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Harry and Son

Play trailer Poster for Harry and Son PG Released Mar 2, 1984 1h 57m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
30% Tomatometer 23 Reviews 36% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings
A construction worker and widower, Harry Keach (Paul Newman) is a no-frills kind of guy, but his artistically inclined son, Howard (Robby Benson), wants to be a writer, causing a rift between the two. Although Howard makes attempts at finding a regular job, he can't help but return to his daydreaming tendencies. As Howard reconnects with his ex-girlfriend Katie Wilowski (Ellen Barkin), Harry becomes closer with her mother, Lilly (Joanne Woodward), bringing both men some degree of happiness.
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Harry and Son

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Critics Consensus

A mostly outstanding cast is left stranded by an aimless story and Paul Newman's surprisingly undisciplined direction in Harry & Son.

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Critics Reviews

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Eleanor Ringel Cater Atlanta Journal-Constitution Whatever Newman and co-author Ronald L. Buck were trying to say about the frustrations and fears of growing old and the chasms of the generation gap have been undercut by an assortment of characters who don't seem to exist in the real world. Jun 1, 2021 Full Review David Pirie Time Out The result is a curiously indigestible phenomenon, like being forced to eat five courses of avocado by an overbearing dinner-party host. Jun 1, 2021 Full Review Jay Boyar Orlando Sentinel Some fine actors, such as Joanne Woodward and Ellen Barkin, are abused by the script. Others, notably Benson, hang themselves. Rated: 2/5 Jun 1, 2021 Full Review Michael Bronski Gay Community News (Boston) Misconceived, badly acted and sloppily directed. Sep 15, 2022 Full Review Robert Trussell Kansas City Star Mr. Newman, who also co-wrote the script, has staged some effective comic scenes in an effort to temper the film's overpowering get-out-your-hand-kerchief conclusion. Rated: 2.5/4 Jun 1, 2021 Full Review Karl Vick Tampa Bay Times Harry & Son is a male version of Terms of Endearment without the previous film's laughs, poignancy, or sidelong coherence. Rated: 2/5 Jun 1, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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steve d I love Newman but this is one of his worst. Rated 1 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Audience Member Aging and widowed construction worker finds himself phased out of his job due to heath issues and unable to truly relate with his son or daughter. Newman stars, directs, co-produces and co-writes a film that feels like an aim to create what the later NOBODY'S FOOL would accomplish. For whatever reason, I've never been able to fully appreciate Robby Benson's efforts. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 02/24/23 Full Review william s I'll gladly watch any new movie Newman puts out. but this clunker is really pushing that bargain. Rated 1 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member Paul Newman's triple whammy - not only did he direct one of the worst movies I've ever seen, but he also starred in one of the worst movies I've ever seen - and then he got Robby Benson, as his costar, who just happens to be one of the worst actors I've ever seen. It really is somewhat amazing that an actor can be that bad, while trying. Rated 1 out of 5 stars 02/23/23 Full Review Audience Member I didn't wrote Reviews for 1,5 Years - So 1000 Moviez which are not reviewed because RT was in the Hands of Idiots - Still is Best Example that this Masterpiece has only a Rating of 22%! Me are a Totally Lover of Neo Realism no Matter of Italian or Filipino - Remember also a American Neo Realismo of the 30's - They all were Bombastic! But this one tops them All! The Desperated US of the 30's has even some Hope with New Industries - But Look Today! There isn't a Industry anymore! How Selfish and Materialstic the Protagonists are! Alone of Finicialo Needs! And this is some Coastal Town where the People lay around the Beach! The Illusive Paradise! But then you see all this Rotten Cottages! And just of his Writing Talent which was smirked before they grown Wealthy! Alger is American Fact! And this All with the Typical Newman Humour this Time in his Perfection! I Loved Newman as an Actor but i worship him as a Writer and Director! His Morbid Comedy who is in his Darkness so Hopefull and yet Deprimating! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/11/23 Full Review Audience Member It's an OK movie, but rather boring most of the time. Paul Newman should just stay on screen and leave the work behind the screen to others. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 01/25/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Harry and Son

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Harry and Son

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Movie Info

Synopsis A construction worker and widower, Harry Keach (Paul Newman) is a no-frills kind of guy, but his artistically inclined son, Howard (Robby Benson), wants to be a writer, causing a rift between the two. Although Howard makes attempts at finding a regular job, he can't help but return to his daydreaming tendencies. As Howard reconnects with his ex-girlfriend Katie Wilowski (Ellen Barkin), Harry becomes closer with her mother, Lilly (Joanne Woodward), bringing both men some degree of happiness.
Director
Paul Newman
Producer
Paul Newman, Ronald L. Buck
Screenwriter
Ronald Buck, Paul Newman
Production Co
Orion Pictures
Rating
PG
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Mar 2, 1984, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Jan 9, 2017
Runtime
1h 57m
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