Tuesdays with Morrie (1999)

A journalist finds himself questioning his own life when his best friend, a dying man, offers him some very powerful wisdom and advice for coping in relationships, careers and society.

Director:

Mick Jackson

Writers:

Thomas Rickman (teleplay) (as Tom Rickman), Mitch Albom (based on the book by)

Stars:

Jack Lemmon, Hank Azaria, Wendy Moniz-Grillo

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 12 wins & 11 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jack Lemmon	...	Morrie Schwartz
Hank Azaria	...	Mitch Albom
Wendy Moniz-Grillo	...	Janine (as Wendy Moniz)
Caroline Aaron	...	Connie
Bonnie Bartlett	...	Charlotte
John Carroll Lynch	...	Walter
Cloud Michaels	...	Morrie's Mother
Terri Hanauer	...	Eva / Stepmom
Kyle Sullivan	...	Young Morrie
Charles Homet	...	Rob
Mark Eric Charbonneau	...	Jon (as Mark Helm)
Carlton Wilborn	...	Eddie (as Carlton Wilton)
Ivo Cutzarida	...	Sergio
Dan Thiel	...	Shawn Daley
Kimble Jemison	...	Baseball Player

Storyline

Mitch became caught up with his career as a sport commentator and journalist. He ignored his girlfriend and did not make time to do things in life that are of the most value to a human being. Morrie was one of Mitch's professors in college and a famous scholar. One day Mitch was watching television and saw Morrie giving an interview stating that he is dying of Lou Gehrig's disease or ALS.

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Plot Keywords:

lou gehrig's disease | terminal illness | love | wisdom | friendship | 

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Genres:

Biography | Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

5 December 1999 (USA)

Also Known As:

Oprah Winfrey Presents: Tuesdays with Morrie

Filming Locations:

Ambassador Hotel - 3400 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Carlton America, Harpo Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

89 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The newspaper Morrie's father reads is in Yiddish.

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Goofs

Mitch is supposedly a talented pianist who gave up a promising career in music, yet in the recording studio when the producer asks for an F# Mitch plays an F.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Morrie Schwartz: Excuse me, kids.
[greeting people as he walks past]
Morrie Schwartz: Hello, love. How're ya doin'? Hey, Katie.
Mitch Albom: [narrating] Among other things, many other things, my old professor loved to eat. He especially liked tongue. I'd say, "Morrie, that's disgusting. " He'd say, "I'm sorry you think so. I also like cole slaw. Can you handle cole slaw, Mitch?"
Mitch Albom: [narrating] Near the top of the list of things he loved was dancing. He had his own way of dancing. He'd do the Lindy to Jimi Hendrix. He'd jitterbug to.....
[...]

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Connections

Referenced in Gilmore Girls: Star-Crossed Lovers and Other Strangers (2001)

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Soundtracks

Something's Always Wrong
By Toad the Wet Sprocket

User Reviews

A wonderful lesson in life.

I admit I was cynical in finding and watching this movie. Beforehand, I felt Oprah's influence would veer the film in a certain direction and it would represent the worst aspects of the TV movie: being treacly, and unrealistic. But Jack Lemmon's presence ensured my interest. (This, after all, was the illustrious actor's last performance.) I was rewarded by a clear-eyed, stirring, and often moving depiction of one man's dignity and the gift of living he bestows on a younger man. Both Lemmon and Azaria lock on to their parts with conviction, and I felt a real loving friendship existed between the men. I learned from this movie: lessons about communication and ideaology. It is a rare gem, honestly portrayed, and further proof (as if we needed any!) of Jack Lemmon's unique and breathtaking talent.