84 Charing Cross Road (1987)
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86% of critics liked it
(14 reviews) -
76% of users liked it
(4,940 ratings)
Helene Hanff's book 84 Charing Cross Road had previously been a TV program and a stage play before it was converted into this 1986 film. The scene is New York, 1949: Anne Bancroft plays a struggling writer and passionate bibliophile, who answers an advertisement from a rare-volumes bookshop at… More Helene Hanff's book 84 Charing Cross Road had previously been a TV program and a stage play before it was converted into this 1986 film. The scene is New York, 1949: Anne Bancroft plays a struggling writer and passionate bibliophile, who answers an advertisement from a rare-volumes bookshop at 84 Charing Cross Road in London. Thus begins a two-decade romance by correspondence between Bancroft and Briton Anthony Hopkins, the man in charge of the overseas department of Marks and Company. Though several meetings are arranged, Bancroft and Hopkins never come face to face thanks to mitigating circumstances. But Anne finally makes it to London, and finds that much has changed. 84 Charing Cross Road was produced by Mel Brooks, the husband of star Anne Bancroft. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Directed By
- David Hugh Jones
- Written By
- Helene Hanff, James Roose-Evans, Hugh Whitemore
- Genres
- Drama, Romance
PG,
- In Theaters
- Feb 13, 1987 Limited
- Studio
- Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Critic Reviews
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Geoff Andrew, Time Out
The film has nothing to do with easy nostalgia; it's about real, credible people, and as such finally becomes very moving.
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Vincent Canby, New York Times
The result of this high-powered collaboration is a movie of such unrelieved genteelness that it makes one long to head for Schrafft's for a double-gin martini, straight up, and a stack of cinnamon toast from which the crusts have been removed.
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Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
84 Charing Cross Road is a movie made for people who love London and books. The only problem is that the heroine doesn't get to London until it's too late, and nobody ever seems to read in this movie.
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Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
This wonderful little gem is something of a critic-proof cult item in my house.
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Jeffrey M. Anderson, San Francisco Examiner
A staid, static movie that wins us over with its outstanding performances and its love of books.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Anne Bancroft
as Helene Hanff
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Anthony Hopkins
as Frank Doel
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Judi Dench
as Nora Doel
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Jean De Baer
as Maxine Bellamy
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Maurice Denham
as George Martin
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Mercedes Ruehl
as Kay
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Eleanor David
as Cecily Farr
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Daniel Gerroll
as Brian
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Wendy Morgan
as Megan Wells
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Ian McNeice
as Bill Humphries
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J. Smith-Cameron
as Ginny
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Tom Isbell
as Ed
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John Bardon
as Labour Party Canvasser
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Connie Booth
as Lady From Delaware
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Ronn Carroll
as Businessman on Plane
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Janet Dale
as Joan Todd
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David Davenport
as Coronation Party Friend
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Anne Dyson
as Mrs. Boulton
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James Eckhouse
as Joey the Dentist
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Marty Glickman
as Baseball Commentator
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Kevin McClarnon
as Cop at Columbia
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Gwen Nelson
as Bill's Great Aunt
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Freda Rogers
as Coronation Party Friend
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Sam Stoneburner
as New York Bookseller
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Tony Todd
as Demolition Workman
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Rebecca Bradley
as Shela Doel At Age 12
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Kate Napier Brown
as Mary Doel At Age 21
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Danielle Burns
as Cecily Farr's Daughter
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Rupert Holliday Evans
as Coronation Party Friend
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Zoe Hodges
as Mary Doel at Age 4
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Charles Lewsen
as Print Buyer
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Betty Low
as Maxine's Mom
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Michael John McGann
as Maxine's Stage Manager
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Roger Ostime
as Stately Home Butler
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Bernie Passeltiner
as Willie Deli Owner
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Barbara Thorn
as Sheila Doel at Age 29
