The Goodbye Girl
Seen it?1977 | 111 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance
Saturday Specialearly ratingWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It won an Oscar, it earned strong reviews (80% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it's still drawing plenty of interest. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics and anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved Limelight or Tully, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Funny with heart, romantic.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 51 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.
After being dumped by her live-in boyfriend, an unemployed dancer and her 10-year-old daughter are reluctantly forced to live with a struggling off-Broadway actor.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
80% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
7.0 out of 10
- AwardsVery strong
Won 1 Oscar: Academy Awards: Best Actor. Won 4 Golden Globes: Golden Globe Awards: Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Golden Globe Awards: Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Golden Globe Awards: Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Golden Globe Awards: Best Screenplay – Motion Picture. Won 1 BAFTA: British Academy Film Awards: Best Actor in a Leading Role. Also nominated for 4 more Oscars, 2 more Golden Globes and 2 more BAFTAs. Plus 4 other awards.
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$102 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 130K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Limelight
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed romantic comedy that fewer people know today.
Tully Saturday SpecialAnother dramedy, and a Saturday Special.
Footloose
Weeknight WatchAlso from director Herbert Ross, though it's a different kind of film: a drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Feel the Beat
Sunday Safe BetAnother dramedy, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Mrs. Doubtfire Saturday SpecialAnother dramedy, and a Saturday Special.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Herbert Ross
- Richard DreyfussElliot Garfield
- Marsha MasonPaula McFadden
- Quinn CummingsLucy McFadden
- Paul BenedictMark
- Barbara RhoadesDonna
- Theresa MerrittMrs. Crosby
- Michael ShawnRonnie
- Patricia PearcyRhonda
- Gene CastleAssistant Choreographer
- Marilyn SokolLinda