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Straight Time

Name: Straight Time
Genre: Crime, Drama
Released: 1978-03-18
Cast: Dustin Hoffman, Theresa Russell, Gary Busey, Harry Dean Stanton, M. Emmet Walsh

1978 | 114 min | Crime, Drama

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (82% on Rotten Tomatoes). 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 crime-drama fans. If you loved The Asphalt Jungle or Point Blank, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood: Dark and gritty.
The pace: Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 54 min.
What might put you off: Rated R: expect violence and drug use.
Made in 1978: an older pace and style.

After being released on parole, a burglar attempts to go straight, get a regular job, and just go by the rules. He soon finds himself back in jail at the hands of a power-hungry parole officer.

How it earned its rating

CriticsStrong
82% on Rotten Tomatoes, 64 on Metacritic
AudiencesSolid
7.1 out of 10
AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
Box office & staying powerSolid
$10 million worldwide on a $4 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 64K people sought it out in the past year, and interest is climbing

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Ulu Grosbard

Dustin HoffmanMax Dembo
Theresa RussellJenny Mercer
Gary BuseyWilly Darin
Harry Dean StantonJerry Schue
M. Emmet WalshEarl Frank
Rita TaggartCarol Schue
Kathy BatesSelma Darin
Sandy BaronManny
Jake BuseyHenry Darin
Peter KwongGrocery Clerk