John and Mary (1969)

John and Mary meet in a singles bar, sleep together, and spend the next day getting to know each other.

Director:

Peter Yates

Writers:

John Mortimer (screenplay), Mervyn Jones (novel)

Stars:

Dustin Hoffman, Mia Farrow, Michael Tolan

Nominated for 3 Golden Globes. Another 1 win & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Dustin Hoffman	...	John
Mia Farrow	...	Mary
Michael Tolan	...	James
Sunny Griffin	...	Ruth
Stanley Beck	...	Stanley
Tyne Daly	...	Hilary
Alix Elias	...	Jane
Julie Garfield	...	Fran
Marvin Lichterman	...	Dean
Marian Mercer	...	Mags Elliot
Susan Taylor	...	Minnie
Olympia Dukakis	...	John's Mother
Carl Parker	...	The Tennis Player
Richard Clarke	...	Charlie
Alexander Cort	...	Imaginary Film Director

Storyline

It's the morning after John and Mary's first sexual encounter with each other, which took place in his New York City loft apartment. They had only met for the first time the previous evening at a crowded trendy pick-up bar. They are both uncomfortable with the situation but don't want to show that discomfort to the other. They both realize that they don't know anything substantial about the other - including not even knowing each other's name - as each tries through whatever secret means to find out with who he/she just slept. As they slowly find out more about the other, they inject their own perception into the information, which is sometimes not quite reality. Over the next few hours, they, together and individually, will try to determine if there is any potential future for them, which includes their thoughts about the current most significant other in their respective lives, one who is more significant than the other, and their feelings about what they think the other person is ...

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Plot Keywords:

bar | new york city | voice over narration | egg cup | extramarital affair | 

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

14 December 1969 (USA)

Also Known As:

John & Mary

Filming Locations:

Biograph Studios, Bronx, New York City, New York, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Debrod

Technical Specs

Runtime:

92 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

When 'Ruth Gordon' won her Supporting Actress Oscar for Rosemary's Baby in April 1969, she was asked backstage by the reporters if Mia Farrow was upset at being overlooked for a nomination in the same film. "Nahhh," Gordon replied, "Besides she'll win it next year for John and Mary." Alas, Farrow was snubbed for this film as well.

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Quotes

John: The great thing is, if men can cook at all, women think it's wonderful.
Mary: Well, it is.
John: No, it's not. It's really a legend. Like sex and black men.

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Connections

References Rosemary's Baby (1968)

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Soundtracks

"Lost in Space"
(uncredited)
Written and Performed by Jeff Bridges

User Reviews

Four stars-Don't miss it!

Remember the days when we were all having free sex and enjoining our elders to make love-not war? Well, if you long for those days or would just like to see what they were like, a good way to telescope back to `those thrilling days of yesteryear' would be to watch John and Mary.

This wonderful little gem from the height of the Sexual Revolution era is about young people trying to connect after the sex part is done.

The story begins on the morning after the night before when two strangers awake together in bed. A delightful, youthful Mia Farrow is compelling, bright, sexy and very appealing as Mary. Dustin Hoffman as John is excellent. The story unfolds as the two young characters struggle toward mutual understanding and respect. As they do, I could easily imagine myself among a theater audience in 1969 all rooting for them to succeed.

The script is intelligent and the flashbacks very effective and interesting.

If you like a mature story emphasizing superb character development with fully-realized, appealing characters, this is for you. I give it four stars-my highest rating! But don't try to get this on video or DVD because as far as I know they are not available. You have to wait for it to be shown on cable or at your local art house theater.