1977 — Between the Lines

A band of writers for an alternate Boston newspaper struggle to keep the paper afloat amid rumors that the paper will be sold to a big publisher.

Harry Lucas (John Heard) has been the Back Bay Mainline‘s top writer since it’s inception an the late ’60s. Abbie (Lindsay Crouse) is both Harry’s girlfriend and the paper’s lead photographer, and she’s getting restless. Michael (Stephen Collins) is peddling a manuscript and desperately wants to move from Boston to New York; Laura (Gwen Wells) is kind of in love with Michael, but has no interest in leaving Boston and the Mainline. Max (Jeff Goldblum) would be content to write in Boston forever, if he could just get a raise. Tensions rise as the takeover rumors intensify, both couples have a fight, Harry sleeps with Laura, and everyone waits for news. The movie really just kind of meanders to the finish.

Depending on which reviews you read, the Mainline is loosely based on the real-life Boston Phoenix, or Village Voice, or perhaps some other alt-weekly paper. Either way, it is interesting to see some stars in early leading roles. In addition to the aforementioned actors, Jill Eikenberry and Marilu Henner each appear in their first feature films. The movie takes place largely indoors so there isn’t a ton of Boston to see, but there are some shots.

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The nearly obligatory flyover to set the scene during the opening credits. The nearly brand-new Hancock tower is prominently featured.
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Not completely sure where this is, but other shots during this scene were near Copley Square. I believe this is looking north on Dartmouth Street at the interesction with Boylston Street.
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Music writer Max (Jeff Goldblum) needs to sell some of his albums to pay the rent; he heads to Harvard Square to find a buyer.
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Max tries talking editor Frank (Jon Korkes) into a raise.
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Harry (John Heard) waits for a train at the Charles/MGH Red Line station.
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Max, Harry, and Abbie (Lindsay Crouse) are headed to South Boston to try to stop a fellow reporter from meeting a source. We know they’re headed to Southie because the reporter was told to take Atlantic Avenue to Northern Avenue. However, in this shot they appear to be driving north on Mystic Avenue in Somerville, alongside 93.
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Eventually the crew turns up in South Boston. I believe this is roughly where the federal courthouse is now.

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