The Sterile Cuckoo (Pookie) (1969)
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88% of critics liked it
(8 reviews) -
53% of users liked it
(754 ratings)
Liza Minnelli is Pookie Adams, a relentlessly kooky coed in The Sterile Cuckoo. The film's focus, however, is on Wendell Burton (likewise making his first screen appearance) as reserved young college student Jerry. He is actively pursued by the unpredictable Pookie, who helps him to survive his… More Liza Minnelli is Pookie Adams, a relentlessly kooky coed in The Sterile Cuckoo. The film's focus, however, is on Wendell Burton (likewise making his first screen appearance) as reserved young college student Jerry. He is actively pursued by the unpredictable Pookie, who helps him to survive his first months in school. Gradually, however, it is obvious that Jerry is outgrowing Pookie. Both, however, have benefited from the relationship (he has gained self-confidence, she is now able to come to grips with her unhappy home life) and their parting is a tender one. Not unlike his stars, Alan J. Pakula was making his directorial bow with The Sterile Cuckoo, which earned an Oscar nomination for its theme song "Come Saturday Morning." ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Directed By
- Alan J. Pakula
- Genres
- Drama, Romance, Comedy
PG,
- In Theaters
- Oct 22, 1969 Wide
- On DVD
- Oct 16, 2012
Critic Reviews
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Tim Brayton, Antagony & Ecstasy
Age has not been particularly kind to it, but... [it's] carried off with far more competence and assurance than many directorial debuts have enjoyed.
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Steve Crum, Kansas City Kansan
If I hear "Come Saturday Morning" one more time, I will throw something at innocent Pookie!
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Nick Davis, Nick's Flick Picks
Liza Minnelli starring as a free spirit named "Pookie" could get old fast--but it doesn't, and the movie is warm and engaging.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Featured Audience Ratings
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Cast
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Liza Minnelli
as Pookie
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Wendell Burton
as Jerry
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Tim McIntire
as Schumacher
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Elizabeth Harrower
as Landlady
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Austin Green
as Pookie's Father
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Sandy Faison
as Nancy Putnam
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Chris Bugbee
as Roe
- Mark P. Fish
- Philip S. Derfler
- John Hussey
- Toni Shorrock
- Eric Best
- Becky Davis
- Fred Lerner
- Towyna Thomas
- Frances Tobin
- Tim Laurie
- Margaret Markov
- Anita Alberts
- Warren Peterson
- Paul McConnell
- Adele Wynn
- Cynthia Hull
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Jawn McKinley
as Helen Upshaw
