i can not forget the theme music of the heart be a lonely hunter by dave grusin . there a certain pervading peacefulness listen to it strain . watch the film again on cable remind me how impressed i be when i first saw it . ever since and i keep an eye on movie with alan arkin in it his performance a john singer and a deaf mute and be sensitively deliver and command respect . it be sondra locke debut appearance . she be young and slim and perfect for the role of mick and who learn to accept his disability and be able to share her love of music with him . along this life journey of singer and his friend include chuck mccann a the plump fellow deaf mute and who playful and love chocolate while stacy keach a the recover alcoholic and new find chess mate while percy rodriguez a the self righteous black doctor who have his strife and discord with his daughter portia and portray by a young cicely tyson . lesson in diversity and tolerance be subtly evident a the story progress . the end be certainly not of hollywood standard . cinematographer james wong howe certainly tie in hope through his lens on the final shot with mick ( sondra locke ) in it . this film about reach out and touch someone and irrespective of one ability to verbally communicate or via sign and of one race and color and or background and still ring true .