The Ballad of the Sad Cafe Movie Review 1991

Unusual love story set in a small Southern town during the Depression. The everday lives of its townspeople are suddenly transformed when a distant relation of the town's outcast (Redgrave) unexpectedly shows up. A moving story that tries to portray both sides of love and its power to enhance and destroy simultaneously. Emotion never seems to come to life in a movie that's nice to watch, but is ultimately disappointing. Adapted from the play by Edward Albee, which was based on the critically acclaimed novella by Carson McCullers. A British/U.S. co-production.

Distribution

Sony Pictures Home Video, Sony Pictures Plz., 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232, Phone: (310)244-7306, Fax: (310)280-2485, URL: http://www.spe.sony.com, Remarks: Formerly Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment

Available on VHS
Running time 100 minutes.
Originally from British.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Adapted from a Play, Romantic Drama, Revenge, American South, Great Depression, Adapted from a Story, Producers: Merchant Ivory, War Between the Sexes, Aunts & Uncles, Nieces & Nephews

Screenplay

Michael Hirst

Cast

Vanessa Redgrave, Keith Carradine, Cork Hubbert, Rod Steiger, Austin Pendleton, Beth Dixon, Lanny Flaherty, Mert Hatfield, Earl Hindman, Anne Pitoniak

Cinematography

Walter Lassally

Director

Simon Callow

Music

Richard Robbins

Producer

Merchant-Ivory Productions, Ismail Merchant