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.

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Plot Keywords:

conservative | lawyer | upper class | new york city | card game | 

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Taglines:

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

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

PG-13

Details

Official Sites:

Merchant Ivory Productions [United States]

Country:

UK USA Canada

Language:

English French

Release Date:

18 January 1991 (UK)

Also Known As:

Cenas de uma Família

Filming Locations:

France

Box Office

Gross USA:

$7,698,010

Company Credits

Production Co:

Cineplex-Odeon Films,Miramax,Merchant Ivory Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

126 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

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.

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Goofs

The glass of beer on the tablecloth moves from being completely on the white part to resting on the border depending on the camera angle.

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Crazy Credits

Shakespearean Tutor to Mr. Newman - Senator Bob Dole

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Connections

Referenced in Mystery Science Theater 3000: Teen-Age Crime Wave (1994)

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Soundtracks

Stouthearted Men
Music by Sigmund Romberg
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Warner Bros. Inc./Bambaline Music Co. & Williamson Music
Performed by Nelson Eddy
Courtesy of RCA Records

User Reviews

A bit different

This is definitely a nitch film that will not appeal to a mass audience. It's a rather uneventful story of a mid-western upper class WASP family, and the cultural milieu of their times. Set in the time frame of pre-World War II America, it is a series of vignettes of various characters' lives. Everything about the production is first class; from the acting to the lush settings. This is a film for those who prefer subtlety over action. This ain't a popcorn film, it is a movie for a quiet time where you can sit back and watch a serious character study. Too, a knowledge of the history of the time would be nice -- but not essential. I'll give it a solid *8*.