Man of La Mancha
Seen it?1972 | 132 min | Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Music
Weeknight Watchearly ratingWhy it’s a Weeknight Watch
With a box office loss and middling reviews (53% on Rotten Tomatoes), it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
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 and adventure fans. If you loved Dreamgirls, start here.
- The mood
- Funny with heart.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 12 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.
In the 16th century, poet, playwright and part-time actor Miguel de Cervantes has been arrested, together with his manservant, by the Spanish Inquisition. They're accused of presenting an entertainment offensive to the Inquisition. Inside the huge dungeon into which they have been cast, the other inmates gang up on Cervantes and his manservant, staging a mock trial, with the intention of stealing or burning his possessions. Cervantes wishes to desperately save a manuscript he carries with him and stages, with costumes, makeup, and the participation of the other prisoners, an unusual defense—the story of Don Quixote.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsBelow par
53% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsSolid
Nominated for 1 Oscar.
- Box office & staying powerWeak
$12 million worldwide on a $12 million budget
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 53K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Arthur Hiller
- Peter O'TooleDon Quixote De La Mancha / Miguel de Cervantes / Alonso Quijana
- Sophia LorenDulcinea / Aldonza
- James CocoSancho Panza / Cervantes' Manservant
- Ian RichardsonThe Padre
- Harry AndrewsThe Innkeeper / The Governor
- John CastleSanson Carrasco / The Duke
- Brian BlessedPedro
- Julie GreggAntonia Quijana
- Rosalie CrutchleyThe Housekeeper
- Gino ConfortiThe Barber