The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds
Seen it?1972 | 100 min | Drama
Saturday Specialearly ratingWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It earned strong reviews (77% on Rotten Tomatoes), despite soft box office. A strong pick for the weekend.
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 40 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.
Middle-aged widow Beatrice Hunsdorfer and her daughters Ruth and Matilda are struggling to survive in a society they barely understand. Beatrice dreams of opening an elegant tea room but does not have the wherewithal to achieve her lofty goal. Epileptic Ruth is a rebellious adolescent, while shy but highly intelligent and idealistic Matilda seeks solace in her pets and school projects, including one designed to show how small amounts of radium affect marigolds.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
77% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsBelow par
1 win and 0 nominations from smaller awards and festivals
- Reach & staying powerBelow par
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 20K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Paul Newman
- Joanne WoodwardBeatrice Hunsdorfer
- Roberta WallachRuth Hunsdorfer
- Judith LowryNanny
- Nell NewmanMatilda Hunsdorfer
- David SpielbergMr. Goodman
- Richard VentureFloyd
- Carolyn CoatesMrs. McKay
- Will HareJunk Man
- Estelle OmensCaroline
- Jess OsunaSonny