Cast
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Bonnie Franklin
as Margaret Sanger
David Dukes
as Bill Sanger
Richard Johnson
as Havelock Ellis
Stacy Keach
as Judge Murdock
Frances Lee McCain
as Ethel Higgins
Milo O’Shea
as Michael Higgins
Albert Salmi
as Big Bill Haywood
Yvonne Wilder
as Fania Mindell
William Windom
as Monseigneur Soldini
Carol Eve Rossen
as Anita
Garn Stephens
as Mollie Farber
Deborah Baltzell
as Ida Lifshiz
Kathleen Doyle
as Marvis
James Karen
as Untermeyer
F. William Parker
as Warden Hale
Crew
Director
- Virgil W. Vogel
Writer
- Blanche Hanalis
Producer
- Christopher Morgan
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Portrait of a Rebel: The Remarkable Mrs. Sanger 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 Virgil W. Vogel 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 1980, 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 Portrait of a Rebel: The Remarkable Mrs. Sanger took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 96 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 131 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- The musical score contains over 32 unique compositions.
- The costume department created over 458 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1980, when this film was released:
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: April 22, 1980
- Runtime: 1h 36m