Danny Corkill, Diane Keaton, Edward Herrmann

An air of gothic romanticism pervades every aspect of this remarkable film, based on a true story from the turn of the 20th century. In its torrid plot, one can hear the icy restraints of the Victoria...( read more  read more... )n era cracking. Diane Keaton is uncannily perfect as Kate Soffel, wife of a priggish prison warden (Edward Herrmann). She's funny and touching playing what used to be called a "neurasthenic"--a nervous, depressed woman with mysterious physical ailments. When the film opens, Kate is just recovering from a three-month-long spell, and back at work preaching to the inmates in her husband's prison. Whom should she encounter but dangerous death row inmate Ed Biddle, in the irresistible person of Mel Gibson. The forbidden affair that blossoms between them is feverishly exciting, but the film operates on myriad other levels. Director Gillian Armstrong (My Brilliant Career) and screenwriter Ron Nyswaner (Philadelphia) have much to say about capital punishment, and about the miserable fate of women in this repressive society who dare to act on their passions. There's nothing morally clear-cut in this movie, which is what makes it consistently fascinating. Kate and Ed's romance is as right as it is wrong; we never really know how to feel about either of them. The film's stunning cinematography and superb period details are exhilarating, from the towering, bleak beauty of the prison to the gorgeous panoramic chase scenes of horse-drawn sleighs in the snow. --Laura Mirsky

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42% liked it

2,024 ratings

PG-13, 113 min.

Directed by: Gillian Armstrong

Release Date: December 26, 1984

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DVD Release Date: January 8, 2002

Stats: 59 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (59)


  • July 7, 2008
    Good performances, slow script.
  • April 24, 2009
    I won this from the radio and sold it before I watched it. It actually is based on a "haunted" Mt. Washington establishment (can't think of the name right now).
  • October 9, 2007
    Known in these Canadian parts (where it was filmed) as "Mrs. Awful". I don't recall it being that bad - but I don't recall it being much good.
  • August 28, 2007
    I remember watching this movie Looong time ago - so i don't remember it well
  • August 7, 2007
    A beautiful, young Mel Gibson and Diane Keaton -- wonderful film.
  • May 17, 2007
    Diane Keaton and Mel Gibson do not disappoint in this true story about a wardens wife who falls for a convicted felon. I loved this story even if I have serious misgivings about Mrs. Soffels actions. The story is warm and thoughtful, though her choices are deplorable.
  • March 10, 2007
    BORING - And I love MEL
  • February 16, 2007
    ME AND MY FIANCE WILL LOVE THIS WHEN WE ACTUALLY FIND IT SOMEWHERE...
  • December 10, 2006
    Waste of TIME!! Very Weak movie, DO NOT WATCH, if you do end up watching it, side effects may include: Suicide, murder ramapages, road ramapage, any kinds of ways of harming yourself, and many others...

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  • jc6998
    February 4, 2008

    @Brianpark: Why Donīt You just keep on watching Harry Potter & Co and let other people watch really notable movies ???

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Mrs. Soffel Trivia


  • Mrs. Soffel Crimes Of The Heart Interiors Manhattan The First Wives Club The Godfather, Part III Who am I?  Answer »
  • Dana Wheeler-Nicholson and Terry O'Quinn are in this romantic drama from 1984. The wife of a prison warden helps a prisoner, who she has fallen in love with, and his brother, escape. Mel Gibson, Diane Keaton and Matthew Modine star in this film also.   Answer »
  • Mel Gibson Movie? Mrs. Soffel  Answer »

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