I always felt that the LnL story was very much like the story of Peter Pan and Wendy. Luke was the forever youth who just wanted to fly searching for whatever. Wendy was the anchor...home, children, security. She grew up, but he never did.
I think that Gloria would have been happier if there had NOT been the great age difference between the actors. However, she could not deny the obvious chemistry. I'm so glad that she told the story with these two actors in the roles.
As for real life, I think that large age differences in romantic relationships do happen. Some are based on need, and others are just great love stories that cannot be denied no matter what the age. I think about Bogie and Bacall, for one.
Luke and Laura will forever be one of my most favorite love stories.
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Could you have or did you relate to a man of 25 or 30 the way Laura did? Despite her not having that much life experience, she spoke to Luke on an equal level (as we mention quite often). There was no way in the world I would have been able to talk to, much less have romantic feelings for someone that age. I wouldn't have been able to go near them. I wouldn't have been comfortable at all with someone that age pursuing me. I'm glad Gloria Monty did it all slowly.
Age wasn't the focus back then, I doubt it would be done this way today (but I'm sure glad they did)!
The actor Paul Walker who died in the car crash was dating his girlfriend when he was 33 and she was 16. That was real life and it gave me the creeps.