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Poster for The Day of the Locust

The Day of the Locust

Seen it?

1975 | 145 min | Drama

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It drew serious awards attention, though it had a lukewarm 6.4 out of 10 from audiences and soft box office. 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 loves a strong drama. If you loved Bugsy or Casino, start here.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 25 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated R: meant for adults.
  • Made in 1975: an older pace and style.

Hollywood, 1930s. Tod Hackett, a young painter who tries to make his way as an art director in the lurid world of film industry, gets infatuated with his neighbor Faye Greener, an aspiring actress who prefers the life that Homer Simpson, a lone accountant, can offer her.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsSolid

    67% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesBelow par

    6.4 out of 10

  • AwardsStrong

    Won 1 BAFTA: British Academy Film Awards: Best Costume Design. Also nominated for 2 Oscars, 2 Golden Globes and 2 more BAFTAs.

  • Reach & staying powerBelow par

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 85K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by John Schlesinger

  • Donald SutherlandHomer Simpson
  • Karen BlackFaye Greener
  • Burgess MeredithHarry Greener
  • William AthertonTod Hackett
  • Geraldine PageBig Sister
  • Richard DysartClaude Estee
  • Bo HopkinsEarle Shoop
  • Pepe SernaMiguel
  • Lelia GoldoniMary Dove
  • Jackie Earle HaleyAdore Loomis