Love means never having to say you're sorry Love means never having to say you're sorry "Love means never having to say you're sorry" is a catchphrase based on a line from the Erich Segal novel "Love Story" and was popularized by its 1970 film adaptation starring Ali MacGraw and Ryan O'Neal. The line is spoken twice in the film: once in the middle of the film, by Jennifer Cavalleri (MacGraw's character), when Oliver Barrett (O'Neal) apologizes to her for his anger; and as the last line of the film, by Oliver, when his father says "I'm sorry" after learning of Jennifer's death. In the script the line
Love Story (1970 film) was given the lead role on the recommendation of Erich Segal, who had worked with the actor on "The Games"; he was paid $25,000. The main song in the film, "(Where Do I Begin?) Love Story" was a major success, particularly the vocal rendition recorded by Andy Williams. The film was an instant box office smash. Roger Ebert gave the film four out of four stars and called it "infinitely better than the book," adding, "because Hiller makes the lovers into individuals, of course we're moved by the film's conclusion. Why not?" Charles Champlin of the "Los Angeles Times" was