Cast
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George Segal
as Gordon Hocheiser
Ruth Gordon
as Mrs. Hocheiser
Ron Leibman
as Sidney Hocheiser
Trish Van Devere
as Louise Callan
Barnard Hughes
as Colonel Hendricks
Vincent Gardenia
as Coach Williams
Rae Allen
as Gladys Hocheiser
Paul Sorvino
as Owner of Gus & Grace's Home
William LeMassena
as Judge
Michael McGuire
as Army Lawyer
Rob Reiner
as Roger
Garrett Morris
as Garrett
Alice Drummond
as Woman in Elevator
Tom Atkins
as Policeman in apartment
Crew
Director
- Carl Reiner
Producer
- Jerry Tokofsky
- Marvin Worth
Reviews
talisencrw
I definitely would have tightened the slack pace of this--it seems perhaps 15 or 20 minutes too long, and really lags in spots--but it has some really excellent ideas and, in its basic underlying tenet of adult siblings trying to take care of their elderly parents, yet at the same time having fulfilling lives of their own, remains unfortunately very timely. I'm NOT a George Segal fan in the slightest (in both his previous roles in 'Ship of Fools' and 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf', he seems to think that simply by screaming at someone, that it inherently means 'range' and 'intensity'), but his work here is solid and he makes you care about his character's plight enough to actually empathize with his situation and root for him as a result. Solid work--and director Carl's son Rob is absolutely hilarious in a rare, pre-'All in the Family' performance. Good stuff here--contemporary PC-awareness notwithstanding, of course... ;)
Jul 13, 2016
Thematic Analysis
Where’s Poppa? represents a fascinating example of Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Carl Reiner 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1970, 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 Where’s Poppa? took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 82 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 142 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
- The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1970, when this film was released:
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Where’s Poppa? shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike When Christmas Was Young, which focuses more on action than character development, Where’s Poppa? offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Landscape with Invisible Hand and The Devil Wears Prada explore similar territory, Where’s Poppa? stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 10, 1970
- Runtime: 1h 22m
Where to Watch
