IMDb on iPhone and iPod touch Learn more Learn more Download from the App Store
IMDb > The Adding Machine (1969)

The Adding Machine (1969) More at IMDbPro »


Overview

User Rating:
5.9/10   85 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Up 9% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writers:
Jerome Epstein (writer)
Elmer Rice (play)
more
Contact:
View company contact information for The Adding Machine on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
23 September 1969 (USA) more
Genre:
Tagline:
The motion picture that adds up to an excursion into the absurd.
Plot:
An accountant whose job is about to be taken over by a computer starts to re-examine his life and his priorities. | add synopsis
User Reviews:
Compelling expressionistic play more (3 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)
Milo O'Shea ... Mr. Zero
Phyllis Diller ... Mrs. Zero
Billie Whitelaw ... Daisy Devore
Sydney Chaplin ... Lieutenant Charles
Julian Glover ... Shrdlu
Raymond Huntley ... Smithers
Phil Brown ... Don
Paddie O'Neil ... Mabel
Libby Morris ... Ethel
Hugh McDermott ... Harry
Bill Nagy ... Lawyer
Carol Cleveland ... Judy
Bruce Boa ... Detective
Kenny Damon ... Joe
John Brandon ... First cell jailer
more
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

Runtime:
100 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Color (Technicolor)
Sound Mix:
Certification:
Canada:PG (Ontario) | USA:M

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
Patricia Phoenix was on the shortlist for Mrs Zero. more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
7 out of 8 people found the following review useful.
Compelling expressionistic play, 12 September 2005
9/10
Author: elblanco1947 from United States

*** This review may contain spoilers ***

This movie is different in so many ways from anything I have ever seen. Set in the 1930's, it has a modern feel with the "hippie" in heaven, etc. Phyllis Diller's performance is Oscar caliber and totally out of character. Her shrewish monologue is probably the greatest in movie history. Milo O'Shea aptly conveys the meaninglessness of Mr Zero. His reaction to the introduction of the adding machine is shocking, and the contrast with the following banality of typical party conversation (relevant even today) is most effective.

The movie suggests the vanity of human wishes as well as the despair in which the ordinary man spends life. Don't look for consistency or logic, as the movie creates an emotional rather than a rational reaction in the viewer through the presentation of a melange of philosophical ideas. Very interesting. "How Small We Are" packs a punch at the end of the movie.

Was the above review useful to you?
more (3 total)

Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for The Adding Machine (1969)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
The Adding Machine on Video or DVD JWD3003
Lyrics to final song in the movie lbshearn
more

Recommendations

If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
- - - - -
Heaven Can Wait Steambath Salome's Last Dance Reckless The Important Witness
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
Show more recommendations

Related Links

Full cast and crew Company credits External reviews
News articles IMDb Drama section IMDb USA section
Add this title to MyMovies

You may report errors and omissions on this page to the IMDb database managers. They will be examined and if approved will be included in a future update. Clicking the 'Update' button will take you through a step-by-step process.