IMDb > A Day in the Death of Joe Egg (1972)

A Day in the Death of Joe Egg (1972) More at IMDbPro »

Photos (see all 2 | slideshow)

Overview

User Rating:
6.6/10   125 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 12% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writers:
Peter Nichols (play)
Peter Nichols (screenplay)
Contact:
View company contact information for A Day in the Death of Joe Egg on IMDbPro.
Genre:
Plot:
A couple uses extremely black comedy to survive taking care of a daughter who is nearly completely brain dead... more | add synopsis
Plot Keywords:
Awards:
1 nomination more
User Comments:
lost masterpiece more (6 total)

Cast

  (Complete credited cast)

Alan Bates ... Bri
Janet Suzman ... Sheila
Peter Bowles ... Freddie
Sheila Gish ... Pam
Joan Hickson ... Grace
Elizabeth Robillard ... Jo
Murray Melvin ... Doctor
Fanny Carby ... Nun
Constance Chapman ... Moonrocket Lady
Elizabeth Tyrrell ... Midwife
more
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

Runtime:
USA:106 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Color (Eastmancolor)
Aspect Ratio:
1.78 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:
Company:

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
Filmed in 1970 but not given a release until 1972. According to Janet Suzman, speaking on BBC Radio 4's 'The Film Programme' in 2009, this was due to Sam Spiegel delaying release of the film until after Suzman's second film, Nicholas and Alexandra (1971) came out in 1971. more
Quotes:
Bri: [to his class] I'm going to the staff room now to get my coat and you will be as quiet as mice. No fish till I get back. more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
2 out of 2 people found the following comment useful.
lost masterpiece, 12 July 2008
10/10
Author: jimi99 from denver

Another masterpiece that needs a DVD release but some libraries have the VHS and well worth seeking out. Just a brilliant play about many things, foremost being euthanasia, "respectability", religion, and fundamental human relationships. The script effectively uses intelligent humor not only to cope with an issue like a severely disabled child, but to bind the parents in their love for "Jo" and each other. As the couple, Alan Bates and Janet Suzman are perfectly matched both in acting virtuosity and in bringing their deep, intelligent characters to life.

I've recently seen Bates' brilliant performance in "Butley" which was released as a film a couple years after "Joe Egg" and he plays a teacher in both, cynical, intellectual, and funny, although Butley is much darker than his character of Bry here. If you throw in such great performances in "The Go-Between", "Women in Love", "Whistle Down the Wind", "The Caretaker" and "Georgy Girl," not to mention the more obvious "King of Hearts" and "Zorba the Greek", and I'd say that Alan Bates had a career comparable to Peter O'Toole, Albert Finney, and the other great British actors of his era.

Director Peter Medak also had one of my all-time favorites "The Ruling Class" released the same year (1972) as "Joe Egg", which comprises a career year in anybody's book. He's had kind of a spotty filmography("The Krays" was another highlight), but these two gems will mark him as a great director.

Was the above comment useful to you?
more (6 total)

Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for A Day in the Death of Joe Egg (1972)

Recommendations

If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
- - - - -
Iris The Rocky Horror Picture Show Little Miss Sunshine San Paolo A Mighty Heart
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
IMDb Comedy section IMDb UK 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.