The Pumpkin Eater
Seen it?1964 | 110 min | Drama
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It drew serious awards attention, though it had 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.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 50 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1964: an older pace and style.
Jo, the mother of seven children, divorces her second husband in order to marry Jake, a successful but promiscuous screenwriter. Though they are physically and emotionally compatible, they are slowly torn apart.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsSolid
69% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsStrong
Won 1 Golden Globe: Golden Globe Awards: Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama. Won 4 BAFTAs: British Academy Film Awards: Best Foreign Actress, British Academy Film Awards: Best British Screenplay, British Academy Film Awards: Best British Cinematography – Black and White, British Academy Film Awards: Best British Costume Design – Black and White. Won 1 Cannes award: Cannes Film Festival: Best Actress. Also nominated for 1 Oscar, 3 more BAFTAs and 1 more Cannes award.
- 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 46K people sought it out in the past year, and interest is climbing
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Jack Clayton
- Anne BancroftJo Armitage
- Peter FinchJake Armitage
- James MasonBob Conway
- Janine GrayBeth Conway
- Cedric HardwickeMr. James - Jo's father
- Rosalind AtkinsonMrs. James - Jo's mother
- Alan WebbMr. Armitage - Jake's father
- Richard JohnsonGiles
- Maggie SmithPhilpot
- Anthony NichollsSurgeon