Portnoy's Complaint
“Some book. Some movie.”
Synopsis
During a session with his psychoanalyst, Alexander Portnoy rants about everything that is bothering him. His complaints include his childhood and his family with an emphasis on his mother, his sexual fantasies and the problems that he has with women, and his obsessive feelings about his Judaism.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Larry Karaszewski on PORTNOY'S COMPLAINT
Type: Featurette • Published 2026-03-13
Top Cast
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Richard Benjamin
Alexander Portnoy
Karen Black
Mary Jane Reid a.k.a. Monkey
Lee Grant
Sophie Portnoy
Jack Somack
Jack Portnoy
Renée Lippin
Hannah Portnoy
Jeannie Berlin
Bubbles Girardi
Kevin Conway
Smolka
Lewis J. Stadlen
Mandel (as Lewis Stadlen)
Jill Clayburgh
Naomi
Jessica Rains
Opening Girl
Francesca De Sapio
Lina, Rome Prostitute
William Pabst
Clerk at Inn
Eleanor Zee
Woman in Hospital Bed
Tony Brande
Cab Driver
D.P. Barnes
Dr. Spielvogel
John Carradine
Judge (voice) (uncredited)
Arline Bletcher
Elevator Lady #2 (uncredited)
Minta Durfee
Elevator Lady #1 (uncredited)
Release History & Theatrical Window
June 19, 1972
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Ernest Lehman
- Screenplay & Story
- Ernest Lehman
- Original Score
- Michel Legrand
- Original Title
- Portnoy's Complaint
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 41m
- Production Studios
- Chenault Productions, Warner Bros. Pictures
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Ernest Lehman
Ernest Lehman, Philip Roth
Michel Legrand
Philip H. Lathrop
Sam O'Steen, Gordon Scott
Sidney Beckerman, Ernest Lehman
Department Leadership Roster
Ernest Lehman
Screenplay
Ernest Lehman
Director
Philip H. Lathrop
Director of Photography
Michel Legrand
Original Music Composer
Sam O'Steen
Editor
Gordon Scott
Editor
Sidney Beckerman
Producer
Robert F. Boyle
Production Design
Moss Mabry
Costume Design
Ernest Lehman
Producer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Portnoy's Complaint.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Portnoy's Complaint
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Portnoy's Complaint about?
During a session with his psychoanalyst, Alexander Portnoy rants about everything that is bothering him. His complaints include his childhood and his family with an emphasis on his mother, his sexual fantasies and the problems that he has with women, and his obsessive feelings about his Judaism.
Who directed Portnoy's Complaint?
Portnoy's Complaint was directed by Ernest Lehman.
Who stars in Portnoy's Complaint?
The principal cast of Portnoy's Complaint includes Richard Benjamin, Karen Black, Lee Grant, Jack Somack, Renée Lippin.
When was Portnoy's Complaint released and how long is it?
Portnoy's Complaint was released in 1972 with a total runtime of 1h 41m.
Who composed the musical score for Portnoy's Complaint?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Portnoy's Complaint was composed by Michel Legrand.
Is Portnoy's Complaint based on a book or true story?
Portnoy's Complaint is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Philip Roth".