The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter (1968)

Sentimental story centers around a deaf-mute, Singer, and Mick, a teenager who lives in the house where he rents a room. Mick and Singer become friends, though they are separated by ... See full summary »

Director:

Robert Ellis Miller

Writers:

Carson McCullers (novel), Thomas C. Ryan (screenplay)

Stars:

Alan Arkin, Sondra Locke, Laurinda Barrett

Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 5 wins & 6 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Alan Arkin	...	John Singer
Sondra Locke	...	Mick
Laurinda Barrett	...	Mrs. Kelly
Stacy Keach	...	Blount (as Stacy Keach Jr.)
Chuck McCann	...	Spiros Antonapoulos
Biff McGuire	...	Mr. Kelly
Percy Rodrigues	...	Doctor Copeland
Cicely Tyson	...	Portia
Jackie Marlowe	...	Bubber
Johnny Popwell	...	Willie
Wayne Smith	...	Harry
Peter Mamakos	...	Spirmonedes
John O'Leary	...	Beaudine
Hubert Harper	...	Brannon
Sherri Vise	...	Delores

Storyline

Sentimental story centers around a deaf-mute, Singer, and Mick, a teenager who lives in the house where he rents a room. Mick and Singer become friends, though they are separated by Singer's lack of communication ability and Mick's struggle with teenage traumas. The lives of the people Singer touches are varied, linked only by their friendship with Singer. His friends include a deaf-mute, a drunk, a and a doctor. Singer does his best to help those around him solve their problems, but who is there to help him solve his own?

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Plot Keywords:

deaf | southern literature | deafness | claim in title | based on novel

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Taglines:

...and from this man who could not speak or hear, the girl heard many things.

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

Unrated

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English American Sign Language

Release Date:

31 July 1968 (USA)

Also Known As:

Das Herz ist ein einsamer Jäger

Filming Locations:

Selma, Alabama, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$2,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Warner Brothers/Seven Arts

Technical Specs

Runtime:

123 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

At age 24, Sondra Locke was ten years older than the character she played in this film.

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Goofs

When Dr. Copeland goes in to see Judge Bronson he enters via a swinging door with a glass panel in it. A member of the camera crew is reflected in the glass as it swings shut.

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Connections

Referenced in Mystery Science Theater 3000: Bloodlust! (1994)

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Soundtracks

"I Can't Afford to Let You Go"
Written by Dave Grusin and Hermine Hilton
Performed by Mac Davis (as Scott Davis)

User Reviews

Phenomenal performaces make this a memorable and haunting film!

I will not forget this movie for the rest of my life! Although the direction is excellent with a very good script and good production values, the performances are the standout aspect of this remarkable film. Alan Arkin and Sondra Locke make the film work and were both nominated for Oscars for their work here. Their scenes are magic, but Arkin is easily the stronger performance of the two. The supporting cast is very good, but Chuck McCann deserves special mention here. A comedian who's work has mainly been very lighthearted, he plays a straight dramatic role here and does a excellent job. A very human, very touching, very emotional film, the last 15-20 minutes will stay with you a very long time. Turner Classic Movies runs this on occasion and it is currently in print. Most highly recommended.