I am generally ignorant of the writing of Christopher Isherwood, author of such works as “A Single Man,” “Christopher and His Kind” and “I Am a Camera.” Certainly I know the musical “Cabaret,” which was based on his books, but that’s all I know.  And I was even more ignorant of the drawings of Don Bachardy.  But neither ignorance lessened my enjoyment of Don and Chris, because as the title states, this is more a story of love, and of building a successful long-term relationship despite the odds.

Isherwood, having moved to California from his native England, meets Bachardy on a California beach, and over time they develop an openly gay relationship.  Despite their different social classes, the anti-gay attitudes of society, and most importantly their age difference (Isherwood was 30 years Bachardy’s senior – and he was a mere 16 when they first met), the two became friends, lovers, and a couple.  Surviving Hollywood at a time when many actors lived life in the closet, the two rode out rocky periods and remained together until Isherwood’s death from prostate cancer in 1986.

Mostly told from the point of view of Bachardy (who is now in his 80’s) through candid interviews, we follow their triumphs and tribulations.  In many ways, Bachardy was molded by Isherwood, to the point that a year into their relationship Bachardy had unconsciously adopted Isherwood’s mannerisms and even his English accent.  But eventually Bachardy had to grow into his own person, and through Isherwood’s urging and support he found himself to be quite a talented portrait artist.  In fact, this success was what would lead to the rockiest period in their relationship, as the self-aware Bachardy now in many ways wished to break away from the confines of the relationship.

Besides the interviews with Bachardy and some friends, we are treated to portions of Isherwood’s personal diaries (read by Michael York who starred in “Cabaret” alongside Liza Minelli and Joel Grey), and of cartoon segments based on two characters the couple created to illustrate themselves in their relationship: Isherwood as the old stallion, and Bachardy as the playful kitty.  The ebbs and flows of their affections are very touching, but nothing is as powerful as the last section of the film.  This is where Bachardy recounts Isherwood’s last year, and displays some of the countless sketches he did of Isherwood as his body deteriorated.  Finally passing away one morning, Isherwood’s body lay in his bed while Bachardy continued to sketch him.

A very early shot in the film shows their living room, and the two armchairs they had occupied for so many years, side by side.  No focus is made of this at the time, just a subtle picture of the empty space left behind when two people who had meant so much to each other, for so long, are finally separated by death.  Above all else, Chris and Don is a tribute to that love.