A Majority of One

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A Majority of One

1961,

2h 33m,

Comedy/

Drama

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Watchlist

60%

5 Reviews

Tomatometer

62%

100+ Ratings

Popcornmeter

60%

Tomatometer

5 Reviews

62%

Popcornmeter

100+ Ratings

Since her beloved son was killed in World War II, Bertha Jacoby (Rosalind Russell) has nursed a grudge against the entire country of Japan. But when her son-in-law (Ray Danton) is offered a diplomatic position in Tokyo, he and her daughter (Madlyn Rhue) suggest she come and live with them. On the ship, the widowed Bertha tentatively makes friends with the courtly widower Koichi Asano (Alec Guinness). As the relationship blossoms, her daughter and son-in-law deal with their own prejudices.

Variety Staff

Variety

Oct 18, 2008

An outstanding film.

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A.H. Weiler

New York Times

Sep 26, 2005

A wholly acceptable, truly heartwarming and entertaining affair despite its exotic ingredients.

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Louie Robinson

Jet Magazine

Jan 16, 2024

[A] fine, memorable motion picture.

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Robin Karney

Radio Times

Jan 8, 2018

1/5

Quite painful to behold.

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Mar 23, 2012

C+

Though well intentioned in message, Mervyn LeRoy's version of the popular stage play is overacted by Rosalind Russell as the Jewish widow and miscast with Alec Guinness as the Japanese businessman

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Hermione R

Oct 10, 2017

If you can ignore the miscasting, it's a charming movie.

Rey P

Sep 28, 2017

beautiful scenery and acting

Poe L

Feb 17, 2016

Between a 6/10 and 7/10, A Majority of One is as relevant today as it was when it was first released in 1961.

Luke R

May 26, 2011

Both Roz and Alec Guinness are miscast, it should have been Sessue Hayakawa and Thelma Ritter in their roles to remain true to the spirit of the piece, but they make something lovely and charming out of this film through their graceful ways, charisma and talent. It's very much of it's time and place, but most films are, and a trifle long still a gentle picture of guarded people finding a commonality of interest and finally love where none was expected. A sweet film.

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Mervyn LeRoy

Director

Rosalind Russell

Mrs. Bertha Jacoby

Alec Guinness

Koichi Asano

Ray Danton

Jerome Black

Madlyn Rhue

Alice Black

Mae Questel

Mrs. Esther "Essie" Rubin

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Synopsis

Since her beloved son was killed in World War II, Bertha Jacoby (Rosalind Russell) has nursed a grudge against the entire country of Japan. But when her son-in-law (Ray Danton) is offered a diplomatic position in Tokyo, he and her daughter (Madlyn Rhue) suggest she come and live with them. On the ship, the widowed Bertha tentatively makes friends with the courtly widower Koichi Asano (Alec Guinness). As the relationship blossoms, her daughter and son-in-law deal with their own prejudices.

Director: Mervyn LeRoy
Producer: Mervyn LeRoy
Screenwriter: Leonard Spigelgass
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co: Mervyn LeRoy
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 27, 1961, Original
Release Date (DVD): Aug 18, 2009
Runtime: 2h 33m

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