Goodbye, Columbus

Play trailer

Goodbye, Columbus

PG,

1969,

1h 45m,

Comedy/

Drama

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Stream Now

Watchlist

93%

14 Reviews

Tomatometer

50%

1,000+ Ratings

Popcornmeter

93%

Tomatometer

14 Reviews

50%

Popcornmeter

1,000+ Ratings

Neil Klugman (Richard Benjamin), a young librarian in New Jersey, has eyes for Brenda Patimkin (Ali MacGraw), a beautiful Radcliffe student. Although they are both Jewish, Brenda's family is much wealthier and more conservative than Neil's. As their relationship matures, their differing cultural backgrounds cause Brenda's mother (Nan Martin) to have trepidations about the couple. As their disparate ideas about sex and birth control come to the fore, their feelings for each other are tested.

Watch on Fandango

Stream Now

Stream

Rent Goodbye, Columbus on Fandango, or buy it on Fandango.

Brian Orndorf

Blu-ray.com

May 8, 2026

B

It's not going to leave much of an impression with its attempt to communicate deep feelings, but there's personality and reflection to follow.

Go to Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Feb 22, 2026

3.5/4

An impressive adaptation of Philip Roth's novella.

Go to Full Review

Harvey G. Cox

Tempo (National Council of Churches)

Jan 7, 2021

Despite its flaws, some of them major ones, Goodbye, Columbus is a successful flick. The photography [is strong], especially during the expressionistic sequences centered on the young lovers themselves.

Go to Full Review

Jacob Brackman

Esquire Magazine

Aug 13, 2020

Does it seem picayune to require that moves make sense on their own terms?

Go to Full Review

Paul Schrader

Los Angeles Free Press

Jan 24, 2020

It is rich and wonderful; and although flawed and far from being the best film of the year, I think it will deeply touch more people than any other film this year.

Go to Full Review

Jamie Gillies

Apollo Guide

Sep 10, 2007

80/100

Perhaps the most successful of the three Philip Roth adaptations on the big screen.

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Feb 1, 2019

The best comedy romance movie ever made!

Hagrid S

Apr 7, 2018

Goodbye, Columbus is an underrated romantic comedy/drama. Admittedly, I only discovered this film due to my fondness for the underrated actress, Ali MacGraw, in which it is credited as being her first major film debut. The film follows a slacker named Neil who falls in love with a rich girl named Brenda. The two basically use one another - Neil scoring the hot rich girl, while Brenda uses him to spite her mother, whom she does not get along with. They also have genuine chemistry with one another, especially with Neil and Brenda giving each other crap at various points. However, this is a romance not destined to last, not just because of class differences, but also in personality with Neil's slacker nature and Brenda's headstrong nature and devotion to her father who is disappointed in her actions. It's a funny, oddly honest film within its genre. It's not perfect (There are points where there are too many montages and not enough character development), but I found Goodbye, Columbus to be a rather enjoyable film that is sadly forgotten and viewed as dated by modern viewers. It has a lot to say, and if nothing else, the performances are great and the music kicks ass (I even own the soundtrack). If you like this era of films, I think you'll find something to enjoy in this film.

See more

Read all reviews

Larry Peerce

Director

Richard Benjamin

Neil Klugman

Ali MacGraw

Brenda Patimkin

Jack Klugman

Ben Patimkin

Nan Martin

Mrs. Ben Patimkin

Michael Meyers

Ron Patimkin

Goodbye, Columbus: Official Clip - Brenda's Diaphragm

2:13

Now Playing

Goodbye, Columbus: Official Clip - Body or Mind?

1:45

Now Playing

Goodbye, Columbus: Official Clip - I Was Pretty, Now I'm Prettier

2:03

Now Playing

Goodbye, Columbus: Official Clip - Brenda's Awkward Brother

1:19

Now Playing

Goodbye, Columbus: Official Clip - I'll Be Sweaty

1:18

Now Playing

Goodbye, Columbus: Official Clip - The Closet Call

1:25

Now Playing

Goodbye, Columbus: Official Clip - You're Next!

0:52

Now Playing

Goodbye, Columbus: Official Clip - Meet the Parents

1:57

Now Playing

Goodbye, Columbus: Official Clip - All It Takes is Once

2:13

Now Playing

Goodbye, Columbus: Official Clip - Do You Love Me?

2:02

Now Playing

View more videos

Love Is a Many Splendored Thing

53%

56%

Love Is a Many Splendored Thing

Watchlist

A Summer Place

86%

71%

A Summer Place

Watchlist

The Enchanted Cottage

100%

83%

The Enchanted Cottage

Watchlist

Desire Me

36%

Desire Me

Watchlist

The Bride Wore Red

68%

The Bride Wore Red

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

View more photos

Synopsis

Neil Klugman (Richard Benjamin), a young librarian in New Jersey, has eyes for Brenda Patimkin (Ali MacGraw), a beautiful Radcliffe student. Although they are both Jewish, Brenda's family is much wealthier and more conservative than Neil's. As their relationship matures, their differing cultural backgrounds cause Brenda's mother (Nan Martin) to have trepidations about the couple. As their disparate ideas about sex and birth control come to the fore, their feelings for each other are tested.

Director: Larry Peerce
Producer: Stanley R. Jaffe
Screenwriter: Arnold Schulman
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Co: Willow Tree
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 3, 1969, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 15, 2011
Runtime: 1h 45m

Join The Newsletter

Join The Newsletter

Cookie Settings