Sweet Liberty (1986)

75% of critics liked it
(12 reviews)
34% of users liked it
(787 ratings)

Alan Alda wrote, directed, and starred in this satirical film about the corruption of the film industry's approach to history. Alda plays Michael Burgess, a college professor who has written a historical novel about the American Revolution. The book has been turned into a script, and a Hollywood… More Alan Alda wrote, directed, and starred in this satirical film about the corruption of the film industry's approach to history. Alda plays Michael Burgess, a college professor who has written a historical novel about the American Revolution. The book has been turned into a script, and a Hollywood film crew descends on his North Carolina hometown to make the movie. Predictably, the director and actors make a mess of his concept, and Burgess becomes frustrated as the town is turned upside down. Desperately, he tries to salvage his concept with some last-minute script changes. To make things more complicated, Burgess falls in love with the glamorous female lead in the film, Faith Healy (Michelle Pfeiffer). Meanwhile, his long-time girlfriend, Gretchen (Lise Hilboldt) is pressuring him to get married. The film's male star, Elliott James (Michael Caine), finally shows up in town and becomes Burgess's rival for Faith's affections. Silent film star Lillian Gish appears as Burgess's smother. ~ Michael Betzold, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 47 min.
Directed By: Alan Alda
Genres: Comedy

In Theaters: May 14, 1986 Wide
On DVD: Nov 23, 2004
Studio: MCA Universal Home Video

Critic Reviews

Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com
OK light comedy, directed by and starring Alan Alda, about filming of movie in small town.
Rich Cline, Shadows on the Wall
free-wheeling and enjoyable
Blake Davis, KFOR Channel 4 News
A sweet, funny comedy about the perils of being a writer and making a movie. An underrated charmer.
James Sanford, Kalamazoo Gazette
"featherweight farce, performed agreeably"

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Mason W

what a cute movie with a young Michelle Pfeiffer, Michael Caine, Alan Alda, and Lillian Gish. This movie was written, directed and starring Alan Alda whom did a good job. Alda is a writer who's book is being turned into a movie with Caine and Pfeiffer. This movie shows what a… More
what a cute movie with a young Michelle Pfeiffer, Michael Caine, Alan Alda, and Lillian Gish. This movie was written, directed and starring Alan Alda whom did a good job. Alda is a writer who's book is being turned into a movie with Caine and Pfeiffer. This movie shows what a Hollywood crew can do to a little town while filming...it is too crazy.

Cast

            Alan Alda as Michael Burgess

            Michael Caine as Elliott James

            Michelle Pfeiffer as Faith Healy

            Bob Hoskins as Stanley Gould

            Lise Hilboldt as Gretchen Carlsen

            Lillian Gish as Cecelia Burgess

            Saul Rubinek as Bo Hodges

            Lois Chiles as Leslie

            Diane Agostini as Nurse

            Anthony Alda as Film Crew Member

            Alvin Alexis as Male Student

            Christopher Bregman as Running Boy

            Leo Burmeister as Hank

            Cynthia Burr as Asst. Camera

            Timothy Carhart as Eagleton

            Michael Flanagan as Frank Stirling

            Dann Florek as Jesse

            Christopher Loomis as Cinematographer

            Kevin McClarnon as FX Man

            John C. McGinley as Floyd

            Polly Rowles as Mrs. Delvechio

            Fred Sanders as Soundman

            Robert Schenkkan as Pilot

            Lynne Thigpen as Claire

            Linda Thorson as Grace

            Frank Ferrara as Lopert

            Richard Whiting as Johnny Delvechio

            Bonnie Deroski as Female Student

            David Gideon as Camera Operator

            Katherine Gowan as TV Interviewer

            Terry Hinz as FX Man

            John Leonidas as Teamster

            William Parry as Teamster

            Larry Shue as Edson

            Eric Steven Stahl as Hotel Clerk

            Robert Zarem as Publicist

            Bryan Clark as Governor Swayze
See full cast