Pete 'n' Tillie (1972)

80% of critics liked it
(5 reviews)
50% of users liked it
(168 ratings)

Based on Peter DeVries' novel Witch's Milk, Pete 'n' Tillie stars Walter Matthau and Carol Burnett in the title roles. Middle-aged when they first meet, eternally joking Pete and repressed "old maid" Tillie don't immediately hit it off. Gradually, their friendship deepens into love and culminates… More Based on Peter DeVries' novel Witch's Milk, Pete 'n' Tillie stars Walter Matthau and Carol Burnett in the title roles. Middle-aged when they first meet, eternally joking Pete and repressed "old maid" Tillie don't immediately hit it off. Gradually, their friendship deepens into love and culminates (reluctantly, on Pete's part) in marriage, eleven years of which is explored in this film. Throughout the funny and tragic moments, and despite the many breakups, their love endures. Oscar nominations went to screenwriter Julius J. Epstein and supporting actress Geraldine Page. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 40 min.
Directed By: Martin Ritt
Written By: Julius J. Epstein
Genres: Drama, Romance, Comedy

In Theaters: Nov 17, 1972 Wide
Studio: MCA Universal Home Video

Critic Reviews

Howard Thompson, New York Times
This is the wittiest, warmest and most ingratiating movie to appear in a long time, with a beautifully sustained and muted edge of sadness.
Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com
Character driven story with nice work by Matthau and Burnett.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
The mixture of happiness and grief, laughter and sobs, reality and farce makes this an admirable attempt at great filmmaking.
, Time Out
It gets taken over by a series of soap-style catastrophes.
, Film4
Director Ritt keeps the gags coming, but it is the two leads' chemistry that makes the film work.