The Purple Rose of Cairo
Seen it?1985 | 82 min | Fantasy, Comedy, Romance
Friday Night FlickWhy it’s a Friday Night Flick
Critics loved it (93% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it collected a shelf of major awards. Make plans for this one.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics, anyone who wants a laugh and fantasy fans. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Light and funny, romantic.
- The pace
- Breezy, at 1 hr 22 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
Cecilia is a waitress in New Jersey, living a dreary life during the Great Depression. Her only escape from her mundane reality is the movie theatre. After losing her job, Cecilia goes to see 'The Purple Rose of Cairo' in hopes of raising her spirits, where she watches dashing archaeologist Tom Baxter time and again.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
93% on Rotten Tomatoes, 75 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.4 out of 10
- AwardsVery strong
Won 1 Golden Globe: Golden Globe Awards: Best Screenplay. Won 2 BAFTAs: BAFTA Awards: Best Film, BAFTA Awards: Best Original Screenplay. Won 1 Cannes award: Cannes Film Festival: Best Screenplay. Also nominated for 1 Oscar, 3 more Golden Globes and 2 more BAFTAs. Plus 9 other awards.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$11 million worldwide on a $15 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 89K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Woody Allen
- Mia FarrowCecilia
- Jeff DanielsTom Baxter / Gil Shepherd
- Danny AielloMonk
- Dianne WiestEmma
- Milo O'SheaFather Donnelly
- Van JohnsonLarry
- Deborah RushRita
- Zoe CaldwellThe Countess
- Irving MetzmanTheater Manager
- John WoodJason