
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.
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Release History & Theatrical Window
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
Chris Kraus
Erje Ayden, Ann Rower, Chris Kraus
Chris Kraus
Boo Trundle, Chris Kraus, Ann Rower
Department Leadership Roster
Chris Kraus
Director
Ann Rower
Writer
Boo Trundle
Producer
Chris Kraus
Editor
Chris Kraus
Writer
Chris Kraus
Producer
Ann Rower
Producer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Sadness at Leaving.
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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".
