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Poster for Inventing the Abbotts

Inventing the Abbotts

Seen it?

1997 | 110 min | Drama, Romance

Weeknight Watch

Why it’s a Weeknight Watch

With middling reviews (39% on Rotten Tomatoes) and a lukewarm 6.3 out of 10 from audiences, 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
Made for romantics. If you loved Little Children or Revolutionary Road, start here.
The mood
Warm and romantic.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 50 min.
What might put you off
Rated R: meant for adults.

In the 1950s, brothers Jacey and Doug Holt, who come from the poorer side of their sleepy Midwestern town, vie for the affections of the wealthy, lovely Abbott sisters. Lady-killer Jacey alternates between Eleanor and Alice, wanting simply to break the hearts of rich young women. But sensitive Doug has a real romance with Pamela, which Jacey and the Abbott patriarch, Lloyd, both frown upon.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsBelow par

    39% on Rotten Tomatoes, 49 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesBelow par

    6.3 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $6 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 79K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Pat O'Connor

  • Joaquin PhoenixDoug Holt
  • Liv TylerPamela Abbott
  • Jennifer ConnellyEleanor Abbott
  • Billy CrudupJacey Holt
  • Joanna GoingAlice Abbott
  • Kathy BakerHelen Holt
  • Will PattonLloyd Abbott
  • Michael SuttonSteve
  • Garrett M. BrownWebb Crosby
  • Barbara WilliamsJoan Abbott