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Love in the Afternoon

Name: Love in the Afternoon
Genre: Drama, Romance
Released: 1972-09-01
Cast: Bernard Verley, Zouzou, Françoise Verley, Daniel Ceccaldi, Malvina Penne

1972 | 97 min | Drama, Romance

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (87% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it: Made for romantics. If you loved The Bridges of Madison County or The Magnificent Ambersons, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood: Warm and romantic.
The pace: Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 37 min.
What might put you off: It's in French, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
Made in 1972: an older pace and style.
Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Successful Parisian lawyer Frédéric is happily married to schoolteacher Hélène. Though he daydreams of affairs with other women, he doesn't come close to acting on such thoughts until he runs into Chloé, a beautiful old acquaintance. Tempted by the vibrant Chloé, Frédéric is torn between impulsive lust and his love for Hélène.

How it earned its rating

CriticsStrong
87% on Rotten Tomatoes
AudiencesSolid
7.3 out of 10
AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
Box office & staying powerBelow par
$7 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 32K people sought it out in the past year

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Cast & crew

Directed by Éric Rohmer

Bernard VerleyFrédéric
ZouzouChloé
Françoise VerleyHélène
Daniel CeccaldiGérard
Malvina PenneFabienne
Elisabeth FerrierMartine
Tina MichelinoThe Passenger
Jean-Louis LiviThe Colleague
Pierre NunziThe Salesman
Irène SkoblineThe Saleslady