Marvin's Room (1996)

After seventeen years, a fiercely independent woman and her rebellious son return home and together they turn the family she left behind upside down.

Director:

Jerry Zaks

Writers:

Scott McPherson (play), Scott McPherson (screenplay)

Stars:

Meryl Streep, Leonardo DiCaprio, Diane Keaton

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 4 wins & 12 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Meryl Streep	...	Lee
Leonardo DiCaprio	...	Hank
Diane Keaton	...	Bessie
Robert De Niro	...	Dr. Wally
Hume Cronyn	...	Marvin
Gwen Verdon	...	Ruth
Hal Scardino	...	Charlie
Dan Hedaya	...	Bob
Margo Martindale	...	Dr. Charlotte
Cynthia Nixon	...	Retirement Home Director
Kelly Ripa	...	Coral
John Callahan	...	Lance
Olga Merediz	...	Beauty Shop Lady
Joe Lisi	...	Bruno
Steve DuMouchel	...	Gas Station Guy (as Steve Dumouchel)

Storyline

Years ago, the fiercely independent Lee took off for Ohio, while her older sister Bessie stayed home to look after their bedridden father, Marvin. Lee has troubles of her own, including her mischievous son Hank, who has a knack for burning down the neighborhood when she's not looking. Seventeen years since her last visit, and after an unexpected call from Bessie, Lee's packs up Hank and his younger brother Charlie for the trip home.

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Plot Keywords:

bone marrow transplant | united states | usa | friendship | leukemia | 

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Taglines:

A story about the years that keep us apart... And the moments that bring us together.

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for thematic elements and brief language

Did You Know?

Trivia

This film was released four years after the death of Scott McPherson, who wrote the original play and screenplay. He was only 33 years old.

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Goofs

The position of Hank's arm with potato chip changes between shots.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Bessie: Uh, Janine, I wonder if you could tell me how long I might have to wait, because I left Aunt Ruth at home in charge of dad, and...
Janine: You'll have to see Doctor Wally, because Doctor Serrot is on vacation.
[finishes typing "I quit" letter]
Bessie: See "Doctor who"?

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Crazy Credits

The producers wish to thank ... the staff and guests of Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom, Orlando Florida, ... the residents and staff of The Florida Manor Nursing Home ...

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Connections

Referenced in Saturday Night Live: Rob Lowe/Spice Girls (1997)

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Soundtracks

The Thunderer
(1889)
Written by John Philip Sousa (as John Phillip Sousa)
Arranged by Jan Eriksen
Courtesy of Associated Production Music

User Reviews

Better Than It Should Have Been

This stage to screen adaptation about two estranged sisters attempting a reconciliation after one is diagnosed with cancer is sentimental to the extreme, manipulative beyond forgiveness.....and had me close to blubbering like a baby by the time it was over.

Chalk it up to the fact that I had recently lost a grandmother to cancer, but this film nearly devastated me even as I was mad that it was so maudlin. The fact that it works as well as it does is due largely to the fact that such good actors are cast in it. Meryl Streep and Diane Keaton play the sisters (Keaton is the ill one), and while it would never have occurred to me to put these two actresses together, the decision was inspired. And right before he rocketed to international fame, Leonardo DiCaprio does strong work as Keaton's troubled nephew.

I won't even try to defend this film against those who say it's too schmaltzy to bear, but please let the rest of us enjoy it in blubbery peace.

Grade: A-

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

28 February 1997 (USA)

Also Known As:

Marvin's Room

Filming Locations:

Greystone Park & Mansion - 905 Loma Vista Drive, Beverly Hills, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$23,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$57,739, 22 December 1996

Gross USA:

$12,803,305

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$12,803,305

Company Credits

Production Co:

Scott Rudin Productions, Tribeca Productions, Marvin Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

98 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1