Scandal
Seen it?1989 | 115 min | Drama, History, Romance
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (91% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a lukewarm 6.0 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 and history buffs. If you loved The French Lieutenant's Woman 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 55 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: expect sex.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
An English bon-vivant osteopath is enchanted with a young exotic dancer and invites her to live with him. He serves as friend and mentor, and through his contacts and parties she and her friend meet and date members of the Conservative Party. Eventually a scandal occurs when her affair with the Minister of War goes public, threatening their lifestyles and their freedom.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
91% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesBelow par
6.0 out of 10
- AwardsWeak
0 wins and 1 nomination from smaller awards and festivals
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$9 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 97K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
The Front Runner
Weeknight WatchAnother true-story historical drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
The French Lieutenant's Woman
Saturday SpecialAnother historical drama that's easy to miss.
Cabaret
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed romance.
Damage Saturday SpecialAnother drama, and a Saturday Special.
Maurice Saturday SpecialAnother drama, and a Saturday Special.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Michael Caton-Jones
- John HurtStephen Ward
- Joanne WhalleyChristine Keeler
- Bridget FondaMandy Rice-Davies
- Ian McKellenJohn Profumo
- Leslie PhillipsLord Astor
- Britt EklandMariella Novotny
- Daniel MasseyMervyn Griffith-Jones
- Roland GiftJohnnie Edgecombe
- Alex NortonDetective Inspector
- Ronald FraserJustice Marshall