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Poster for Opening Night

Opening Night

Seen it?

1977 | 144 min | Drama

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (96% 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 anyone who loves a strong drama. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 24 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated PG-13. Probably too much for younger kids.
  • Made in 1977: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Actress Myrtle Gordon is a functioning alcoholic who is a few days from the opening night of her latest play, concerning a woman distraught about aging. One night a car kills one of Myrtle's fans who is chasing her limousine in an attempt to get the star's attention. Myrtle internalizes the accident and goes on a spiritual quest, but fails to finds the answers she is after. As opening night inches closer and closer, fragile Myrtle must find a way to make the show go on.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    96% on Rotten Tomatoes, 69 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.6 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Reach & staying powerSolid

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 63K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by John Cassavetes

  • Gena RowlandsMyrtle Gordon
  • John CassavetesMaurice Aarons
  • Ben GazzaraManny Victor
  • Joan BlondellSarah Goode
  • Paul StewartDavid Samuels
  • Zohra LampertDorothy Victor
  • Laura JohnsonNancy Stein
  • John TuellGus Simmons
  • Ray PowersJimmy
  • John FinneganBobby