The Prisoner of Second Avenue
Seen it?1975 | 98 min | Comedy
Weeknight Watchearly ratingWhy it’s a Weeknight Watch
With middling reviews (44% on Rotten Tomatoes) and soft box office, 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 anyone who wants a laugh.
- The mood
- Light and funny.
- The pace
- Breezy, at 1 hr 38 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
- Made in 1975: an older pace and style.
Mel Edison has just lost his job after many years and now has to cope with being unemployed at middle age during an intense NYC heat wave.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsBelow par
44% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Reach & staying powerBelow par
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 28K people sought it out in the past year, and interest is climbing
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Melvin Frank
- Jack LemmonMel Edison
- Anne BancroftEdna Edison
- Gene SaksHarry Edison
- Elizabeth WilsonPauline
- Florence StanleyPearl
- Maxine StuartBelle
- Ed PeckMan Upstairs
- Gene BlakelyCharlie
- Ivor FrancisPsychiatrist
- Stack PierceDetective