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Poster for Carmen Jones

Carmen Jones

Seen it?

1954 | 105 min | Drama, Romance

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (75% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it drew serious awards attention, though it had a lukewarm 6.2 out of 10 from audiences. 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 romantics. If you loved Gone with the Wind or Casablanca, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Warm and romantic.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 45 min.
What might put you off
Made in 1954: an older pace and style.

In this musical set in an all-Black army camp, civilian parachute maker and "hot bundle" Carmen Jones is desired by many of the men. Naturally, she wants Joe, who's engaged to sweet Cindy Lou and about to go into pilot training for the Korean War.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    75% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesBelow par

    6.2 out of 10

  • AwardsStrong

    Won 2 Golden Globes: Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, New Star of the Year – Actor. Also nominated for 2 Oscars and 1 BAFTA.

  • Box office & staying powerStrong

    $10 million worldwide on a $800K budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 78K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Otto Preminger

  • Harry BelafonteJoe
  • Dorothy DandridgeCarmen Jones
  • Pearl BaileyFrankie
  • Olga JamesCindy Lou
  • Joe AdamsHusky Miller
  • Brock PetersSergeant Brown
  • Roy GlennRum Daniels
  • Nick StewartDink Franklin
  • Diahann CarrollMyrt
  • Le Vern HutchersonJoe (voice)