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Tell Me a Riddle

Play trailer Poster for Tell Me a Riddle PG,  1980,  1h 30m,  Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist 100% 5 Reviews Tomatometer 60% 50+ Ratings Popcornmeter
100% Tomatometer 5 Reviews 60% Popcornmeter 50+ Ratings
Aging couple David (Melvyn Douglas) and Eva (Lila Kedrova) have lost the spark that once infused their marriage. After nearly four decades together, the elderly duo is feeling disconnected and lost. When they discover that Eva is sick, they decide to travel across the country to stay with their granddaughter Jeannie (Brooke Adams) in San Francisco. On the trip, with Eva's possible death looming, the couple rediscovers the passion and love that had been missing from their lives.

Critics Reviews

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Kenneth Turan New West/California Jun 17, 2022
Though not a complete success, Tell Me a Riddle's rare warmth and tenderness are enough to make it a very special occasion. Go to Full Review
Beth Horning Sojourner Aug 15, 2019
Since its saving graces abound, I can't help loving the film of Tell Me a Riddle; I'm merely saddened at the thought that what those graces save it from is travesty. Go to Full Review
Ann Johnston Maclean's Magazine Jul 19, 2019
Grant has had the courage to make a film so quiet it's almost a whisper. Based on Tillie Olsen's novella, it is a vigil kept for the lonely exile of old age when bones creak, memories fail and hearts ache for times they can't return to. Go to Full Review
Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Jan 15, 2013
B
Mary Ann Brussat Spirituality & Practice Jan 31, 2004
Tell Me a Riddle challenges us to face up to the rewards and pains of old age. Go to Full Review
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Tell Me a Riddle

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

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Lee Grant

Director

Melvyn Douglas

David

Lila Kedrova

Eva

Brooke Adams

Jeannie

Dolores Dorn

Actor

Zalman King

Actor

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Tell Me a Riddle

Tell Me A Riddle (1980) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Aging couple David (Melvyn Douglas) and Eva (Lila Kedrova) have lost the spark that once infused their marriage. After nearly four decades together, the elderly duo is feeling disconnected and lost. When they discover that Eva is sick, they decide to travel across the country to stay with their granddaughter Jeannie (Brooke Adams) in San Francisco. On the trip, with Eva's possible death looming, the couple rediscovers the passion and love that had been missing from their lives.
Director
Lee Grant
Producer
Michael Rosenberg
Screenwriter
Joyce Eliason, Alev Lytle, Tillie Olsen
Distributor
Filmways Pictures
Production Co
Godmother Productions
Rating
PG
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 15, 1980, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 11, 2019
Runtime
1h 30m
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