Sweet Lorraine (film)

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Sweet Lorraine is a 1987 American film directed by Steve Gomer in his first movie. It’s inspired by Gomer’s adolescence at the Heiden Hotel in the Catskills.

Plot
During one summer, Molly Garber visits the Lorraine, a Catskills resort owned by her grandmother Lillian. The hotel is shabby and run-down, staffed by a lively group of kids, and kept together by a single handyman. Developers want to buy the property, and many guests return mainly out of nostalgia. The story follows Molly’s friendship with the staff, her close bond with her grandmother, her affair with the handyman, and her determination to save the Lorraine from being sold.

Production
The film was shot at the real Heiden Hotel, which was demolished later.

Reception
Critics gave mixed reviews. Some praised the film’s warmth and sincerity and its nostalgic feel for Catskill resorts, while others found the story lightweight or lacking pace. The Los Angeles Times noted that the tale could feel thin, but the film’s heartfelt spirit carried it. The New York Times said it lacked polish and momentum but had a cheerful, friendly vibe. The Chicago Tribune found it bland and overly pleasant, though it appreciated Freddie Roman’s performance and the small, low-key approach. Some critics questioned casting choices for not matching the explicitly Jewish setting. Others, however, praised its authenticity and its use of the Lorraine as a metaphor for how people handle their pasts, with some calling it an exceptional look at Catskill hotel life. New York Magazine described it as a comedy.