Skip to content
The Rachel Papers poster
5.1 / 10(38 votes)IMDbR19891h 35mUnited Kingdom

The Rachel Papers

“She's curious, he's nervous”

Synopsis

Poised to attend Oxford University, 19-year-old Charles Highway decides it's high time to have a romantic encounter with an older woman. With the help of a computer program and several eccentric relatives, Highway sets his sights on seducing Rachel Noyce, a stunning American in her 20s. However, Highway has his work cut out for him. Noyce has a boyfriend, DeForest, and is not exactly receptive to Highway's advances — at first, anyway.

Play Movie

Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes

Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.

The Rachel Papers Trailer

Type: Trailer • Published 2010-08-01

Release History & Theatrical Window

Theatrical Premiere

May 12, 1989

Wide Cinema Exhibition

Key Information & Fast Facts

Director
Damian Harris
Screenplay & Story
Martin Amis, Damian Harris
Original Score
Chaz Jankel
Original Title
The Rachel Papers
Country of Origin
United Kingdom
Spoken Languages
English
Runtime
1h 35m
Production Studios
Longfellow Pictures, Initial Film and Television, Virgin Vision

Creative Leadership & Key Crew

Director

Damian Harris

Screenplay & Story

Martin Amis, Damian Harris

Original Score & Music

Chaz Jankel

Director of Photography

Alex Thomson

Film Editing

David Martin

Producers

Scott Millaney, Eric Fellner, Andrew S. Karsch, James T. Roe III

Literary Origin & Source Material
Novel:Martin Amis

Department Leadership Roster

Damian Harris

Damian Harris

Director

Damian Harris

Damian Harris

Writer

Alex Thomson

Alex Thomson

Director of Photography

Chaz Jankel

Chaz Jankel

Original Music Composer

Andrew McAlpine

Production Design

Marit Allen

Marit Allen

Costume Design

David Martin

Editor

Andrew S. Karsch

Producer

Age Classification & Content Advisories

Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.

Primary: R

R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

International Certification Matrix

Germany (FSK)12

FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.

United States (MPAA)R

Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Rachel Papers.

Featured In Curated Collections

Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Rachel Papers.

Mid Hunting List

A list of mids found by Mid Hunters

11331 titles

My Movies

Master List In Progress

13641 titles

1989

1989

7156 titles

MGM+ US - Romantic Comedy Movies

Curated list of Most Popular on MGM+ (US). Updated frequently. Last updated August 28, 2026.

150 titles

MGM+ US - Romance Movies

Curated list of Most Popular on MGM+ (US). Updated frequently. Last updated August 28, 2026.

150 titles

tom

747 titles

Similar Titles to The Rachel Papers

Movies sharing stylistic DNA, tone, and thematic storytelling

  • 6.6
  • 7.5
  • 7.1
  • 6.5
  • 6.4
  • 4.0
  • 6.6
  • 6.8
  • 5.5
  • 6.7
  • 6.8
  • 8.0
  • 5.3
  • 5.3
  • 6.3
  • 9.0
  • 6.5
  • 5.6

More Like The Rachel Papers

Recommended titles matching themes, cast, and genres.

5.9
6.2
6.0
6.7
7.2
6.4
6.3
6.5
6.9
6.7
6.4
5.9

Frequently Asked Questions About The Rachel Papers

Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.

What is The Rachel Papers about?

Poised to attend Oxford University, 19-year-old Charles Highway decides it's high time to have a romantic encounter with an older woman. With the help of a computer program and several eccentric relatives, Highway sets his sights on seducing Rachel Noyce, a stunning American in her 20s. However, Highway has his work cut out for him. Noyce has a boyfriend, DeForest, and is not exactly receptive to Highway's advances — at first, anyway.

Who directed The Rachel Papers?

The Rachel Papers was directed by Damian Harris.

Who stars in The Rachel Papers?

The principal cast of The Rachel Papers includes Dexter Fletcher, Ione Skye, Jonathan Pryce, James Spader, Bill Paterson.

When was The Rachel Papers released and how long is it?

The Rachel Papers was released in 1989 with a total runtime of 1h 35m.

Who composed the musical score for The Rachel Papers?

The original motion picture soundtrack for The Rachel Papers was composed by Chaz Jankel.

Is The Rachel Papers based on a book or true story?

The Rachel Papers is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Martin Amis".

What is the age rating and content advisory for The Rachel Papers?

The Rachel Papers holds official age classifications: DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).