A Majority of One

Released Dec 27, 1961

2h 33m

Comedy

Drama

List

67%

Tomatometer

6 Reviews

64%

Popcornmeter

100+ Ratings

Since her beloved son was killed in World War II, Bertha Jacoby (Rosalind Russell) has nursed a grudge against the entire country of Japan. But when her son-in-law (Ray Danton) is offered a diplomatic position in Tokyo, he and her daughter (Madlyn Rhue) suggest she come and live with them. On the ship, the widowed Bertha tentatively makes friends with the courtly widower Koichi Asano (Alec Guinness). As the relationship blossoms, her daughter and son-in-law deal with their own prejudices.

Variety Staff

Variety

An outstanding film.

Oct 18, 2008

Full Review

A.H. Weiler

New York Times

A wholly acceptable, truly heartwarming and entertaining affair despite its exotic ingredients.

Sep 26, 2005

Full Review

Louie Robinson

Jet Magazine

[A] fine, memorable motion picture.

Jan 16, 2024

Full Review

Robin Karney

Radio Times

Quite painful to behold.

Rated: 1/5

Jan 8, 2018

Full Review

TV Guide

Danton and Rhue are good in nonsympathetic parts, and the whole film is amiable enough, but at a shade over two and a-half hours, it is far too long.

Rated: 3/5

Jan 8, 2018

Full Review

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Though well intentioned in message, Mervyn LeRoy's version of the popular stage play is overacted by Rosalind Russell as the Jewish widow and miscast with Alec Guinness as the Japanese businessman

Rated: C+

Mar 23, 2012

Full Review

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StephenPaul C

LOL, the funniest 02 hours: and 33 minutes ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/07/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This is a wonderful film. I have fallen in love with this film. I have a vhs copy of it & when i saw the front it looked like a silly screwball comedy. So i didn't think it was going to be any good but i was completely wrong it's wonderful

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/06/23

Full Review

wer s

tact, heroes facing tough choices, quiet but strong romantic motive, accurate portray of rather poisonous state mechanisms, nice interiors and costumes

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

steve d

Terribly miscast undercutting any message it is trying to send.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

Audience Member

If you can ignore the miscasting, it's a charming movie.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/17/23

Full Review

Audience Member

beautiful scenery and acting

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/23/23

Full Review

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Mervyn LeRoy

Director

Rosalind Russell

Mrs. Bertha Jacoby

Alec Guinness

Koichi Asano

Ray Danton

Jerome Black

Madlyn Rhue

Alice Black

Mae Questel

Mrs. Esther "Essie" Rubin

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Synopsis

Since her beloved son was killed in World War II, Bertha Jacoby (Rosalind Russell) has nursed a grudge against the entire country of Japan. But when her son-in-law (Ray Danton) is offered a diplomatic position in Tokyo, he and her daughter (Madlyn Rhue) suggest she come and live with them. On the ship, the widowed Bertha tentatively makes friends with the courtly widower Koichi Asano (Alec Guinness). As the relationship blossoms, her daughter and son-in-law deal with their own prejudices.

Director: Mervyn LeRoy
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co: Mervyn LeRoy
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 27, 1961, Original
Release Date (DVD): Aug 18, 2009
Runtime: 2h 33m