Sometimes a Great Notion
Seen it?1971 | 114 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office flop. 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 action fans. If you loved True Grit, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Exciting.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 54 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
- Made in 1971: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
Hank Stamper and his father, Henry, own and operate the family business by cutting and shipping logs in Oregon. The town is furious when they continue working despite the town going broke and the other loggers go on strike ordering the Stampers to stop, however Hank continues to push his family on cutting more trees. Hank's wife wishes he would stop and hopes that they can spend more time together. When Hank's half brother Leland comes to work for them, more trouble starts.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
100% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
6.9 out of 10
- AwardsSolid
Nominated for 2 Oscars.
- Reach & staying powerWeak
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 66K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Paul Newman
- Paul NewmanHank Stamper
- Henry FondaHenry Stamper
- Lee RemickViv Stamper
- Michael SarrazinLeland 'Lee' Stamper
- Richard JaeckelJoe Ben Stamper
- Linda LawsonJan Stamper
- Cliff PottsAndy Stamper
- Sam GilmanJohn
- Lee de BrouxWillard Eggleston
- Jim BurkBiggy Newton