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Poster for A Cock and Bull Story

A Cock and Bull Story

Seen it?

2005 | 94 min | Comedy, History

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (88% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a lukewarm 6.2 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 wants a laugh and history buffs. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Light and funny.
The pace
Breezy, at 1 hr 34 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated R: meant for adults.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Steve Coogan, an arrogant actor with low self-esteem and a complicated love life, is playing the eponymous role in an adaptation of "The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman" being filmed at a stately home. He constantly spars with actor Rob Brydon, who is playing Uncle Toby and believes his role to be of equal importance to Coogan's.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    88% on Rotten Tomatoes, 80 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesBelow par

    6.2 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $4 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 54K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Michael Winterbottom

  • Steve CooganTristram Shandy / Walter Shandy / Steve Coogan
  • Rob BrydonToby Shandy / Rob Brydon
  • Keeley HawesElizabeth Shandy / Keeley Hawes
  • Shirley HendersonSusannah / Shirley Henderson
  • Raymond WaringTrim
  • Conal MurphySix-Year-Old Tristam
  • Joe WilliamsNine-Year-Old Tristam
  • Paul KynmanObadiah
  • Mark TandyLondon Doctor
  • Dylan MoranDr. Slop