Cast
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Gene Wilder
as Harry Evers
Bob Newhart
as Marvin Ellison
Ellen Burstyn
as Lynne Evers
Cloris Leachman
as Lois Ellison
Martha Scott
as Mrs. Reynolds
Nancy Walker
as Mrs. Bender
Valerie Harper
as Ann Menzente
Rob Reiner
as Joel Forrest
Norman Fell
as Melvin Leonard
Gino Conforti
as Mike
Richard Schaal
as Bob
Robert Sampson
as Dave
Richard Gautier
as John
Jean-Michel Michenaud
as David Evers (as Gerald Michenaud)
John Archer
as Mr. Wood
Crew
Director
- Robert Moore
Writer
- James L. Brooks
Producer
- James L. Brooks
Reviews
Peter McGinn
Thursday’s Game is a lightweight comedy in some ways, but it is quirky enough to rise above the level of more forgettable network movies. It features Gene Wilder and a competent ensemble cast made up of faces that would later become very familiar in popular tv sitcoms. We watched it recently as part of a Cloris Leachman retrospective.
The humor ranges from being fairly subtle to occasional slapstick. The plot focuses mostly on Wilder’s character, his employment and marriage ups and downs, with lesser attention paid to Bob Newhart’s restless character, who wants out of his marriage.
As mentioned above, it is lightweight stuff, but entertaining enough to be worth our time, with a rather sudden and whimsical ending that in a way seemed to suit the story.
Mar 1, 2021
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Thursday's Game examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Robert Moore brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1974, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Thursday's Game took approximately 14 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 144 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 64 unique compositions.
- The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1974, when this film was released:
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: April 14, 1974
- Runtime: 1h 40m