Year: 1995
Rated: PG for some language
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Peter Gallagher, Peter Boyle, Bill Pullman
Lucy (Bullock) is lonely. She works as a ticket collector for Chicago’s “L” train, she doesn’t have any family and just a few friends (mostly from work). She yearns for someone to love her and to be a part of a family again. The highlight of her day is when Peter (Gallagher) comes through her booth. She fancies herself in love with him though they’ve barely spoken and fantasizes that he’ll come in and sweep her off her feet.
But on Christmas afternoon, Lucy’s life suddenly changes. While Peter is waiting for the train, he’s mugged and pushed onto the tracks. Lucy witnesses the whole event and manages to get Peter off the tracks just moments before the train comes. She tags along to the hospital where she is mistaken for his fiancée (as it is the only way she’ll get into his room to see him because he’s in a coma). She hangs around for a bit, when she suddenly finds herself surrounded by Peter’s family- including his father (Boyle) and Jack (Pullman), Peter’s brother. A nurse tells the family that it was Lucy who saved his life (and that she’s his fiancée to boot) and before she can tell them otherwise, she finds herself suddenly drawn into Peter’s family. Seems Peter has been distant from the family, and they welcome the chance to get Peter back into their lives by getting to know Lucy.
Jack is suspicious, but Lucy is so likeable, he pushes those suspicions aside. She comes to dinner so the family can get to know her, and she falls in love with them and also starts to fall in love with Jack. She tries to tell them all the truth, but can’t seem to get it out (and part of her doesn’t really want to). But when Peter wakes up, that’s when things really start to get a little crazy. He, of course, has no idea who Lucy is, but figures he must have amnesia. So what will Lucy do when Peter proposes?
If you’ve never seen “While You Were Sleeping” it’s a very sweet romantic comedy that will leave you smiling at the end. You can get a copy at Amazon.com, and you won’t be disappointed. It’ll appeal more to women than men but it is certainly a movie the family can watch together.