Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)

Director:

Robert Benton

Writers:

Avery Corman (novel)
Robert Benton (written by)

Release Date:

19 December 1979 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

There are three sides to this love story!

Plot:

A just divorced man must learn to care for his son on his own, and then must fight in court to keep custody of him.

Plot Keywords:

Frustration | Workaholic | Friendship | Hospital | Ice Cream

Awards:

Won 5 Oscars. Another 31 wins & 15 nominations

Cast

Dustin Hoffman	...	Ted Kramer
Meryl Streep	...	Joanna Kramer
Jane Alexander	...	Margaret Phelps
Justin Henry	...	Billy Kramer
Howard Duff	...	John Shaunessy
George Coe	...	Jim O'Connor
JoBeth Williams	...	Phyllis Bernard (as Jobeth Williams)
Bill Moor	...	Gressen
Howland Chamberlain	...	Judge Atkins
Jack Ramage	...	Spencer
Jess Osuna	...	Ackerman
Nicholas Hormann	...	Interviewer
Ellen Parker	...	Teacher
Shelby Brammer	...	Ted's Secretary
Carol Nadell	...	Mrs. Kline

Also Known As:

Kramer Versus Kramer (USA) (alternative spelling)

Runtime:

105 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

UK:A (original rating) | Canada:A (Nova Scotia) | Indonesia:Dewasa | UK:PG (video rating) | Sweden:11 | Netherlands:AL | South Korea:15 (DVD rating) | Singapore:NC-16 (DVD rating) | Argentina:16 | Australia:PG | Chile:18 | Finland:S | Norway:12 (1980) | Singapore:PG | USA:PG | West Germany:16 | Canada:G (Québec) | Canada:PG (Manitoba/Ontario)

Filming Locations:

Central Park, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Company:

Columbia Pictures

Trivia:

The first cut ran 43 minutes longer than the eventual film.

Goofs:

Continuity: After Ted drops Billy at school, Joanna's hand position on the window changes between shots.

Quotes:

[Ted and Billy are having dinner]
Ted Kramer: How was school today?
Billy Kramer: Same as usual.
Ted Kramer: Hey, I see the Knicks finally won a game, what do you know?
Billy Kramer: I don't care.
Ted Kramer: What do you mean?
Billy Kramer: I like Boston.
Ted Kramer: Boston? Why do you like Boston?
Billy Kramer: 'Cause Mommy's from Boston.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in An Unnatural Act (1984)

Soundtrack:

Sonata for Trumpet and String 2. Adagio 3. Presto The Gordian Knot Untied 3. Rondo Minuet

a rip-off, but a great one

Although credit should have been given to Dr. Seuess for stealing the story-line of "Horton Hatches The Egg", this was a fine film. It touched both the emotions and the intellect. Due especially to the incredible performance of seven year old Justin Henry and a script that was sympathetic to each character (and each one's predicament), the thought provoking elements linger long after the tear jerking ones are over. Overall, superior acting from a solid cast, excellent directing, and a very powerful script. The right touches of humor throughout help keep a "heavy" subject from becoming tedious or difficult to sit through. Lastly, this film stands the test of time and seems in no way dated, decades after it was released.