The Bell Jar
“Sometimes just being a woman is an act of courage...”
Synopsis
A young woman's summer in New York includes working for a Mademoiselle-like magazine, her return home to New England, and subsequent breakdown all amidst the horrors of the 1950s, from news of the Rosenbergs' execution to sleazy disc jockeys and predatory college boys.
Top Cast
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Marilyn Hassett
Esther Greenwood
Julie Harris
Mrs. Greenwood
Anne Jackson
Dr. Nolan
Barbara Barrie
Jay Cee
Robert Klein
Lenny
Donna Mitchell
Joan
Mary Louise Weller
Doreen
Jameson Parker
Buddy Willard
Thaao Penghlis
Marco
Scott McKay
Mr. Gilling
Meg Mundy
Bea Ramsey
Carole Monferdini
Hilda
Debbie McLeod
Betsy
Elizabeth Hubbard
Vikki St. John
Karen Howard
Toni LaBouchere
Margaret Hall
Jane McLode
Christine Estabrook
Student Editor
Nicholas Guest
Young Man in Cafeteria
Release History & Theatrical Window
March 20, 1979
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Larry Peerce
- Screenplay & Story
- Marjorie Kellogg, Sylvia Plath
- Original Score
- Gerald Fried
- Original Title
- The Bell Jar
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 47m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Larry Peerce
Marjorie Kellogg, Sylvia Plath
Gerald Fried
Gerald Hirschfeld
Marvin Walowitz
Jerrold T. Brandt Jr., Robert A. Goldston, Michael Todd Jr.
Department Leadership Roster
Larry Peerce
Director
Marjorie Kellogg
Writer
Gerald Fried
Original Music Composer
Marvin Walowitz
Editor
John Robert Lloyd
Production Design
John Robert Lloyd
Costume Design
Gerald Hirschfeld
Director of Photography
Donald Brooks
Costume Design
Jerrold T. Brandt Jr.
Producer
Michael Todd Jr.
Producer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Bell Jar.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Bell Jar
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Bell Jar about?
A young woman's summer in New York includes working for a Mademoiselle-like magazine, her return home to New England, and subsequent breakdown all amidst the horrors of the 1950s, from news of the Rosenbergs' execution to sleazy disc jockeys and predatory college boys.
Who directed The Bell Jar?
The Bell Jar was directed by Larry Peerce.
Who stars in The Bell Jar?
The principal cast of The Bell Jar includes Marilyn Hassett, Julie Harris, Anne Jackson, Barbara Barrie, Robert Klein.
When was The Bell Jar released and how long is it?
The Bell Jar was released in 1979 with a total runtime of 1h 47m.
Who composed the musical score for The Bell Jar?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Bell Jar was composed by Gerald Fried.
Is The Bell Jar based on a book or true story?
The Bell Jar is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Sylvia Plath".
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Bell Jar?
The Bell Jar holds official age classifications: US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).