Only When I Laugh
“It'll make you laugh...'til you cry.”
Synopsis
A boozy Broadway actress comes out of a 12-week cure to face the problems of her best friends as well as her needy daughter. She tries to balance the terrors of returning to work with the demands of all around her with humor and insight, while staying off the booze.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
1981 Only When I Laugh Official Trailer 1 Columbia Pictures
Type: Trailer • Published 2019-07-03
Top Cast
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Marsha Mason
Georgia
Kristy McNichol
Polly
James Coco
Jimmy
Joan Hackett
Toby
David Dukes
David
John Bennett Perry
Actor (Lou)
Guy Boyd
Man in Bar
Ed Moore
Dr. Komack
Byron Webster
Tom
Peter Coffield
Mr. Tarloff
Mark Schubb
Adam Kasabian
Nancy Nagler
Heidi
Dan Monahan
Jason
Ellen La Gamba
Receptionist
Michael A. Ross
Paul
Venida Evans
Nurse Garcia
Tom Ormeny
Kyle
Ken Weisbrath
Waiter
Release History & Theatrical Window
September 25, 1981
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Glenn Jordan
- Screenplay & Story
- Neil Simon
- Original Score
- David Shire
- Original Title
- Only When I Laugh
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 2h 0m
- Production Studios
- Columbia Pictures
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Glenn Jordan
Neil Simon
David Shire
David M. Walsh
John Wright
Roger M. Rothstein, Neil Simon
Department Leadership Roster
Glenn Jordan
Director
Ann Roth
Costume Design
David M. Walsh
Director of Photography
Neil Simon
Screenplay
Albert Brenner
Production Design
Roger M. Rothstein
Producer
Neil Simon
Producer
John Wright
Editor
David Shire
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 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Only When I Laugh.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Only When I Laugh.
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Golden Globes - Best Supporting Actress - Motion Picture Winners 1943-2025
Golden Globes winners archive (Best Supporting Actress - Motion Picture Winners 1943-2025)
Golden Globe Nominated Titles - IMDb
Golden Globes: Winners
1980
Oscar Best Supporting Actress Nominees
Complete list of Oscar Best Supporting Actress Nominees
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Frequently Asked Questions About Only When I Laugh
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Only When I Laugh about?
A boozy Broadway actress comes out of a 12-week cure to face the problems of her best friends as well as her needy daughter. She tries to balance the terrors of returning to work with the demands of all around her with humor and insight, while staying off the booze.
Who directed Only When I Laugh?
Only When I Laugh was directed by Glenn Jordan.
Who stars in Only When I Laugh?
The principal cast of Only When I Laugh includes Marsha Mason, Kristy McNichol, James Coco, Joan Hackett, David Dukes.
When was Only When I Laugh released and how long is it?
Only When I Laugh was released in 1981 with a total runtime of 2h 0m.
Who composed the musical score for Only When I Laugh?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Only When I Laugh was composed by David Shire.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Only When I Laugh?
Only When I Laugh 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.).