does seem to me as if he was afraid of having the film be too political, as he thought that the history of the McCarthy era and the blacklist was too controversial and polarizing to show in the movie. I don’t agree with that decision though, because the movie already had a political bent right from the beginning.

[@nolamunch236]

​@@nancyhey1012to MO in

[@movieactor19]

@jimidee33 Actually every decision she makes is for the greater good of all who are involved. She cares so much about her work. She is very gracious. She just gets ridiculed for making things as perfect as she possibly can. I think it's a delight that she cares so much about what she does and how the audience will react. That kind of class is hard to come by.

[@feliciapillow5860]

I agree with the deletion of the scene regarding meeting the parents. Had the scene been included, it would have made the audience feel that Hubble didn't love Katie. He clearly loved her. His actions convey that over and over again, however that deleted scene does offer explanation as to why Hubble never said I love you Katie. The awkwardness in his voice as he acted out telling both his parents that he loved them. Assuming it was not said at home by anyone. It wasn't something he was use to saying but, obviously emotions that he was more than capable of feeling. Thank you Robert and Barbara for your amazing performance and sweet story telling. 😊

[@222dyan]

I 100% agree with Barbra Streisand, the film never made sense how they just broke up so quickly and easily while they seemed so in love. And if she could forgive him for cheating? I'm so glad that she re-released the movie with the deleted scenes and the scene with her seeing her younger self at UCLA that was so important too!! Women understand this content, I think it's men that don't get it. But knowing that it was because of being blackballed and he would be in danger, that is so important to this film. It gives it the depth it deserves! And makes it even more rich. Thanks for this content. I'm going out to buy the re-released version.

[@nancyhey1012]

I’m really sorry that these scenes were deleted! They explained a lot of things that were unclear in the movie.

[@aykay4878]

On the face of it, I would agree with Barbra. However, I have experience seeing different drafts of a film where eventually the scene which I thought was most powerful was cut. For a long time I couldn’t watch it without remembering the cut scene, but over time I have a lot of respect for the directors decision. When you pin something down like that with an explicit explanation, I think people don’t look beyond it. In France they call it the “responsibility of the spectator” and sometimes they leave huge plot holes for the sport of audience discussion. There are huge chunks of the love story in this film that are missing already. The wedding, their families, etc. so it’s on theme to not over-explain. And it’s already evident that the pressure is mounting on the two characters and they would break in different directions. If the audience thought they were forced into the decision by an outsider, they would both come out looking like victims. Instead, they retain their sense of agency and it becomes a story that has a lot of room for interpretation on both sides. Like any intense, young, mismatched relationship.

[@nancyhey1012]

There are some movies that benefit from having a lot open to interpretation, but I think this particular one would have benefited from putting it into the historical context. Leaving in the deleted scenes would have achieved that.

[@juliaread8980]

Couldn't of put it better myself. Very well said

[@jamesdevine9657]

Should not have deleted these scenes !

[@LaurelDenver]

Wow. This changes everything, doesn't it. Why don't they re-cut it? It would be so much a better film. As it is, Redford's character comes off more as a jerk than a betrayer. It's such a great film, so flawed and kinda campy as it is, with one of the best endings ever. Subject matter is the best. Seeing these scenes makes me wistful.

[@nancyhey1012]

Laurel Denver I agree these scenes made Hubble look More like a jerk. It’s one thing if he just wanted to be non-political and not make waves the way Katie did, but to actively want to assist in the blacklisting just to save his career was a pretty shady thing to do.

[@barbraevergreen]

Oh that's why it felt like something's missing in the story. Thanks for this.

[@Krazede]

Agreed...The last scene brings clarity to their inevitable split. The UCLA Scene also needed to be there, because it truly was all that The Way We Were is, it is the very definition of the title. Big mistake to remove those 2 scenes!

[@bookerjones8123]

I saw it as a junior high school kid when it first came out, and the lead up to the decision to divorce was really jumpy and you could tell something had been cut that would explain it. Streisand has a line of dialogue about 'decisions' being 'forced' that literally makes no sense without the explanatory scenes about her being informed on and the threat to Hubbell's career.

[@stottie92]

Totally agree! I've gone back and rewatched that scene numerous times, and each time that specific line has caught me out - I could never quite work out what Katie was referring to. Now I know, I can't work out whether to be relieved or...disappointed(?)

[@bookerjones8123]

@@stottie92 Several film critics I respect totally dumped on The Way We Were, but I loved it. But the last part leading up to the divorce was the worst part; after they took out the original subplot they tried to edit it so it flowed but it didn't work. Hubbell had that one night stand but that obviously wasn't going to break them up. Then they just go to scenes with him on the boat, watching the old home movie of Katie's speech in college, etc, and it just dribbled out and then boom, they're getting a divorce right as she's having a baby? None of it made sense. But oh well, I still love the flick. Incidentally, this was the first time (again, in ;73) I ever saw James Woods, in that small part as Katie's fellow Communist student. He really stuck out, I thought he was amazing and so perfect for the role and I was thinking, This guy's going somewhere. Too bad about what's happened to him in recent years, but for a while it was cool to see my prediction come true.

[@catherinejoannides2229]

what did happen to James wood? he really had a small part.

[@bookerjones8123]

@@catherinejoannides2229 He was really successful and highly regarded for many years, then he kind of faded out except (from what I could see) being on Family Guy occasionally, and now the only way I know of he gets attention is with some rather extreme political positions on Twitter.

[@amybess]

But also he cheated on his pregnant wife.

[@sappysuds4545]

It's a shame they cut those scenes. I'm so glad that Barbra saved them in her vault and is representing the movie with those scenes in it.

[@esty1846]

I never understood why he didn't has any contact with his doughter.

[@TheNancypoo]

These scenes never should have been cut! I've been watching this movie since I was a kid and their breakup never made complete sense to me 🙄

[@JeffBazell]

My gut tells me that if they kept in these scenes Barbra would have that second Academy Award for acting.

[@franco05]

I have been a movie buff since almost birth, at 57 now, and its very clear to me that, those 2 scenes are extremely important for the movie to be able to express its proper meaning, without them, the ending gets mislead, and looses certain appeal. Im glad i knew about these scenes, as i am a great fan of this movie, and the actors. but for those not aware, its a shame.

[@Championteamteacher]

The movie needs to splice in the deleted scenes. I remember having lots of questions after seeing the movie. Now after seeing these deleted scenes I see why I had so many questions. I love this movie.

[@denisecaringer4726]

Now the questions I have always had about the movie have been answered. Why, oh why, were important scenes cut?

[@MsKarenCar]

With the two scenes the whole movie finally makes scenes!!!!!!

[@JeffreyWilliamStewart]

Now I understand the movie...those scenes should have remained.

[@scottsmith5808]

These are great. I do think the decision to emphasis their relationship rather than the politics was extremely wise. This was an updated and glamorous "boy-meets girl" "girl loses boy" weepers with the addition of a truly vibrant and strong as well as loving leading lady and the flawed but lovable and understandable "cad". It updated those movies in the 40s that showed woman as fragile losers and the men simply as handsome cads'. A sequel surely would have them reconcile but then we are back to the woman-as-victim man-worth-anything models of the 50s. And Barbra was cheated out of her second Oscar not by that worthless performance by Jackson but by the old boys wanting to shut her down.

[@unconditionalfreedom]

RE Barbra comment about these scenes--I never thought they broke up because he slept around or that the braking up was ambiguous. To me it was clear as day--they adored and respected each other but broke up because they were on totally deferent life paths and they were suffering miserably together. it was very clear, but very sad

[@juliaread8980]

I thought that exactly as a young girl and still did watching many years later.

[@crowmythic917]

I absolutely love this Movie . And the deleted scenes make it make more sense . She helped him grow up, she helped him to be better

[@laineandrews9291]

You could argue he helped her be better by getting her to lighten up about life, not prioritize politics over their personal lives.

[@hugoarraes99]

​@@laineandrews9291I think she figured out this with the baby more than with him....

[@MisterRightAway]

WOW... That scene where she sees the student at UCLA should have been left in.

[@eldiran2]

And THAT, I believe is the point of the film....more than it being simply a 'love story", it is about a lost America...the way WE were...that is why to me the film is so potent.

[@songbirdy]

What was the matter with Pollack? Those deleted scenes were integral to the movie making sense. If he had included them and if Barbra hadn't had her hand over her face during her scene begging Hubbell to come back after their fight (before they went to CA)...those two things cost Barbra an Oscar in my opinion.

[@aspec42]

Oh wow, now this makes sense. I always thought that they broke up because he was cheating........Every time I watch, I understand it a little more...........these scenes made a huge difference!

[@cidspimms]

Sydney, may he rest in peace; missed the boat on those last two scenes. Never argue w/ Babs; she has the instinct to know what's needed, which is why she's such a natural Director.

[@TheDennydude]

Barbra was 100% right, i love the movie as is because the chemistry between Redford and Barbra, but these scenes should be put back in, it never made sense that they would split because of a one night stand, i always thought she would fight for him, with the these scenes in them she sacrificed for him.

[@mcoudeniii]

That deleted scene about Frank McVieh was so important. Yes, you could infer that they broke up over their difference in their passions but THIS makes it so specific and in my opinion, so much more intense and urgent.

[@outinsider]

I would include three of these deleted scenes_ the expansion of the Washington scene, the UCLA scene, and the "subversive wife" scene.

[@vinista256]

I always thought that this romance was doomed because Hubbell, much as he admired Katie personally and craved her respect, was too used to people fawning over his WASP-y good looks and class and was ultimately more comfortable with fawning fangirls. I think the movie works without these scenes, but I agree that it would have been better with them. Putting Hubbell's career in jeopardy would have raised the stakes to the point where his desire to get out of the relationship is less shallow and more forgiveable.

[@LoveMyMakeupandHair]

I never thought they broke up because he cheated. I always thought it was because he wanted her to change, and fit in with his world, and she couldnt do that. So they both realized it wasnt going to work out.

[@ritabenson2618]

M Berry agree

[@elizabethf1591]

M Berry That's what I think. Remember Hubbell ended the relationship earlier on in the film because he didn't like the way Katy told off his so called friends , to me the relationship was doomed from this moment on .

[@nancyhey1012]

@@elizabethf1591 what struck me about the film, though, is that Katie and Hubble knew about their political differences right from the start, so they might have known then that a relationship was doomed to failure, but they chose to pursue a relationship anyway, just because they felt “chemistry”. I guess they just did not anticipate that the coming of Joe McCarthy would make those differences more irreconcilable. However I think they were both to blame for going into the relationship without seeing that you can’t build a relationship on chemistry alone, without shared values.

[@laineandrews9291]

They both wanted and needed the other to change to live in harmony. He realized it was unlikely and broke up with her for that reason. She overcame his better judgment with her neediness and kooky charm so he went back with a "What the heck" attitude.

[@hortensiagt]

I so get it now! I always thought he was a cad for letting her go but he didn’t.

[@crisguia]

It wouldn't have helped Redford for his character to end up looking like a deadbeat dad. Those deleted scenes showed that it was Katie's decision that they divorce, and he agreed, the weak man that he was (and it still amazes me that Redford really played Hubbell that way). I think Sydney was forced by the producer to delete several scenes with political content due to fears of turning off moviegoers. Now that Stark and Pollack are gone, I wish Redford and Streisand would make things right.

[@SwordSlash-u8s]

Don’t know why they would cut the two scenes which are the crux of the whole story!

[@ladislavholub3547]

With these two scenes the film makes sense, now when it’ s available via internet, everyone can add it to the film. Without it the plot is shallow.

[@Hubbell42]

I think Pollack cost Streisand the Oscar for deleting these scenes. It’s too bad he catered too much to Redford.

[@stacyjobe6697]

These scenes totally make it clearer for me!

[@raymondmaurer1838]

WHOA! Barbra makes an excellent, story changing, film altering point here. It really has "nothing to do with Beekman place." (to quote from the film) and makes WAY more sense. Sorry Mr. Pollack, could we get the Barbra Cut please?

[@VTMCompany]

4:54 Barbra later said if this scene had remained in the film, she would have won the Oscar over Glenda Jackson.

[@zdenapanda]

Luckily we know about those scenes and we can just add them to the film...it gives the film real meaning and historical truthfulness.

[@sharonclarke8658]

These scenes are very interesting. I think that they should reissue the DVD with the deleted scenes.

[@carolineeliott9994]

I think they should have included all the scenes . They should make a sequel years later she’s a widow . Rachel tracks her father down and invited him to her graduation . He says he won’t go then on graduation day heads turn as he walks in late . He sits opposite Katie’s their eyes meet the attraction is obvious . Later they go for a family celebration at Katie’s house . Rachel begs her father to come . He goes when he gets there Rachel makes an excuse says she has to meet her boyfreind’s place where her freinds are . Hubbell and Katie stand looking at each other as Rachel closes the front door . They say hi and time stands still as he holds her .

[@laineandrews9291]

You just did the talked about sequel that never was. It's plausible because Katy would never have demeaned Rachel's missing father to her and Rachel would have noted the dreamy look that came over her mother's face when she talked about her first love.

[@eldiran2]

A truly great film, highly under-rated, not as much a love story between 2 people as a battle between two idealogies in America....we know which one won (sacrifice yourself for normalcy and acceptance), and where it has led us....this about The Way We WERE...I find it deeply moving and meaningful.

[@larespo1]

I wish they would put the deleted scenes back. Would be so much better!!

[@222dyan]

I believe that they did, Barbara got permission and now they have re-released it with the deleted scenes and you can buy it.

[@deannharris2424]

I believe that he never stopped loving her. They were too different and she didn’t want to be in Hollywood. She didn’t want her daughter raised in his society and away from her. She settled and got a Father for her daughter but she never stopped loving him. They never should have deleted these scenes. I wonder what were their reasonings for doing it?

[@aci1970]

They never stopped loving each other. Only that she stopped respecting him and he stopped pretending he tried to be better.

[@helenenewman3651]

I think both of them loved each other deeply until the day they each passed away. The last screen, when they had that chance meeting in NYC, left me feeling as though I just saw two open wounds. The way they looked so deeply into each other's eyes, remembering the way they were, left me heartbroken.

[@laineandrews9291]

@@aci1970 Strange how everyone thinks if he took Katy's advice he'd be "better" when she was a Stalin supporter, not exactly the best judge of character!

[@aci1970]

@Laine Andrews it's not that simple. A lot of people got duped by communist "ideals" and also, Stalin was viewed for a long time as an antifascust "hero" She was a leftie and he was a nothing which ALWAYS helps the oppressors. They were practically forced to divorce for him to still have a job. Which shows how weak he was. "Family values" anyone?

[@haranoe]

When I first watched the film I was so terribly and nicely surprised to find out it was not just the rom movie it is said to be...If people needed those two deleted scenes to understand what had been going on in every single one between them, what they and what their relationship was like and what could never be, I doubt that even now they fully get what the film is actually about. As usual, you can put anything right under people's noses: only make sure they do not feel unpleasantly hit by it.

[@telisalockett6747]

I think he wanted to be with her just as much if not more than she wanted to be with him. I feel as if he was always afraid that he wouldn't measure up to her idealistic view of him. It was easier for him to try and tame her get her to "behave" in a manner that was acceptable. Than for him to be all that she saw in him. The end for me was really telling for me, i feel that love and lost. Him was more of a realization that "i had this woman. and she more able to let go. Move forward while staying in the same place, really. She was the same person. I disagree with the statements that he didn't allow himself to be emotional. I think his emotions with regards to her were too much for him. Just some of my opinions.

[@Floppyearsmomma]

Wow I'm glad to see this. It redeems Hubbell a little bit for me. I still can't take that he didn't fight for them, and that he just let go of his infant daughter like that.

[@cathleenolson3699]

Maybe re-release the movie with those scenes on DVD? I'd buy it.

[@lisamayberry5189]

Now it makes sense...I love the movie and now it's really a love story!

[@jazznpercy]

The scenes are good - I can never get enough of Streisand and Redford together - but the movie is better without them. They tell instead of show. Hubbell wouldn't have left her just to save his career. He left her because he was unhappy that she was so political, always quick to speak her mind and make waves. He didn't want to make waves. His character was incapable of letting the walls down and really being emotionally intimate with anyone. If the divorce was only about her politics and his career, he would have remarried. He would have been part of his daughter's life. It was easier for him to just walk away and have casual relationships with a string of pretty blondes. It was easier to get by with his smile and never let anyone see who he really was inside.

[@ritabenson2618]

jazznpercy I agree with you

[@luciasaunders9736]

Yes, Hubble loved her but not enough to be willing to work on his personal growth and to level with her. He admired her but couldn't get over his shallowness, sadly.

[@jazznpercy]

@@luciasaunders9736 I always go back to the scene where she's critiquing his novel & she says that he's too distant from his characters, he just stands back & watches everything. That's who Hubbell was.

[@laineandrews9291]

@@luciasaunders9736 Frankly, the shallowness of her communist politics - admiring Stalin! was what struck me and she had ZERO accomplishments of any kind, constantly lecturing her betters.

[@tru853]

I’m so glad I saw these deleted scenes now I understand.. the way it was edited left so much un answered now I understand I really wish that would have kept the subversive discussion in the movie it was really Important.

[@robfuzz]

The breakup being ultimately about their incompatibility despite Katie's yearning, even though it wasn't the best choice, was the reason the movie worked as a tearjerker and became the popular success it was. Katie had to be a victim of sorts and not the person who did the breaking up.

[@danielmchale3053]

Barbara attitude is very gorgeous..plus her intelligence is so outstanding

[@robertaripley]

Jeez, I just watched this movie for the first time from beginning to end. I always thought when I saw bits and pieces of it before I just had missed something. But after watching the entire movie, I didn't understand why it was so popular. Wonderful acting, intense dialogue and complicated relationships, politics, but a jumbled mess. I was disappointed. I never thought however that it was just the affair that split them up, but their very different values and ideologies...still those scenes should have remained.

[@Nataloff]

Sydney Pollack told me years ago, while he was publicizing "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?," that he was about to make the first Hollywood film about the Blacklist. That was how he described "The Way We Were." Clearly, after they finished it, Columbia had second thoughts about the political content. What a shame; the film now is an incoherent mess if you look for character consistency or story motivations. Interestingly, Columbia finally did make its Blacklist film: "The Front," with Woody Allen and Zero Mostel, directed by Martin Ritt, written by Walter Bernstein, less than a decade later. "TWWW" is still a lovely film, and Laurents and Pollack did a magnificent job with what's left. But its soul is gone.

[@grapiken7766]

Do you think if they included the deleted scenes again, and made a 'Directors Cut' version, that it would make it better? It's worth doing.

[@Nataloff]

Gra Piken I agree with you (and Streisand) that it would clarify the story and motivations. The problem with the UCLA scene is that it isn't directed well, so there goes the resonances, but the informing/confession scenes work. I wish Pollack was still alive to do it. He was such a mensch.

[@grapiken7766]

Nataloff I didn't realise he had died. What a shame... Thanks for your reply :-)

[@Elizabeth-kd7xx]

Despite of this scenes, the original film made me undertand the broke because of different point of wievs. She was so passionate about politics and he was confortable with his status quo. Even his friend told him, loosing her was a big lost. Love this movie!

[@cindynelson5140]

I Agree ,.,these scenes should be IN the movie !! Remake ? anyone?

[@bl7817]

Wow. This changes everything. This makes the movie make sense.

[@oriac1212]

Barbra was right.

[@barbraevergreen]

Hope they would put this back.

[@andlloyd]

The very last scene alone I would agree *perhaps* could have been included. It raises the stakes and makes the reasoning for their breakup less abstract. On the flip side, as the movie was released makes it more clearly about them being two irreconcilably different people - even though they love each other. Which is a more universal condition that people can relate to. Having to break up because of the blacklists is sad, but less universal. As it is, the movie is pretty darn moving.

[@Richard_Fouts]

... yes, the decision to remove these scenes was misguided ... it was based on a single audience reaction, in San Francisco no less (which is where I live).

[@gonfalon]

Where is the director's cut? Please!

[@gregman1715]

Why Did They Cut Thoses Scenes The Movie Is Great But It Could Have Been Better If They Hadn't Cut Thoses Out

[@TravellerFair]

I agree, these scenes are beautiful, but the decision to delete was probably all to do with running time etc.

[@MsPeace2love]

seriously?! whose decision was it to delete that ending scene from the movie? ... i was clueless after watching the film (on why they got divorced) until i read on a message board that they deleted a scene that would explain it all ... -_-

[@srkadict]

Amazing !First:THANK YOU for I've yearned for deleted scenes since the release(I was 14 then) because some photos let me guess some scenes weren't in the final version!!! I agree:these scenes bring a more explicit and especially political content but I guess S. Pollack couldn't do the film he'd planned at that time for MacCarthysm was still too close and controversial in 1973;fortunately, things have changed a little now.The scene in the car is so good (BabS is ...) it actually made me cry !!!!