Only When I Laugh
Seen it?1981 | 120 min | Comedy, Drama
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It drew serious awards attention, though it had soft box office and little lasting buzz. 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 wants a laugh. If you loved Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. or Tully, start here.
- The mood
- Funny with heart.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
A boozy Broadway actress comes out of a 12-week cure to face the problems of her best friends as well as her needy daughter. She tries to balance the terrors of returning to work with the demands of all around her with humor and insight, while staying off the booze.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsSolid
63% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsStrong
Won 1 Golden Globe: Golden Globe Awards: Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture. Also nominated for 3 Oscars and 1 more Golden Globe. Plus 1 other award.. Plus: Nominated for 1 Razzie, the "worst of the year" awards.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$26 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 30K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed dramedy.
Tully
Saturday SpecialAnother dramedy, and a Saturday Special.
Young Adult Sunday Safe BetAnother dramedy, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar
Weeknight WatchAnother dramedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Opening Night Sunday Safe BetAnother drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Glenn Jordan
- Marsha MasonGeorgia
- Kristy McNicholPolly
- James CocoJimmy
- Joan HackettToby
- David DukesDavid
- John Bennett PerryActor (Lou)
- Guy BoydMan in Bar
- Ed MooreDr. Komack
- Byron WebsterTom
- Peter CoffieldMr. Tarloff