Max Dugan Returns

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Max Dugan Returns

PG

Released Mar 25, 1983

1h 38m

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

71%

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14 Reviews

68%

Popcornmeter

1,000+ Ratings

Aging con artist Max Dugan (Jason Robards) never spent much time with his family, but when he learns that he is fatally ill, he chooses to visit his daughter, Nora (Marsha Mason). Now an adult with a son of her own, Nora hasn't seen much of her father since she was a young child. Her son, Michael (Matthew Broderick), who has never met Max, takes an immediate liking to his grandfather; however, Nora's new boyfriend, Brian (Donald Sutherland), a police officer, is suspicious of the old man.

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Variety Staff

Variety

A consistently happy comedic fable which should please romanticists drawn to a teaming of Neil Simon, Marsha Mason and Herbert Ross.

Mar 26, 2009

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Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

Simon's gift also is his downfall. He's so good at writing lightweight dialogue that it all begins to sound the same.

Rated: 2.5/4

Oct 23, 2004

Full Review

Janet Maslin

New York Times

There are certainly some questionable ingredients to the story, but you're not likely to notice them while the film is under way. You're likely to be laughing.

Rated: 3.5/5

Aug 30, 2004

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Richard Freedman

Newhouse News Service

Ultimately, watching Max Dugan Returns is like being assaulted by one street corner Santa Clause after another.

May 13, 2020

Full Review

Diego Galán

El Pais (Spain)

Max Dugan Returns could have become an interesting story, but it is limited to being a sketch, a simple starting point. [Full Review in Spanish]

Sep 4, 2019

Full Review

TV Guide

This sentimental outing was written by Neil Simon and stars Marsha Mason as Nora, a single parent trying to raise her son Michael (Matthew Broderick).

Rated: 2/4

Oct 26, 2011

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Stephen C

Funny in 1 hour and 38 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/30/25

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Audience Member

Matthew Broderick, the late Jason Robards, Donald Sutherland, and Marsha Masons How do things go back to normal after someone you know or barely know returns? An aging con artist named Max Dugan rarely spent time with his family Upon learning he is severely ill he decides to go see his daughter, Nora Nora has a son Michael but she's very estranged with Max since her childhood years Michael though has taken a liking to him But when Nora starts dating a detective Brian he starts to become very suspicious of his intentions Nora has precious values she teaches to her students as well as her son so she doesn't want anyone corrupting them Can they have a working relationship or will Max go back to his old habits? A majority of this is a slow crawl and we spend so much time in the household But everyone involved is good with their roles There's some good redemption at the film's ending for Max though I also admire the animated opening and closing credits

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/25/24

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S R

A decent family comedy that had some funny parts, but it's not one I need to see again. Saw on TCM.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

12/16/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Matthew Broderick, the late Jason Robards, Donald Sutherland, and Marsha Masons How do things go back to normal after someone you know or barely know returns? An aging con artist named Max Dugan rarely spent time with his family Upon learning he is severely ill he decides to go see his daughter, Nora Nora has a son Michael but she's very estranged with Max since her childhood years Michael though has taken a liking to him But when Nora starts dating a detective Brian he starts to become very suspicious of his intentions Nora has precious values she teaches to her students as well as her son so she doesn't want anyone corrupting them Can they have a working relationship or will Max go back to his old habits? A majority of this is a slow crawl and we spend so much time in the household But everyone involved is good with their roles There's some good redemption at the film's ending for Max though I also admire the animated opening and closing credits

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/25/23

Full Review

Frances H

Mediocre at best. The script is just not funny.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

04/30/16

Full Review

Audience Member

At times funny with a cleverly written script, formulaic points and appealing cast, but it's also affective as in you'll feel Mason's character's stress levels. (B) (Full review coming soon)

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/17/23

Full Review

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Herbert Ross

Director

Marsha Mason

Nora McPhee

Jason Robards

Max Dugan

Donald Sutherland

Brian Costello

Matthew Broderick

Michael McPhee

Dody Goodman

Mrs. Litke

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Synopsis

Aging con artist Max Dugan (Jason Robards) never spent much time with his family, but when he learns that he is fatally ill, he chooses to visit his daughter, Nora (Marsha Mason). Now an adult with a son of her own, Nora hasn't seen much of her father since she was a young child. Her son, Michael (Matthew Broderick), who has never met Max, takes an immediate liking to his grandfather; however, Nora's new boyfriend, Brian (Donald Sutherland), a police officer, is suspicious of the old man.

Director: Herbert Ross
Producer: Neil Simon, Herbert Ross
Screenwriter: Neil Simon
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Production Co: Twentieth Century Fox
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 25, 1983, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 11, 2010
Runtime: 1h 38m

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