Sunday Bloody Sunday (1971)

The emotional intricacies of a polyamorous relationship between young artist Bob and his two lovers: a lonely male doctor and a frustrated female office worker.

Director:

John Schlesinger

Writer:

Penelope Gilliatt (screenplay)

Stars:

Peter Finch, Glenda Jackson, Murray Head

Nominated for 4 Oscars. Another 12 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Peter Finch	...	Daniel Hirsh
Glenda Jackson	...	Alex Greville
Murray Head	...	Bob Elkin
Peggy Ashcroft	...	Mrs. Greville
Tony Britton	...	Mr. Harding
Maurice Denham	...	Mr. Greville
Bessie Love	...	Answering Service Lady
Vivian Pickles	...	Alva Hodson
Frank Windsor	...	Bill Hodson
Thomas Baptiste	...	Prof. Johns
Richard Pearson	...	Patient
June Brown	...	Woman Patient
Hannah Norbert	...	Daniel's Mother
Harold Goldblatt	...	Daniel's Father
Marie Burke	...	Aunt Astrid

Storyline

Divorced working woman Alex and well-to-do Jewish family doctor Daniel Hirsh share not only the same answering service but also the favours of young Bob Elkin who bed-hops between them as the mood takes him. Both Alex and Dr Hirsh are aware of the other's existence but prefer to live with the situation rather than risk losing Elkin completely. But a wet winter weekend in London can be difficult.

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Plot Keywords:

jew | doctor | repetition in title | open relationship | bisexual man | 

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Taglines:

It's about three decent people. They will break your heart.

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

Ian Bannen was fired from the role of Daniel Hirsh shortly after filming began. Apparently, he was so nervous about what kissing another actor on screen might do to his career, he could not concentrate enough to even get going with the part. He later said that losing the role set back his career.

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Quotes

Aunt Astrid: Daniel, darling. You're looking very spruce.
[intercepts a canapé]
Aunt Astrid: Have one of these. Now, tell me when are *you* going to give us all a nice surprise?
Daniel: [baffled] Auntie...
Aunt Astrid: Still holding out on us... well, it's terribly selfish of you. You *are* going to be very, very lonely...
Daniel: I just haven't found the right person yet.

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Connections

Referenced in Beyond Therapy (1987)

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Soundtracks

The Trio from Mozart's
Così Fan Tutte"
Music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (as Mozart) (uncredited)
Sung by Pilar Lorengar Yvonne Minton Barry McDaniel
Daniel listens to a phonograph recording of the opera while alone in his living room on Friday night; also played over the end credits

User Reviews

slow sad love triangle

Alex Greville (Glenda Jackson) is a London divorced working mom who is having an affair with modern sculptor Bob Elkin (Murray Head). Daniel Hirsh (Peter Finch) is a traditional Jewish doctor who is suffering from mysterious pains and is also having an affair with Elkin. Both know about the other relationship as well as having mutual friends. Both are willing to live with the situation but it can't really last.

For all the affairs going on, this movie is very cold. All three people are a little emotionally dead inside. It's not a fun movie. It does not make this a compelling watch. Their relationships are like slow sleepwalking in sadness. The constant emotional self-destruction grounded me down.

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English Italian Hebrew French

Release Date:

21 September 1971 (USA)

Also Known As:

Bloody Sunday

Filming Locations:

38 Pembroke Square, Kensington, London, England, UK

Box Office

Gross USA:

$540,594

Company Credits

Production Co:

Vectia, Vic Films Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

110 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1