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Between the Lines

Play trailer Poster for Between the Lines R 1977 1h 41m Comedy Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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94% Tomatometer 18 Reviews 50% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings
At the offices of a Boston alternative newspaper, the staff members enjoy a positive and open-minded work environment. Music critic Max (Jeff Goldblum) uses his influence to score dates, while news reporter Harry (John Heard) is dating the lovely Abbie (Lindsay Crouse), the publication's lead photographer. However, it seems as though their relatively carefree days are numbered when the owner of a major publishing company buys the paper, leading to more money, but even more changes.

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Between the Lines

Critics Reviews

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Jonathan Romney Film Comment Magazine 03/21/2019
Between the Lines is barely about a newspaper at all, more about a bunch of youngish people whose energies are running out, as American counterculture itself had run their course, with the '80s and its hard-nosed principles about to kick in. Go to Full Review
John DeFore The Hollywood Reporter 02/23/2019
For most of its talky running time, Between the Lines is a hangout film in which too few of the characters are good company. Go to Full Review
Marya E. Gates Cool People Have Feelings, Too. (Substack) 02/13/2024
It’s fascinating how subtly Silver is able to explore these issues, often within the nuances of their performances. Go to Full Review
Sean Axmaker Stream on Demand 05/06/2023
It’s quite a time capsule, recalling an era of independent weekly newspapers and investigative journalism that challenged the more conservative approach of daily newspapers. Go to Full Review
David Nusair Reel Film Reviews 06/12/2022
3/4
...a freewheeling and easygoing endeavor... Go to Full Review
Tom Meek Cambridge Day 08/14/2020
2.5/4
It'll make you miss the storied Phoenix that much more... Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Kevin L @Lakeman 09/22/2023 About the only thing 'between the lines' of this movie for me was the next act- a smirk, a self-congratulatory smling nod, some slimy schmoozing or hitting on someone, or some sleeping w/ another guy's lady after the one you wanted flaked off. I found this movie really tedious, rarely funny or otherwise entertaining. I didn't care for any of the characters. Goldblum just did the same bit he's done in 25 movies. Pollard maybe he really just that goofy voice and boyish face rather than an actor with range. Heard, Crouse, Collins (good, though, as the very handsome ego guy), Kirby (laregly wasted), Welles and Eikenberry did little for me. I also thought the dialogue was largely wooden and unrealistic, to go with the fresh out of acting school performances. I really hope the next MUBI recommendation is better. 2.8 stars See more jon c 04/27/2022 A comedy about growing up after you've already grown up directed by Joan Micklin Silver At the offices of a Boston alternative newspaper named the Back Bay Mainline, the staff members enjoy a positive and open-minded work environment Music critic Max (Jeff Goldblum) uses his influence to score dates, while news reporter Harry (John Heard) is dating the lovely Abbie (Lindsay Crouse), the publication's lead photographer. However, it seems as though their relatively carefree days are numbered when the owner of a major publishing company buys the paper, leading to more money, but even more changes They each talk about quitting while reminiscing about how much the paper has meant for each of them The film barely focuses on the paper itself; centers around the internal struggles of all the reporters and how they process it American counterculture has certainly run its course plus this also hits close to any journalist whom has been disassociated So much talking it could've been another straight to tv flick See more 04/29/2020 Between the Lines is the most fully realized vision of director Joan Micklin Silver's naturalistic brand of human interaction. Mature, humorous, and insightful, the cast of soon-to-be stars each has room to breathe life into characters that feel fresh and genuine. A real pleasure. See more 01/15/2016 One of the worst movies of 1977, it was so bad that I was responding to the inane dialogue out loud in the theatre and getting more laughs than this turkey. Don't waste your time viewing it, I walked out after 20 minutes or so of this nonsense, See more 02/22/2012 An entertaining movie about a group of journos..you do expect some major change in tempo all through the movie but that doesn't happen..has a even pace and a good watch all the same See more 01/15/2010 A small time Newspaper in Boston being threatened with a take over and concentrates on the lives of the young journos - mildly amusing in places but just feels a bit"up itself" if you know what I mean See more Read all reviews
Between the Lines

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Movie Info

Synopsis At the offices of a Boston alternative newspaper, the staff members enjoy a positive and open-minded work environment. Music critic Max (Jeff Goldblum) uses his influence to score dates, while news reporter Harry (John Heard) is dating the lovely Abbie (Lindsay Crouse), the publication's lead photographer. However, it seems as though their relatively carefree days are numbered when the owner of a major publishing company buys the paper, leading to more money, but even more changes.
Director
Joan Micklin Silver
Producer
Raphael D. Silver
Distributor
Midwest Films
Rating
R
Genre
Comedy, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Apr 27, 1977, Limited
Rerelease Date (Theaters)
Feb 22, 2019
Release Date (Streaming)
Jun 18, 2019
Runtime
1h 41m
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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