Diary of a Mad Housewife
Seen it?1970 | 95 min | Comedy, Drama
Saturday Specialearly ratingWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It earned strong reviews (82% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it drew serious awards attention, despite soft box office. 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 anyone who wants a laugh.
- The mood
- Funny with heart.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 35 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
- Made in 1970: an older pace and style.
Tina Balser is a bored New York housewife-mother married to Jonathan, a pompous, social-climbing lawyer who ridicules her in front of their children, criticizing everything she does or wears. She begins an affair with George Prager, a dashing, successful, and blatantly sadistic writer.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
82% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsStrong
Won 1 Golden Globe: Golden Globe Awards: Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. Also nominated for 1 Oscar, 2 more Golden Globes and 1 BAFTA. Plus 2 other awards.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$6 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 34K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Frank Perry
- Carrie SnodgressTina Balser
- Richard BenjaminJonathan Balser
- Frank LangellaGeorge Prager
- Lorraine CullenSylvie Balser
- Frannie MichelLiz Balser
- Lee AddomsMrs. Prinz
- Peter DohanosSamuel Keefer
- Katherine MeskillCharlotte Rady
- Leonard ElliottM. Henri
- ValmaMargo