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Poster for I Never Sang for My Father

I Never Sang for My Father

Seen it?

1970 | 92 min | Drama

Friday Night Flickearly rating

Why it’s a Friday Night Flick

Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it drew serious awards attention. Make plans for this one.

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 Fences or Hamlet, start here.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 32 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated PG. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
  • Made in 1970: an older pace and style.

A man living in the towering shadow of his aging father finds it difficult to start a new chapter in his life by marrying his girlfriend and moving to California.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    100% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsStrong

    Won 1 WGA Award: Writers Guild of America Awards: Best Drama – Adapted from Another Medium. Also nominated for 3 Oscars and 2 Golden Globes.

  • 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 36K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Gilbert Cates

  • Gene HackmanGene Garrison
  • Melvyn DouglasTom Garrison
  • Dorothy StickneyMargaret Garrison
  • Estelle ParsonsAlice
  • Elizabeth HubbardDr. Margaret 'Peggy' Thayer
  • Lovelady PowellNorma
  • Daniel KeyesDr. Mayberry
  • Conrad BainRev. Sam Pell
  • Jon RichardsMarvin Scott
  • Nikki CounselmanWaitress