Desperate Characters
Synopsis
Sophie and Otto Bentwood are a middle-aged, middle class, childless Brooklyn Heights couple trapped in a loveless marriage. He is an attorney, she a translator of books. Their existence is affected not only by their disintegrating relationship but by the threats of urban crime and vandalism that surround them everywhere they turn, leaving them feeling paranoid, scared, and desperately helpless.
Top Cast
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Shirley MacLaine
Sophie Bentwood
Kenneth Mars
Otto Bentwood
Sada Thompson
Claire
Jack Somack
Leon
Gerald S. O'Loughlin
Charlie
Chris Gampel
Mike Holstein
Mary Alan Hokanson
Flo Holstein
Robert Bauer
Young Man
Carol Kane
Young Girl
Michael Higgins
Francis Early
Michael McAloney
Raconteur
Wallace Rooney
Man on Subway
Rose Gregorio
Ruth
Elena Karam
Saleslady
Nick Smith
The Caller
Robert Delbert
Hospital Attendant
Shauneille Perry
Woman Doctor
Gonzalee Ford
Nurse
Release History & Theatrical Window
Berlin International Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
September 22, 1971
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Frank D. Gilroy
- Screenplay & Story
- Frank D. Gilroy
- Original Score
- Ron Carter, Jim Hall, Lee Konitz
- Original Title
- Desperate Characters
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 37m
- Production Studios
- T.D.J. Productions Inc., ITC Entertainment
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Frank D. Gilroy
Frank D. Gilroy, Paula Fox
Ron Carter, Jim Hall, Lee Konitz
Urs Furrer
Robert Q. Lovett
Frank D. Gilroy
Department Leadership Roster
Sarah E. Gifft
Costume Design
Frank D. Gilroy
Screenplay
Ron Carter
Original Music Composer
Jim Hall
Original Music Composer
Lee Konitz
Original Music Composer
Frank D. Gilroy
Producer
Urs Furrer
Director of Photography
Robert Q. Lovett
Editor
Frank D. Gilroy
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Desperate Characters.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Desperate Characters
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Desperate Characters about?
Sophie and Otto Bentwood are a middle-aged, middle class, childless Brooklyn Heights couple trapped in a loveless marriage. He is an attorney, she a translator of books. Their existence is affected not only by their disintegrating relationship but by the threats of urban crime and vandalism that surround them everywhere they turn, leaving them feeling paranoid, scared, and desperately helpless.
Who directed Desperate Characters?
Desperate Characters was directed by Frank D. Gilroy.
Who stars in Desperate Characters?
The principal cast of Desperate Characters includes Shirley MacLaine, Kenneth Mars, Sada Thompson, Jack Somack, Gerald S. O'Loughlin.
When was Desperate Characters released and how long is it?
Desperate Characters was released in 1971 with a total runtime of 1h 37m.
Who composed the musical score for Desperate Characters?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Desperate Characters was composed by Ron Carter, Jim Hall, Lee Konitz.
Is Desperate Characters based on a book or true story?
Desperate Characters is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Paula Fox".