If Ever I See You Again (film)

If Ever I See You Again
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Joe Brooks
Produced by	Joe Brooks
Written by	Joe Brooks Martin Davidson
Starring	Joe Brooks Shelley Hack
Music by	Joe Brooks
Cinematography	Adam Holender
Edited by	Rick Shaine
Distributed by	Columbia Pictures
Release date	May 24, 1978 (1978-05-24) (U.S.)
Running time	105 min.
Country	United States
Language	English

If Ever I See You Again is a 1978 American romantic drama film about a composer who rekindles his relationship with a former girlfriend. It stars Joe Brooks, who also co-wrote, produced, directed, and scored the film, and Shelley Hack. The film's theme song, "If Ever I See You Again", was a moderate hit for Roberta Flack, reaching #24 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Bob Morrison (Brooks) is a successful composer of TV commercial jingles who has gotten rich from his work, allowing him to make a good life in New York City for himself and his two young children. However, Bob is frustrated with having to conform his music to the ideas of executives such as Lawrence (George Plimpton) who are often eccentric or rude. Bob secretly envies his old friend David (Kenny Karen), who has lived in relative poverty for years while pursuing a career as a classical pianist. David's sacrifices are now starting to pay off with a concert at Carnegie Hall, and he is also happily married, while Bob has been a widower for some years (the death of his wife is strongly implied, although not shown or stated directly). Bob never got over his college girlfriend, Jennifer Corly, who slept with him briefly in college and then, saying she wasn't ready for a serious commitment, broke up with him and dated another man.

Bob and his assistant Mario (Jimmy Breslin) travel to Los Angeles for one day to meet two movie producers for whom Bob hopes to score a film. While there, Bob learns that Jennifer is living in Malibu, calls her and visits her at home shortly before he has to leave. Jennifer (Shelley Hack) has become a painter, is still beautiful and unmarried, and seems attracted to Bob, even kissing him goodbye at the airport. Bob falls in love with her all over again.

Back in New York just before Christmas, Bob's frustrations lead him to decide with his partner Steve Warner (Jerry Keller) to close down their jingle-writing business, thus putting Mario out of a job. However, before Bob can inform Mario, Mario makes a grateful speech thanking Bob for all Bob has done for him, leaving Bob feeling too guilty to speak further. Bob then learns the producers are seriously considering hiring him, but that they insist he come to Los Angeles to record music for the final audition. Bob reluctantly agrees to go, although he prefers to work from New York.