Between the Lines (1977)

Director:

Joan Micklin Silver

Writers:

Fred Barron (screenplay)
Fred Barron (story)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

Tagline:

Fun, adventure, romance on $75 a week.

Plot:

Story of an underground newspaper in Boston about to be taken over by big business. |

Plot Keywords:

Underground Newspaper | Tycoon | Independent Film

Awards:

2 wins & 1 nomination

Cast

John Heard	...	Harry Lucas
Lindsay Crouse	...	Abbie
Jeff Goldblum	...	Max Arloft
Jill Eikenberry	...	Lynn
Bruno Kirby	...	David Entwhistle
Gwen Welles	...	Laura
Stephen Collins	...	Michael
Lewis J. Stadlen	...	Stanley
Jon Korkes	...	Frank
Michael J. Pollard	...	The Hawker
Lane Smith	...	Roy Walsh
Joe Morton	...	Ahmed
Richard Cox	...	Wheeler
Marilu Henner	...	Danielle
Raymond J. Barry	...	Herbert Fisk

Runtime:

101 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (TVC)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Spain:18 | UK:15 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Back Bay, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Company:

Midwest Films

Quotes:

Harry Lucas: [after Max passes gas while they're driving in Harry's car] Did something just die in here?

Soundtrack:

Havin' A Party

Between the Lines

I had never heard of this movie until about two months ago when I was looking up actor John Heard. I had just watched 'Cutter's Way (1981)' and was extremely impressed by his performance having previously only recognized him as the dad in 'Home Alone.' Not only does 'Between the Lines' have John Heard delivering another excellent performance but it also has a terrific ensemble cast of some great actors before they gained popularity; notably Jeff Goldblum, Linsay Crouse, and Marilu Henner. 'Between the Lines' is set up very much the same way as Robert Altman's 'Nashville' with the plot (what little there is) taking a backseat to a picturesque look at a time period and delightful characters. In a nutshell the film is about an independent newspaper group who is about to be bought out by a large company; but more so it's about the relationships between all these people. An absolute breeze to watch because the actors are having so much fun. There are many random funny moments; including an absurd scene where an abstract artist comes into the office and starts wrecking the place referring to each action as art, but the movie also has a great deal to say. A charming time capsule for the late 70's and also for the displaying the talents of the young actors.

***1/2 out of ****