The Heartbreak Kid
Seen it?1972 | 105 min | Romance, Comedy
Saturday Specialearly ratingWhy it’s a Saturday Special
Critics loved it (92% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it's still drawing plenty of interest, 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 romantics and anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved It Happened One Night or The Philadelphia Story, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Light and funny, romantic.
- The pace
- Breezy, at 1 hr 45 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
- Made in 1972: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
Three days into his Miami honeymoon with needy and unsophisticated Lila, Lenny meets tall, blonde Kelly. This confirms his fear that he has made a serious mistake and he decides he wants to be with Kelly instead.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
92% on Rotten Tomatoes, 74 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
6.7 out of 10
- AwardsSolid
Won 1 Berlin award: Jeannie Berlin: Best Supporting Actress. Also nominated for 1 Oscar, 1 Golden Globe and 2 more Berlin awards. Plus 1 other award.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$6 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 110K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
It Happened One Night
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed romantic comedy.
The Philadelphia Story Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed romantic comedy.
Wedding Crashers Saturday SpecialAnother romantic comedy, and a Saturday Special.
My Best Friend's Wedding
Sunday Safe BetAnother romantic comedy, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Along Came Polly
Weeknight WatchAnother romantic comedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Elaine May
- Charles GrodinLenny Cantrow
- Cybill ShepherdKelly Corcoran
- Jeannie BerlinLila Kolodny
- Eddie AlbertDuane Corcoran
- Audra LindleyMrs. Corcoran
- Mitchell JasonCousin Ralph
- William PrinceColorado Man
- Augusta DabneyColorado Woman
- Doris RobertsMrs. Cantrow
- Jack HausmanMr. Kolodny