Mrs. Soffel (1984)

56% of critics liked it
(9 reviews)
41% of users liked it
(2,992 ratings)

Based on a true story, Mrs. Soffel is set in Pittsburgh near the dawn of the 20th century. Peter Soffel (Edward Herrmann) is the warden of a top security prison, and his wife Kate (Diane Keaton) often comes by to read the Bible aloud to the inmates, despite her fragile health. While making her… More Based on a true story, Mrs. Soffel is set in Pittsburgh near the dawn of the 20th century. Peter Soffel (Edward Herrmann) is the warden of a top security prison, and his wife Kate (Diane Keaton) often comes by to read the Bible aloud to the inmates, despite her fragile health. While making her rounds, she makes the acquaintance of the Biddle Brothers, Ed (Mel Gibson) and Jack (Matthew Modine), who are sentenced to death for murder and robbery. Ed has become something of a celebrity thanks to his letter-writing campaign, in which he appeals in the letter-to-the-editor columns of the popular press to stay the execution of his brother and himself. His good looks, intelligence, and charm make a strong impression on Kate, whose marriage offers her little excitement. In time, Kate finds herself falling in love with Ed, and she discovers that she's unexpectedly receptive to his suggestion that she help him escape. Mrs. Soffel was the first American film from noted Australian filmmaker Gillian Armstrong. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 50 min.
Directed By: Gillian Armstrong
Genres: Mystery & Suspense, Drama

In Theaters: Dec 26, 1984 Wide
On DVD: Jan 8, 2002
Studio: MGM Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
didn't for one moment convince me that these were real people, acting from the bottom of their hearts.
Vincent Canby, New York Times
a very strange and maddening movie, being a fascinating tale that's nowhere as provocative as it first promises to be and as the reputations of everyone connected with it might lead you to expect.
Derek Adams, Time Out
handsomely mounted period piece, but can't shake off a certain air of good manners
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
An unusual love story and a religious film about grace and forgiveness.
, Film4
The outcome is predictable, and the prospectively livelier second half never breaks free from the torpor of the prison scenes.
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
True stories don't get much steamier.

Read all 6 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Wahida K

I saw this Movie very long time ago. I was so fascinated of the movie. It is tiny bit dark for my test.
Anthony V

Good performances, slow script.

Cast

            Diane Keaton as Kate Soffel

            Mel Gibson as Ed Biddle

            Matthew Modine as Jack Biddle

            Edward Herrmann as Peter Soffel

            Trini Alvarado as Irene Soffel

            Jennifer Dundas as Margaret Soffel

            Harley Cross as Clarence Soffel

            Terry O'Quinn as Buck McGovern

            Pippa Pearthree as Maggie

            Valerie Buhagiar as Alice

            John W. Carroll as Guard McGarey

            Maury Chaykin as Guard Reynolds

            Nancy Chesney as Mrs. Fitzgerald

            Daniel Bryan Corkill as Eddie Soffel

            Norma Dell'Agnese as Woman Reporter

            William Duell as Lenny

            Joyce Ebert as Matron Garvey

            David Fox as McNeil

            Tom Harvey as Attorney Watson

            Kay Hawtry as Peter's Secretary

            Walter Massey as Mr. Robinson

            Katie McCombs as Rachel Garvey

            Don McManus as Reporter

            Wayne Robson as Halliday

            Sean Sullivan as Farmer

            Paula Trueman as Mrs. Stevenson

            Warren Van Evera as Farmer

            Dana Wheeler-Nicholson as Jessie Bodyne

            Chuck Waters
            
            Don Granberry as Roach

            James Bradford as Minister

            Frank Adamson as Swinehart

            Alar Aedma as Guard

            Rodger Barton as Deputy Hoon

            Philip Craig as Sketch Artist

            John Dee as Old Prisoner

            Jack Jessop as Atty. Watson

            Derek Keurvost as Reporter

            Dan Lett as Young Man

            Les Rubie as Mr. Stevenson

            Lee-Max Walton as Harry

            Margery Simkin
            
            Len Doncheff as Polish Guard

            Charles Jolliffe as Sheriff Hoon

            Marushka Stankova as Mrs. Bodyne

            Victoria Vanderkloot
            
            Brian Young as McNeil's Secretary

            Jack Mather as Mr. Watson

            William Youmans as Guard Koslow

            Danny Corkill
            
            Jennie Dundas
            
See full cast