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Poster for Love in the Afternoon

Love in the Afternoon

Seen it?

1957 | 130 min | Comedy, Romance

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (81% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office loss. 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 and anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved Irma la Douce, start here. 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 2 hr 10 min.
What might put you off
  • Made in 1957: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

A middle-aged playboy becomes fascinated by the daughter of a private detective who has been hired to entrap him with a client's wife.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    81% on Rotten Tomatoes, 73 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.0 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $2 million worldwide on a $2 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 56K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Billy Wilder

  • Gary CooperFrank Flannagan
  • Audrey HepburnAriane Chavasse / Thin Girl
  • Maurice ChevalierClaude Chavasse
  • John McGiverMonsieur X
  • Van DoudeMichel
  • Lise BourdinMadame X
  • Olga ValéryHotel Guest with Dog
  • Paul BonifasPolice Chief (uncredited)
  • Audrey LongBrunette (uncredited)
  • Charles LemontierGeneral (uncredited)