Mr. & Mrs. Bridge (1990)

Set during World War II, an upper-class family begins to fall apart due to the conservative nature of the patriarch and the progressive values of his children.

Director:

James Ivory

Writers:

Evan S. Connell (novels), Ruth Prawer Jhabvala (screenplay)

Stars:

Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, Saundra McClain

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 6 wins & 8 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Paul Newman	...	Walter Bridge
Saundra McClain	...	Harriet
Joanne Woodward	...	India Bridge
Margaret Welsh	...	Carolyn Bridge
John Bell	...	Douglas Bridge - as a boy
Kyra Sedgwick	...	Ruth Bridge
Simon Callow	...	Dr. Alex Sauer
Remak Ramsay	...	Virgil Barron
Addison Myers	...	Man at Businessmen's Table
Roger Burget	...	Man at Businessmen's Table
Blythe Danner	...	Grace Barron
Austin Pendleton	...	Mr. Gadbury
Gale Garnett	...	Mabel Ong
Al Christy	...	Judge
Joe Tinoco	...	Plaintiff

Storyline

It's about a five member family. The father is a conservative and traditional person who directs the family. The mother is at home, she tries to hold together the family, while Mr. Bridge works as a lawyer. The children have just grown up, and the complications are derived from that they have a more modern view of life.

---

Plot Keywords:

f rated | character names as title | reference to franklin d. roosevelt | watering a plant | abusive husband | 

---

Taglines:

Divided by time and tradition. United by love and hope. The story of an unforgettable family.

---

Genres:

Drama

---

Certificate:

PG-13

Did You Know?

Trivia

Several antique wicker pieces used on the Kansas City set of the movie were provided by Wicker Fixer & Chair Re-Caner, out of Ozark, MO.

---

Goofs

When Mrs. Bridge presents the special pineapple cake to Mr. Bridge, her voice does not match her mouth movements.

---

Quotes

India Bridge: [as a tornado rages outside the room they are in] Walter, don't you think we might be better off downstairs in the basement?
Walter Bridge: India, for twenty years I've been telling you when something will happen and when it will not happen. Now, have I ever, on some significant occasion been proved wrong?

---

Crazy Credits

Shakespearean Tutor to Mr. Newman - Senator Bob Dole

---

Connections

Referenced in Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Atomic Brain (1993)

---

Soundtracks

Boogie Woogie
Written by Clarence Smith (as Clarence 'Pinetop' Smith)
Edwin H. Morris & Co., A division of MPL Communication Inc.
Performed by Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra
Courtesy of RCA Records

User Reviews

A Movie Represents a Time

I thoroughly enjoyed this film, in addition to the storied couple (in real life) playing Mr. and Mrs. Bridge--I thought the story line excellent. I actually grew up in Kansas City not long after the time period in the film and my family lived much as these people. The film's "slowness" represents that time---Paul Newman's close and steady pace, his awareness and lack of awareness of the world around him are intriguing. Joanne Woodward and Blythe Danner represent to very different types of women (of the time) but gives the viewer the sense that they are both trapped, one willingly and the other not so willingly. I weep for the Mother (Joanne Woodward) who wants to be close to her grown children but is too limited in her own world to really know how. The children are at fault in many cases, but it's sad nonetheless. The "wedged" car in the garage door opening sums up the Mother's inability to control her surroundings and the very fact that the husband was angry when he arrived home only underlines this fact. Thank God he seems to have loved her!

Details

Official Sites:

Merchant Ivory Productions [United States]

Country:

UK USA Canada

Language:

English French

Release Date:

18 January 1991 (UK)

Also Known As:

Mr. & Mrs. Bridge

Filming Locations:

France

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$57,959, 25 November 1990

Gross USA:

$7,698,010

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$7,698,010

Company Credits

Production Co:

Cineplex Odeon Films, Miramax, Merchant Ivory Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

126 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1