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 famous ice-cream scene, where Billy challenges his father by skipping dinner and going straight for dessert, was completely improvised by both Dustin Hoffman and Justin Henry. Director Robert Benton liked the scene so much that he decided to keep it in the film.

Goofs:

Continuity: When Ted is first making French Toast, he picks up the egg in his right hand; when he shows it to Billy before breaking it, it's in his left hand; when the camera goes to closeup as he breaks the egg, it's back in his right hand. Dustin Hoffman's disheveled hair also changes wildly in that scene.

Quotes:

[Joanna is leaving Ted]
Ted Kramer: Come on now, what about Billy?
Joanna Kramer: I'm not taking him with me. I'm no good for him. I'm terrible with him. I have no patience. He's better off without me.
Ted Kramer: Joanna, please.
Joanna Kramer: And I don't love you anymore.
Ted Kramer: Where are you going?
Joanna Kramer: I don't know.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Family Ties: Keaton vs. Keaton (#5.22)" (1987)

Soundtrack:

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

Hubby and spouse have a falling out

What a great film. Everyone in this one turned in a flawless performance in a story dedicated to showing the ugliness of divorce. This was a solid, serious movie but it also had a humorous side as Hoffman had me rolling the floor as he dealt with fatherhood, completely, for the first time. I especially found the french toast scene roaringly funny. 4 stars.