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Happy Birthday, Wanda June

  • 19711971
  • RR
  • 1h 45m
IMDb RATING
5.9/10
329
YOUR RATING
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • Trivia
  • IMDbPro
Happy Birthday, Wanda June (1971)
  • Comedy
  • Drama
A family reacts to the return of the patriarch who abandoned them seven years prior.A family reacts to the return of the patriarch who abandoned them seven years prior.A family reacts to the return of the patriarch who abandoned them seven years prior.
IMDb RATING
5.9/10
329
YOUR RATING
  • Director
    • Mark Robson
  • Writer
    • Kurt Vonnegut Jr.(play)
  • Stars
    • Rod Steiger
    • Susannah York
    • George Grizzard
Top credits
  • Director
    • Mark Robson
  • Writer
    • Kurt Vonnegut Jr.(play)
  • Stars
    • Rod Steiger
    • Susannah York
    • George Grizzard
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 22User reviews
    • 11Critic reviews
  • See production, box office & company info
  • See more at IMDbPro
  • Photos9

    Rod Steiger, George Grizzard, Steven Paul, and Susannah York in Happy Birthday, Wanda June (1971)
    Rod Steiger, William Hickey, and Susannah York in Happy Birthday, Wanda June (1971)
    Rod Steiger and Susannah York in Happy Birthday, Wanda June (1971)
    George Grizzard, Steven Paul, and Susannah York in Happy Birthday, Wanda June (1971)
    Rod Steiger and Susannah York in Happy Birthday, Wanda June (1971)
    Susannah York in Happy Birthday, Wanda June (1971)
    Rod Steiger and Susannah York in Happy Birthday, Wanda June (1971)
    Happy Birthday, Wanda June (1971)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Rod Steiger
    Rod Steiger
    • Harold Ryanas Harold Ryan
    Susannah York
    Susannah York
    • Penelope Ryanas Penelope Ryan
    George Grizzard
    George Grizzard
    • Dr. Norbert Woodleyas Dr. Norbert Woodley
    Don Murray
    Don Murray
    • Herb Shuttleas Herb Shuttle
    William Hickey
    William Hickey
    • Looseleaf Harperas Looseleaf Harper
    Steven Paul
    Steven Paul
    • Paul Ryanas Paul Ryan
    Pamelyn Ferdin
    Pamelyn Ferdin
    • Wanda Juneas Wanda June
    Pamela Saunders
    • Mildred Ryanas Mildred Ryan
    Louis Turenne
    • Major von Koningswaldas Major von Koningswald
    C.C. Whitney
    • Mrs. Kestenbaumas Mrs. Kestenbaum
    Lester Goldsmith
    • Mr. Kestenbaumas Mr. Kestenbaum
    • (as Lester M. Goldsmith)
    • Director
      • Mark Robson
    • Writer
      • Kurt Vonnegut Jr.(play) (screenplay)
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
    • All cast & crew

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The original Broadway production of "Happy Birthday, Wanda June" by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. opened at the Edison Theater on December 22, 1970, ran for 96 performances and closed on March 14, 1971.
    • Quotes

      Penelope Ryan: Doctor Woodley, I would like you to meet Harold, my husband. Harold, I would like you to meet Doctor Woodley, my fiancé. Goodnight dear

      [kisses Harold]

      Penelope Ryan: goodnight dear

      [kisses Dr Woodley]

      Penelope Ryan: . Stay or go; talk or sulk; laugh or cry - as you wish. Do whatever seems called for. My mind is gone. Good night.

      [she closes and locks door]

    • Connections
      Referenced in Mystery Science Theater 3000: 12 to the Moon (1994)

    User reviews22

    Review
    Top review
    One of 1971's Best!
    What happened to this movie? I've recommended it for 3 decades as one of the finest of the surreal comedies and it seems to have vanished. Who owns the rights? Please reissue this farcical drama. Like "Where's Poppa?" Central Park represents the evils of the world. The heaven-related references are hilarious. Ms. York was never prettier. Rod Steiger delivers a (not unexpectedly) bravura performance. It's based on a Kurt Vonnegut story. What more need I say? If you enjoyed "A Boy and His Dog", you certainly will savor the sophisticated and sly humor to be found in "Happy Birthday, Wanda June."
    helpful•12
    0
    • grantch
    • Apr 11, 2004

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • December 9, 1971 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.'s Happy Birthday, Wanda June
    • Production companies
      • Red Lion
      • Sourdough
      • The Filmakers Group
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 45 minutes
    • Sound mix
      • Mono
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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