The Private Files of J. Edgar Hoover
Seen it?1977 | 112 min | Drama, History
Weeknight Watchearly ratingWhy it’s a Weeknight Watch
With mixed reviews and soft box office, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Best for politics junkies and people who'll be looking things up afterwards. Power and ambition drive every scene. A good follow-up to All the President's Men or Catch Me If You Can. Based on real events, so expect to go down a research rabbit hole afterwards.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Gives its people room to develop, at 1 hr 52 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
- Made in 1977: an older pace and style.
- Skip it if you need something light and fast tonight.
The story of J. Edgar Hoover, head of the FBI from 1924-1972, following his racket-busting days through his reign under eight US presidents.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsBelow par
Mixed reviews
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Reach & staying powerBelow par
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 12K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Larry Cohen
- Broderick CrawfordJ. Edgar Hoover
- James WainwrightYoung Hoover
- Michael ParksRobert F. Kennedy
- José FerrerLionel McCoy
- Celeste HolmFlorence Hollister
- Rip TornDwight Webb
- Dan DaileyClyde Tolson
- Ronee BlakleyCarrie DeWitt
- Howard Da SilvaPres. Franklin D. Roosevelt
- John MarleyDave Hindley