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Tell Me A Riddle

Play trailer Poster for Tell Me A Riddle PG Released Dec 15, 1980 1h 30m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 5 Reviews 60% Popcornmeter 50+ Ratings
Aging couple David (Melvyn Douglas) and Eva (Lila Kedrova) have lost the spark that once infused their marriage. After nearly four decades together, the elderly duo is feeling disconnected and lost. When they discover that Eva is sick, they decide to travel across the country to stay with their granddaughter Jeannie (Brooke Adams) in San Francisco. On the trip, with Eva's possible death looming, the couple rediscovers the passion and love that had been missing from their lives.

Critics Reviews

View All (5) Critics Reviews
Kenneth Turan New West/California Though not a complete success, Tell Me a Riddle's rare warmth and tenderness are enough to make it a very special occasion. Jun 17, 2022 Full Review Beth Horning Sojourner Since its saving graces abound, I can't help loving the film of Tell Me a Riddle; I'm merely saddened at the thought that what those graces save it from is travesty. Aug 15, 2019 Full Review Ann Johnston Maclean's Magazine Grant has had the courage to make a film so quiet it's almost a whisper. Based on Tillie Olsen's novella, it is a vigil kept for the lonely exile of old age when bones creak, memories fail and hearts ache for times they can't return to. Jul 19, 2019 Full Review Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Rated: B Jan 15, 2013 Full Review Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat Spirituality & Practice Tell Me a Riddle challenges us to face up to the rewards and pains of old age. Jan 31, 2004 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (3) audience reviews
Audience Member A quiet, sad, beautiful film that didn't get the attention it deserved when it was premiered in 1980. Kedrova and Douglas are completely convincing as the elderly, working class couple, whose bond still holds. The whole affair is nicely modulated; something of an On Golden Pond from a Jewish immigrant perspective. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/25/23 Full Review Audience Member Beautiful performances from Melvyn Douglas and Lila Kedrova and thoughtful direction by Lee Grant but this is heavy going. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 02/27/23 Full Review Audience Member I'm amazed with the tenderness with which this story is told on film. The picture moves slowly, which is good, as it allows you to pick up on poignant subtleties. Lila Kédrova is amazing as Eva. The only thing I find lacking in the film is the rhythm of Tilly Olsen's book in which you never forget why it is titled 'Tell Me a Riddle". Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/21/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Tell Me A Riddle

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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

Synopsis Aging couple David (Melvyn Douglas) and Eva (Lila Kedrova) have lost the spark that once infused their marriage. After nearly four decades together, the elderly duo is feeling disconnected and lost. When they discover that Eva is sick, they decide to travel across the country to stay with their granddaughter Jeannie (Brooke Adams) in San Francisco. On the trip, with Eva's possible death looming, the couple rediscovers the passion and love that had been missing from their lives.
Director
Lee Grant
Producer
Michael Rosenberg
Screenwriter
Joyce Eliason, Alev Lytle, Tillie Olsen
Distributor
Filmways Pictures
Production Co
Godmother Productions
Rating
PG
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 15, 1980, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 11, 2019
Runtime
1h 30m