Mrs. Soffel (1984)
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40% of critics liked it
(10 reviews) -
41% of users liked it
(3,230 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
- Directed By
- Gillian Armstrong
- Genres
- Mystery & Suspense, Drama
PG-13,
- In Theaters
- Dec 26, 1984 Wide
- Studio
- MGM Home Entertainment
Critic Reviews
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Derek Adams, Time Out
handsomely mounted period piece, but can't shake off a certain air of good manners
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Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
didn't for one moment convince me that these were real people, acting from the bottom of their hearts.
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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.
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Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
An unusual love story and a religious film about grace and forgiveness.
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, Film4
The outcome is predictable, and the prospectively livelier second half never breaks free from the torpor of the prison scenes.
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Cast
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Diane Keaton
as Kate Soffel
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Mel Gibson
as Ed Biddle
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Matthew Modine
as Jack Biddle
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Edward Herrmann
as Peter Soffel
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Trini Alvarado
as Irene Soffel
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Jennifer Dundas
as Margaret Soffel
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Harley Cross
as Clarence Soffel
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Terry O'Quinn
as Buck McGovern
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Pippa Pearthree
as Maggie
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Valerie Buhagiar
as Alice
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John W. Carroll
as Guard McGarey
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Maury Chaykin
as Guard Reynolds
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Nancy Chesney
as Mrs. Fitzgerald
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Daniel Bryan Corkill
as Eddie Soffel
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Norma Dell'Agnese
as Woman Reporter
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William Duell
as Lenny
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Joyce Ebert
as Matron Garvey
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David Fox
as McNeil
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Tom Harvey
as Attorney Watson
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Kay Hawtry
as Peter's Secretary
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Walter Massey
as Mr. Robinson
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Katie McCombs
as Rachel Garvey
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Don McManus
as Reporter
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Wayne Robson
as Halliday
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Sean Sullivan
as Farmer
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Paula Trueman
as Mrs. Stevenson
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Warren Van Evera
as Farmer
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Dana Wheeler-Nicholson
as Jessie Bodyne
- Chuck Waters
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Don Granberry
as Roach
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James Bradford
as Minister
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Frank Adamson
as Swinehart
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Alar Aedma
as Guard
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Rodger Barton
as Deputy Hoon
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Philip Craig
as Sketch Artist
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John Dee
as Old Prisoner
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Jack Jessop
as Atty. Watson
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Derek Keurvost
as Reporter
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Dan Lett
as Young Man
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Les Rubie
as Mr. Stevenson
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Lee-Max Walton
as Harry
- Margery Simkin
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Len Doncheff
as Polish Guard
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Charles Jolliffe
as Sheriff Hoon
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Marushka Stankova
as Mrs. Bodyne
- Victoria Vanderkloot
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Brian Young
as McNeil's Secretary
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Jack Mather
as Mr. Watson
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William Youmans
as Guard Koslow
- Danny Corkill
- Jennie Dundas
