Love Among the Ruins is a 1975 television movie directed by George Cukor and stars Katharine Hepburn and Laurence Olivier. The film is set in the early 1900s in England where a once-renowned and distinguished actress, Jessica Medlicott (Hepburn) is being sued for breach of promise by her former lover, Maurice (Olivier).
Jessica, now in her later years, hires Maurice to represent her in court. Once he is on the case, it becomes clear that he is still in love with her, but Jessica remains oblivious to his feelings. To win the case, Jessica realizes that she must tarnish her reputation by admitting that she had affairs with multiple men in the past.
Despite Maurice's objections, she persists, and they win the case. However, Jessica is left with regrets about the choices she has made throughout her life, and she finally acknowledges Maurice's love for her. The two rekindle their romance and embrace each other, knowing that their time is limited and that their love is all they have left in their aging lives.
The film is a bittersweet romantic comedy that explores the themes of love, regret, aging, and the ever-changing definition of reputation. The performances by Hepburn and Olivier are excellent, as is the chemistry between the two legends of the silver screen. The movie was nominated for two 1976 Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Drama Special and Outstanding Writing in a Drama Special.
