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IMDbPro

I've Heard the Mermaids Singing

  • 19871987
  • RR
  • 1h 21m
IMDb RATING
6.7/10
1.8K
YOUR RATING
Sheila McCarthy in I've Heard the Mermaids Singing (1987)
Official Trailer
Play trailer2:15
2 Videos
13 Photos
ComedyDrama
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 re... Read allScatterbrained 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,... Read allScatterbrained 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.
IMDb RATING
6.7/10
1.8K
YOUR RATING
    • Patricia Rozema
    • Patricia Rozema
  • Stars
    • Sheila McCarthy
    • Paule Baillargeon
    • Ann-Marie MacDonald
    • Patricia Rozema
    • Patricia Rozema
  • Stars
    • Sheila McCarthy
    • Paule Baillargeon
    • Ann-Marie MacDonald
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 22User reviews
    • 27Critic reviews
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Awards

    Videos2

    I've Heard the Mermaids Singing
    Trailer 2:15
    Watch I've Heard the Mermaids Singing
    I've Heard the Mermaids Singing - 2022 US re-release trailer
    Trailer 2:15
    Watch I've Heard the Mermaids Singing - 2022 US re-release trailer

    Photos13

    Sheila McCarthy as Polly in the Patricia Rozema film I'VE HEARD THE MERMAIDS SINGING.
    Sheila McCarthy as Polly in the Patricia Rozema film I'VE HEARD THE MERMAIDS SINGING.
    Sheila McCarthy as Polly in the Patricia Rozema film I'VE HEARD THE MERMAIDS SINGING.
    Sheila McCarthy as Polly in the Patricia Rozema film I'VE HEARD THE MERMAIDS SINGING.
    Sheila McCarthy as Polly in the Patricia Rozema film I'VE HEARD THE MERMAIDS SINGING.
    Sheila McCarthy as Polly in the Patricia Rozema film I'VE HEARD THE MERMAIDS SINGING.
    Sheila McCarthy as Polly in the Patricia Rozema film I'VE HEARD THE MERMAIDS SINGING.
    Sheila McCarthy as Polly in the Patricia Rozema film I'VE HEARD THE MERMAIDS SINGING.
    I've Heard the Mermaids Singing (1987)
    I've Heard the Mermaids Singing (1987)
    Sheila McCarthy in I've Heard the Mermaids Singing (1987)
    I've Heard the Mermaids Singing (1987)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Sheila McCarthy
    Sheila McCarthy
    • Polly Vandersma
    Paule Baillargeon
    Paule Baillargeon
    • Gabrielle St. Peres
    Ann-Marie MacDonald
    • Mary Joseph
    Richard Monette
    • Clive
    John Evans
    John Evans
    • Warren
    Brenda Kamino
    Brenda Kamino
    • Waitress
    Patricia Rozema
    Patricia Rozema
    • Woman In Office Window
    • (uncredited)
      • Patricia Rozema
      • Patricia Rozema
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The title is a reference to a line from T.S. Eliot's poem " "Prufrock" aka "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" that reads: "I have heard the mermaids singing, each to each. I do not think that they will sing to me".
    • Quotes

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

    • Alternate versions
      Also available in a computer colorized version.
    • Connections
      Featured in At the Movies: The Princess Bride/China Girl/The Big Town/The Pick-Up Artist/I've Heard the Mermaids Sing (1987)
    • Soundtracks
      OPEN WINDOW
      By Mark Korven

      Courtesy of Duke Street Records

    User reviews22

    Review
    Review
    Featured review
    10/10
    True Original
    Sheila McCarthy shines in this exploration of the imagination, the artist and the self.

    It is one of my top ten films of all time because of its originality and ,of course, McCarthy's offbeat and touching performance. She creates something truly original that has not been matched in a female comedic performance since.

    Direction is crisp, unexpected and magical. One can see why it was given a standing ovation at Cannes.

    It is one of the few films that can me on a pure emotional level..appealing to the misunderstood individual.

    Anyone who has felt like they don't fit in will love this movie. Be sure to watch the closing credits to the end.

    Now On DVD with Rozema's commentary.
    helpful•22
    4
    • jlarkin5
    • Mar 19, 2006

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • March 1988 (United States)
      • Canada
      • English
    • Also known as
    • Filming locations
      • Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    • Production companies
      • National Film Board of Canada (NFB)
      • Ontario Arts Council
      • Ontario Film Development Corporation
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

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    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • 1 hour 21 minutes
      • Black and White
      • Color
      • Stereo

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