Staying Together (1989)

80% of critics liked it
(5 reviews)
57% of users liked it
(1,230 ratings)

After winning an Academy Award for their documentary Down and Out in America (1986), actress-director Lee Grant and her producer-husband Joseph Feury filmed this comedy-drama based on an original script by playwright Monte Merrick. In a small Southern town, the McDermott family has owned and… More After winning an Academy Award for their documentary Down and Out in America (1986), actress-director Lee Grant and her producer-husband Joseph Feury filmed this comedy-drama based on an original script by playwright Monte Merrick. In a small Southern town, the McDermott family has owned and operated a popular chicken restaurant for years. Each of the three McDermott boys, Brian (Tim Quill), Kit (Dermot Mulroney), and Duncan (Sean Astin) expects to inherit part of the business from their father (Jim Haynie). While enjoying liberal amounts of skirt-chasing, marijuana-smoking, and alcohol consumption in their off hours, the McDermotts have big plans for the place, but then dad drops a bombshell -- he's sold the restaurant without consulting his family, leaving each son to struggle with his newfound, unwanted independence. In the meantime, mom (Melinda Dillon) considers reuniting with her old band. Because of the bankruptcy of its producer, Hemdale Film Corporation, Staying Together (1989) was shelved for over a year before its release. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 31 min.
Directed By: Lee Grant
Genres: Drama, Art House & International, Comedy

In Theaters: Nov 10, 1989 Wide
On DVD: Apr 12, 2005
Studio: HBO Video

Critic Reviews

David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
...worth a look if only for the overall vibe of authenticity and almost uniformly effective performances...

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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

Cynthia S

Typical 80's flick. Not great. Not bad. Just very 80's...

Cast

            Sean Astin as Duncan McDermott

            Stockard Channing as Nancy Trainer

            Melinda Dillon as Eileen McDermott

            Jim Haynie as Jake McDermott

            Levon Helm as Denny Stockton

            Dinah Manoff as Lois Cook

            Dermot Mulroney as Kit McDermott

            Tim Quill as Brian McDermott

            Keith Szarabajka as Kevin Burley

            Daphne Zuniga as Beverly Young

            Michael Burgess as Workman

            Bonnie Cook as Waitress

            Ryan Hill as Demetri Harper

            Sheila Kelley as Beth Harper

            Ann Pierce as Nurse

            Robert Sedgwick as Doctor

            Frances Arndt as Mrs. Crawford

            James R. Barrow as Customer

            Paul Branin as Guitar Sax Tenor Vocals

            Frank Campbell as Bass

            Ed Carter as Announcer

            Randy Ciarlante as Drums/Vocal

            Wayne Coleman as Wedding Photographer

            Susan Aude Fisher as Announcer

            Jim Gandy as Announcer

            Steve Jackson as Contestant

            Nathan LeGrand as Husband

            Rick Marshall as Charlie

            Thelma McNinch as Customer

            Pinner Leon Joseph as Newsman

            Stan Szelest as Keyboard/Vocals

            Jim Weider as Guitar

            Timothy Patrick Quill
            
See full cast