Skip to content
Sadness at Leaving poster
IMDb199220m

Sadness at Leaving

Synopsis

Following the erection of the Berlin wall, special agent Carl Halman is assigned by East German intelligence to move to New York where he’ll “sleep” as a writer until he is called. Using the code-name “April 23,” Carl successfully infiltrates the uptown-downtown literary world in 1950s New York. He edits a magazine, follows the Knicks, and marries Melinda, the socialite wife of best-selling jock novelist Hubert Cleaver, Ayden’s hilarious Norman Mailer pastiche. Through Carl’s eyes, we see New York City change from an outpost of Europe to the new capital of an anarchistic, post-ideological world. But then, when Carl least expects it, he’s called.

Release History & Theatrical Window

Theatrical Premiere

January 1, 1992

Wide Cinema Exhibition

Key Information & Fast Facts

Director
Chris Kraus
Screenplay & Story
Erje Ayden, Ann Rower, Chris Kraus
Original Title
Sadness at Leaving
Spoken Languages
English
Runtime
20m

Creative Leadership & Key Crew

Director

Chris Kraus

Screenplay & Story

Erje Ayden, Ann Rower, Chris Kraus

Film Editing

Chris Kraus

Producers

Boo Trundle, Chris Kraus, Ann Rower

Literary Origin & Source Material
Novel:Erje Ayden

Department Leadership Roster

Chris Kraus

Director

Ann Rower

Writer

Boo Trundle

Producer

Chris Kraus

Editor

Chris Kraus

Writer

Chris Kraus

Producer

Ann Rower

Producer

Official cinematic photography and background stills for Sadness at Leaving.

More Like Sadness at Leaving

Recommended titles matching themes, cast, and genres.

7.0
7.0
6.2
6.8
7.3
6.7
6.4
7.3
7.7
7.0
6.0
6.0

Frequently Asked Questions About Sadness at Leaving

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

What is Sadness at Leaving about?

Following the erection of the Berlin wall, special agent Carl Halman is assigned by East German intelligence to move to New York where he’ll “sleep” as a writer until he is called. Using the code-name “April 23,” Carl successfully infiltrates the uptown-downtown literary world in 1950s New York. He edits a magazine, follows the Knicks, and marries Melinda, the socialite wife of best-selling jock novelist Hubert Cleaver, Ayden’s hilarious Norman Mailer pastiche. Through Carl’s eyes, we see New York City change from an outpost of Europe to the new capital of an anarchistic, post-ideological world. But then, when Carl least expects it, he’s called.

Who directed Sadness at Leaving?

Sadness at Leaving was directed by Chris Kraus.

Who stars in Sadness at Leaving?

The principal cast of Sadness at Leaving includes Richard Hell, Rosemary Hochschild, George Bartenieff, Larry Gregory, Penny Arcade.

When was Sadness at Leaving released and how long is it?

Sadness at Leaving was released in 1992 with a total runtime of 20m.

Is Sadness at Leaving based on a book or true story?

Sadness at Leaving is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Erje Ayden".