6.8/10
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19 user 18 critic

I've Heard the Mermaids Singing (1987)

R | | Comedy, Drama | March 1988 (USA)
I've Heard the Mermaids Singing Poster
Scatterbrained Polly gets a job as a secretary in Gabrielle's art gallery. Polly aspires to be a professional photographer, and idolizes Gabrielle for her artistic ability. When Gabrielle ... See full summary »

Director:

Patricia Rozema

Writer:

Patricia Rozema

Stars:

Sheila McCarthy, Paule Baillargeon, Ann-Marie MacDonald | See full cast & crew »
Reviews

On Disc

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3 wins & 7 nominations. See more awards »

Photos

See all 12 photos »
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Cast

Complete credited cast:
Sheila McCarthy ... Polly Vandersma
Paule Baillargeon ... Gabrielle St. Peres
Ann-Marie MacDonald Ann-Marie MacDonald ... Mary Joseph
Richard Monette Richard Monette ... Clive
John Evans John Evans ... Warren
Brenda Kamino ... Waitress
See full cast »
Edit

Storyline

Scatterbrained Polly gets a job as a secretary in Gabrielle's art gallery. Polly aspires to be a professional photographer, and idolizes Gabrielle for her artistic ability. When Gabrielle rekindles an old romantic relationship with the younger painter Mary, Polly becomes jealous, and discovers Gabrielle is not who she claims to be. Written by Mike Jones

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

triple f rated | art | art gallery | lesbian | female protagonist | See All (10) »

Taglines:

Isn't life the strangest thing you've ever seen?

Genres:

Comedy | Drama

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for brief strong language | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

Add content advisory for parents »
Edit

Details

Country:

Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

March 1988 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

Le chant des sirènes See more »

Filming Locations:

Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Edit

Box Office

Budget:

CAD362,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$25,998, 13 September 1987

Gross USA:

$1,408,491

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$1,408,491
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

Production Co:

National Film Board of Canada (NFB), Ontario Arts Council, Ontario Film Development Corporation See more »
Show more on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Black and White | Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The use of Léo Delibes' music score 'Lakmé: The Flower Duet" (Act 2, No 2 Duetto: Viens, Malika... Sous le dôme épais où le blanc jasmin) made the movie the second film of the 1980s to be associated with same sex female coupling with the earlier picture being The Hunger (1983). See more »

Quotes

Polly Vandersma: Isn't life the strangest thing you've ever seen?
See more »

Alternate Versions

Also available in a computer colorized version. See more »

Connections

Referenced in Pushing Daisies: Smell of Success (2007) See more »

Soundtracks

OPEN WINDOW
By Mark Korven
Courtesy of Duke Street Records
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

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User Reviews

 
Absolutely Magical!
15 July 2002 | by sibie – See all my reviews

The wonder of this film, like one of the paintings it features, can't be described in words. It is pure magic in the most abstract form! One can't help but adore Polly's originality (Sheila McCarthy). This is a fantastically crafted and acted film. It will trigger your imagination and place a smile on your face. After the film is over, you won't be able to stop dreaming. I can't watch it enough! It is very sad that it is no longer in print (at least last I checked) and I am very lucky to have purchased it in the Laser Disc format when I did. I have been a fan of this film since I was 20 and am still a fan 14 years
17 of 20 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you? | Report this
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