Orphans (1987 film)

Orphans

Theatrical release poster
Directed by Alan J. Pakula
Produced by Alan J. Pakula
Susan Solt
Written by Play/Screenplay:
Lyle Kessler
Starring
Music by Michael Small
Cinematography Donald McAlpine
Edited by Evan A. Lottman
Distributed by Lorimar Motion Pictures
Release dates
  • September 18, 1987 (1987-09-18)
Running time
 115 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Box office $252,430 (USA)

Orphans is a 1987 American drama film directed by Alan J. Pakula. It was written by Lyle Kessler, based on his play of the same name.

Plot

Brothers Treat (Matthew Modine) and Philip (Kevin Anderson) have lived alone since they were kids when a small-time criminal enters their lives. Living without a father, the orphaned brothers subsist off the proceeds of petty theft in a run-down North Philadelphia row house. One night he kidnaps an enigmatic rich man, played by Albert Finney, who becomes the kind of father figure the boys have always longed for.

Principal cast

Actor Role
Albert Finney Harold
Matthew Modine Treat
Kevin Anderson Phillip
John Kellogg Barney
Anthony Heald Man in Park
Novella Nelson Mattie
Elizabeth Parrish Rich Woman

Critical reception

Vincent Canby of the New York Times enjoyed the film:

“ Mr. Pakula's achievement is in making a film that's simultaneously theatrical and cinematic. Orphans honors both worlds.[1] ”

Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times gave it two and a half stars out of four and had this to say:

“ Orphans is a good play about behavior that has been turned into a mediocre movie about nothing much at all.[2] ”

References

  1. ↑ Canby, Vincent (18 September 1987). "Film: 'Orphans,' Based on the Play". The New York Times.
  2. ↑ "Orphans :: rogerebert.com :: Reviews". Rogerebert.suntimes.com. 25 September 1987. Retrieved 2012-12-11.
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