Desperate Characters
1971, English. Directed by Frank D. Gilroy.
Sophie and Otto Bentwood are a middle-aged, middle class, childless Brooklyn Heights couple trapped in a loveless marriage. He is an attorney, she a translator of books. Their existence is affected not only by their disintegrating relationship but by the threats of urban crime and vandalism that surround them everywhere they turn, leaving them feeling paranoid, scared, and desperately helpless.
- Runtime
- 1h 37m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- Check local
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Where to watch Desperate Characters
Desperate Characters isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it or buy it online.
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Fandango At HomeAvailability in India as of 30 October 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- Frank D. GilroyDirector
- Shirley MacLaineSophie Bentwood
- Kenneth MarsOtto Bentwood
- Sada ThompsonClaire
- Jack SomackLeon
- Gerald S. O'LoughlinCharlie
- Chris GampelMike Holstein
- Mary Alan HokansonFlo Holstein
- Robert BauerYoung Man
- Carol KaneYoung Girl
- Michael HigginsFrancis Early
- Michael McAloneyRaconteur
- Wallace RooneyMan on Subway
Details
- Released
- 22 September 1971
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- Frank D. Gilroy
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News & fan talk
What Desperate Characters is based on
Desperate Characters is adapted from a novel.
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
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Desperate Characters: quick answers
Is Desperate Characters worth watching?
Desperate Characters doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is Desperate Characters?
Desperate Characters runs 97 minutes (1h 37m).
Does Desperate Characters have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Desperate Characters. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Desperate Characters parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for Desperate Characters yet.
Which OTT platform is Desperate Characters on?
Desperate Characters isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it or buy it online. (Checked 30 October 2026.)
What movies are like Desperate Characters?
If you liked Desperate Characters, try Synecdoche, New York, 25th Hour, The Other Woman.
Who directed Desperate Characters?
Desperate Characters (1971) was directed by Frank D. Gilroy and stars Shirley MacLaine, Kenneth Mars, Sada Thompson.
What is Desperate Characters based on?
Desperate Characters is adapted from a novel.