Tell Me A Riddle

PG

Released Dec 15, 1980

1h 30m

Drama

List

100%

Tomatometer

5 Reviews

60%

Audience Score

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.

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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

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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

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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

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Lee Grant

Director

Melvyn Douglas

David

Lila Kedrova

Eva

Brooke Adams

Jeannie

Dolores Dorn

Actor

Zalman King

Actor

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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
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