The Prince of Tides (1991)

A troubled man talks to his suicidal sister's psychiatrist about their family history and falls in love with her in the process.

Director:

Barbra Streisand

Writers:

Pat Conroy (novel), Pat Conroy (screenplay),

Stars:

Nick Nolte, Barbra Streisand, Blythe Danner

Nominated for 7 Oscars. Another 5 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Nick Nolte	...	Tom Wingo
Barbra Streisand	...	Susan Lowenstein
Blythe Danner	...	Sally Wingo
Kate Nelligan	...	Lila Wingo Newbury
Jeroen Krabbé	...	Herbert Woodruff
Melinda Dillon	...	Savannah Wingo
George Carlin	...	Eddie Detreville
Jason Gould	...	Bernard Woodruff
Brad Sullivan	...	Henry Wingo
Maggie Collier	...	Lucy Wingo
Lindsay Wray	...	Jennifer Wingo
Brandlyn Whitaker	...	Chandler Wingo
Justen Woods	...	Tom Wingo (age 6)
Bobby Fain	...	Tom Wingo (age 10)
Trey Yearwood	...	Tom Wingo (age 13)

Storyline

Tom Wingo is unhappy with his life. His wife doesn't understand him and he also doesn't get along with his dominant mother. When his sister attempts suicide, her psychologist Susan Lowenstein consults him. Patiently and cautiously she uncovers the terrible secret hidden in Tom and Savannah's childhood. On the other side she's unhappy too and so both help each other to find their way back to life.

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Plot Keywords:

psychiatrist | new york | memory | twin brother | twin | 

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Taglines:

A story about the memories that haunt us, and the truth that sets us free.

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for a scene of sex-related violence and for strong language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 December 1991 (USA)

Also Known As:

El príncipe de las mareas

Filming Locations:

Beaufort, South Carolina, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$30,000,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$74,787,599 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Pictures Corporation, Barwood Films, Longfellow Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

132 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Kevin Costner was offered the role of Tom Wingo.

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Goofs

When Tom is coaching, Bernard's dirty white t-shirt becomes clean between shots.

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Quotes

Susan Lowenstein: How did you deal with his death?
Tom Wingo: I shut down like a broken motor.
Susan Lowenstein: Huh. And according to the Southern way, still no tears.
Tom Wingo: [laughing] Oh, I cry sometimes, Lowenstein. I cry at weddings, at the Olympics. I'm real big at the national anthem.
Susan Lowenstein: But not over Luke?
Tom Wingo: What the hell for? It wouldn't bring him back.
Susan Lowenstein: No. But it might bring you back.

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Connections

Spoofed in Family Guy Presents Stewie Griffin: The Untold Story (2005)

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Soundtracks

"Keep On Movin'"
Written by Jazzie B (as Beresford Romeo)
Performed by Soul II Soul
Courtesy of 10 Records

User Reviews

Nolte's terrific but Streisand's ego defeats it

I'm afraid Streisand's overblown ego defeats this film. Taking what is essentially over-ripe Tennessee William's material, this may have had possibilities. But Streisand's character (and especially the director's fawning to her character (no surprise, since she directed it) makes this an ego journey of immense proportions. I don't know how Nolte survived this and how he crafted such a magnificent performance. I don't know how he managed to mutter the film's last lines ("Lowenstein, Lowenstein.") without breaking into laughter. (My guess...liquor and multiple takes.) Streisand as a performer needed someone to fetter her (she can give good performances when restrained.) Streisand the director needed to keep from falling in love with Lowenstein. (She did very well with the opening...except the titles and cast lists interfered with the story.) At the end, the only impression left is an unsubtle argument for Streisand's greatness. An argument that fails to persuade.