A Kiss Before Dying
“Loving him was easy. Trusting him was deadly.”
Synopsis
Infatuated with the idea of becoming rich, college student Jonathan Corliss secretly dates Dorothy Carlsson to gain the approval of her wealthy father. When Dorothy tells Jonathan that she is pregnant and that her father will deny her inheritance if he finds out, Jonathan murders her, but he stages her death as a suicide. As Jonathan works his way onto Mr. Carlsson's payroll, Dorothy's twin sister, Ellen, investigates the apparent suicide.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
A Kiss Before Dying (Trailer)
Type: Trailer • Published 2011-11-25
Top Cast
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Matt Dillon
Jonathan Corliss
Sean Young
Ellen / Dorothy Carlsson
Max von Sydow
Thor Carlsson
Diane Ladd
Mrs. Corliss
James Russo
Dan Corelli
Adam Horovitz
Jay Faraday
Martha Gehman
Patricia Farren
Ben Browder
Tommy Roussell
Briony Glassco
Waitress
Galaxy Craze
Susie
Joie Lee
Cathy
Jim Fyfe
Terry Dieter
Frederick Koehler
Mickey
Elżbieta Czyżewska
Landlady
Shane Rimmer
Commissioner Malley
Leslie Lyles
Mrs. Roussell
Rory Cochrane
Chico
James Bonfanti
Young Jonathan
Release History & Theatrical Window
April 26, 1991
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
Undisclosed
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$15.4M
Total global ticket sales
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- James Dearden
- Screenplay & Story
- James Dearden
- Original Score
- Howard Shore
- Original Title
- A Kiss Before Dying
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom, United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 35m
- Worldwide Gross
- $15.4M
- Production Studios
- Kellgate Limited, Universal Pictures, Initial Pictures
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
James Dearden
James Dearden, Ira Levin
Howard Shore
Mike Southon
Michael Bradsell
Robert Lawrence, Eric Fellner
Department Leadership Roster
James Dearden
Screenplay
James Dearden
Director
Jim Clay
Production Design
Mike Southon
Director of Photography
Michael Bradsell
Editor
Robert Lawrence
Producer
Marit Allen
Costume Design
Howard Shore
Original Music Composer
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
FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.
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 A Kiss Before Dying.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring A Kiss Before Dying.
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Frequently Asked Questions About A Kiss Before Dying
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is A Kiss Before Dying about?
Infatuated with the idea of becoming rich, college student Jonathan Corliss secretly dates Dorothy Carlsson to gain the approval of her wealthy father. When Dorothy tells Jonathan that she is pregnant and that her father will deny her inheritance if he finds out, Jonathan murders her, but he stages her death as a suicide. As Jonathan works his way onto Mr. Carlsson's payroll, Dorothy's twin sister, Ellen, investigates the apparent suicide.
Who directed A Kiss Before Dying?
A Kiss Before Dying was directed by James Dearden.
Who stars in A Kiss Before Dying?
The principal cast of A Kiss Before Dying includes Matt Dillon, Sean Young, Max von Sydow, Diane Ladd, James Russo.
When was A Kiss Before Dying released and how long is it?
A Kiss Before Dying was released in 1991 with a total runtime of 1h 35m.
How much did A Kiss Before Dying make at the box office?
A Kiss Before Dying grossed $15.4M in worldwide ticket sales.
Who composed the musical score for A Kiss Before Dying?
The original motion picture soundtrack for A Kiss Before Dying was composed by Howard Shore.
Is A Kiss Before Dying based on a book or true story?
A Kiss Before Dying is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Ira Levin".
What is the age rating and content advisory for A Kiss Before Dying?
A Kiss Before Dying holds official age classifications: DE: 16 (FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.); GB: 15 (Suitable only for 15 years and over.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).