Ordinary People (1980)

  • R
  • 09/19/1980 (US)
  • Drama
  • 2h 4m

Everything is in its proper place... except the past.

Overview

Beth, Calvin, and their son Conrad are living in the aftermath of the death of the other son. Conrad is overcome by grief and misplaced guilt to the extent of a suicide attempt. He is in therapy. Beth had always preferred his brother and is having difficulty being supportive to Conrad. Calvin is trapped between the two trying to hold the family together.

Alvin Sargent

Screenplay

Robert Redford

Director

Judith Guest

Novel

Cast

Donald Sutherland's headshot

Donald Sutherland

Calvin Jarrett
Mary Tyler Moore's headshot

Mary Tyler Moore

Beth Jarrett
Judd Hirsch's headshot

Judd Hirsch

Dr. Berger
Timothy Hutton's headshot

Timothy Hutton

Conrad Jarrett
M. Emmet Walsh's headshot

M. Emmet Walsh

Swim Coach
Elizabeth McGovern's headshot

Elizabeth McGovern

Jeannine Pratt
Dinah Manoff's headshot

Dinah Manoff

Karen
Fredric Lehne's headshot

Fredric Lehne

Lazenby

Recommendations