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Poster for Pennies from Heaven

Pennies from Heaven

Seen it?

1981 | 108 min | Drama, Music, Romance

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (83% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a lukewarm 6.1 out of 10 from audiences and 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 Ma Rainey's Black Bottom or Cabaret, 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 48 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated R: meant for adults.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

During the Great Depression, a sheet music salesman seeks to escape his dreary life through popular music and a love affair with an innocent schoolteacher.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    83% on Rotten Tomatoes, 64 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesBelow par

    6.1 out of 10

  • AwardsSolid

    Nominated for 3 Oscars.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $22 million worldwide on a $22 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 86K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Herbert Ross

  • Steve MartinArthur
  • Bernadette PetersEileen
  • Jessica HarperJoan
  • Vernel BagnerisThe Accordion Man
  • John McMartinMr. Warner
  • John KarlenThe Detective
  • Jay GarnerThe Banker
  • Robert FitchAl
  • Tommy RallEd
  • Eliska KrupkaThe Blind Girl