The Subject Was Roses

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The Subject Was Roses

G

1968

1h 47m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

100%

Tomatometer

5 Reviews

73%

Popcornmeter

250+ Ratings

Timmy Cleary (Martin Sheen), who was once considered timid, returns from duty in World War II with newfound confidence. Soon, he realizes that his parents, John (Jack Albertson) and Nettie (Patricia Neal), have long been feigning happiness for the benefit of their son. John is a heavy drinker guilty of numerous infidelities, while Nettie has deeply resented her husband and coddled Timmy for years. When Timmy tries to resolve his parents' issues for them, emotional chaos ensues.

Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

There's nothing obviously wrong, but when you walk out you don't feel as if you've been there. Something was missing.

Rated: 3/4

Oct 23, 2004

Full Review

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Ulu Grosabrd's theatrical film, based on Pulitzer Prize winning play, is an intense family melodrama, well acted by Patricia Neal and Jack Albertson as the feuding parents and Martin Sheen as their Viet vet son.

Rated: B

Aug 10, 2010

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

The "kitchen sink" drama was largely effective because of the superb acting and dialogue.

Rated: B

Feb 4, 2010

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Steve Crum

Dispatch-Tribune Newspapers

Fine drama featuring Patricia Neal and Jack Albertson, based on stage play.

Rated: 4/5

Jul 28, 2006

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Eric Lurio

Greenwich Village Gazette

Rated: 3/5

Dec 31, 2004

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Audience Member

Its a very dark and depressing movie. Love Patricia Neal and a very young Martin Sheen. Jack Albertson could have been played by anyone. I was hoping for a more pleasant ending.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

08/23/25

Full Review

Stephen C

Successful drama in 1 hour and 47 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/27/25

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steve d

The story has been covered to death but the performances work.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

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Audience Member

It comes across more as a stage play then cinematic, but the acting is excellent. For the most part it is not dated as it is period piece except the scenes where we follow Patricia Neal around no dialogue just really dated bad music from the 60's which takes you out of the the time period.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/20/23

Full Review

Audience Member

A rich family drama, a heartbreaking triangle, that's been transferred from stage to screen about as gracefully as can be done. Patricia Neal is especially good.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/14/23

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Audience Member

Excellent acting of the grim, headache-inducing script.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/16/23

Full Review

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Ulu Grosbard

Director

Patricia Neal

Nettie Cleary

Jack Albertson

John Cleary

Martin Sheen

Timmy Cleary

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Synopsis

Timmy Cleary (Martin Sheen), who was once considered timid, returns from duty in World War II with newfound confidence. Soon, he realizes that his parents, John (Jack Albertson) and Nettie (Patricia Neal), have long been feigning happiness for the benefit of their son. John is a heavy drinker guilty of numerous infidelities, while Nettie has deeply resented her husband and coddled Timmy for years. When Timmy tries to resolve his parents' issues for them, emotional chaos ensues.

Director: Ulu Grosbard
Producer: Edgar Lansbury
Distributor: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Production Co: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Rating: G
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 13, 1968, Original
Release Date (DVD): Jan 25, 2010
Runtime: 1h 47m