Drowning by Numbers
“Three Women And A Coroner.”
Synopsis
Cissie Colpitts drowns her cheating husband and, in the ensuing cover-up, enlists the help of lonely coroner Henry Madgett, an old friend with a longstanding weakness for her charms. But when Cissie's daughter and granddaughter—both also named Cissie Colpitts—decide to resort to the same methods for solving conflicts with their own frustrating husbands, the women and their repeated appeals for help begin to wear on Madgett's conscience.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
TrailerOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2023-07-20
Top Cast
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Joan Plowright
Cissie Colpitts
Juliet Stevenson
Cissie Colpitts (Daughter)
Joely Richardson
Cissie Colpitts (Granddaughter)
Bernard Hill
Henry Madgett
Jason Edwards
Smut
Bryan Pringle
Jake
Trevor Cooper
Hardy
David Morrissey
Bellamy
John Rogan
Gregory
Paul Mooney
Teigan
Jane Gurnett
Nancy
Kenny Ireland
Jonah Bognor
Michael Percival
Moses Bognor
Joanna Dickens
Mrs. Hardy
Janine Duvitski
Marina Bellamy
Michael Fitzgerald
Mr. 70 Van Dyke
Edward Tudor-Pole
Mr. 71 Van Dyke
Natalie Morse
The Skipping Girl
Release History & Theatrical Window
Cinefest Sudbury International Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
April 26, 1991
Wide Cinema Exhibition
April 26, 2015
Physical Home Media
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$1.5M
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$425K
Total global ticket sales
Box Office Return
0.28x
-$1.1M deficit
Theatrical Status
Budget Return
Box office tier
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Peter Greenaway
- Screenplay & Story
- Peter Greenaway
- Original Score
- Michael Nyman
- Original Title
- Drowning by Numbers
- Country of Origin
- Netherlands, United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 59m
- Production Budget
- $1.5M
- Worldwide Gross
- $425K
- Production Studios
- Stimuleringsfonds Nederlandse Culturele Omroepproducties, Elsevier-Vendex Film Beheer, Allarts Production, VPRO, Film Four International
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Peter Greenaway
Peter Greenaway
Michael Nyman
Sacha Vierny
John Wilson
Kees Kasander, Denis Wigman
Department Leadership Roster
Peter Greenaway
Director
Peter Greenaway
Writer
Michael Nyman
Original Music Composer
Sacha Vierny
Director of Photography
John Wilson
Editor
Ben van Os
Production Design
Jan Roelfs
Production Design
Dien van Straalen
Costume Design
Kees Kasander
Producer
Denis Wigman
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
Suitable only for 15 years and over.
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Drowning by Numbers.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Drowning by Numbers.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Drowning by Numbers
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Drowning by Numbers about?
Cissie Colpitts drowns her cheating husband and, in the ensuing cover-up, enlists the help of lonely coroner Henry Madgett, an old friend with a longstanding weakness for her charms. But when Cissie's daughter and granddaughter—both also named Cissie Colpitts—decide to resort to the same methods for solving conflicts with their own frustrating husbands, the women and their repeated appeals for help begin to wear on Madgett's conscience.
Who directed Drowning by Numbers?
Drowning by Numbers was directed by Peter Greenaway.
Who stars in Drowning by Numbers?
The principal cast of Drowning by Numbers includes Joan Plowright, Juliet Stevenson, Joely Richardson, Bernard Hill, Jason Edwards.
When was Drowning by Numbers released and how long is it?
Drowning by Numbers was released in 1988 with a total runtime of 1h 59m.
What was the box office and production budget of Drowning by Numbers?
Drowning by Numbers had a reported production budget of $1.5M and grossed $425K at the worldwide box office (0.28 return on budget, classified as a underperformed).
Who composed the musical score for Drowning by Numbers?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Drowning by Numbers was composed by Michael Nyman.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Drowning by Numbers?
Drowning by Numbers holds official age classifications: GB: 15 (Suitable only for 15 years and over.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).