January 23 - Kramer vs. Kramer

Today’s movie is a drama with a scene that happens today – January 23. I hope you will enjoy this film and watch it tonight.

KRAMER VS KRAMER                 

Ted Kramer is a hard-working ad executive who has just landed a big account after months of effort. When he comes home his wife tells him she is leaving him and their son Billyand departs. After a lot of adjustment both Ted and Billy adjust to their new situation. Ted befriends his neighbor  Margaret Phelps, a divorced mom who had advised Joanna to leave Ted if she was not happy. Billy gets hurt in an accident on the jungle gym and Ted carries him through Manhattan’s streets to the hospital. After 15 months Joanna returns and wants custody of Billy, but Ted fights her.  Ted gets fired because he had spent too much time focused on Billy and not work, but he gets a new, albeit lower paying job within 24 hours.  After a court hearing that shows Joanna is a flake she still wins custody and Ted, to spare Billy further trauma doesn’t appeal. On January 23^rd  when Joanna is supposed to have her first visitation with Billy, she shows up, says she knows Billy’s home is with Ted and leaves without taking him. [1:38:13 to 1:42:34]

A sad movie about the problems caused by divorce.

Date of visitation given in film at 1:34:47-48

Producers - Richard Fischoff and Stanley R. Jaffe

Director - Robert Benton

Awards – The movie won the Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Hoffman), Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress (Streep) Oscars. It was also nominated for the Best Supporting Actor (Henry), Best Supporting Actress (Alexander), Best Film Editing and Best Cinematography Oscars at the 52^nd Academy Awards.

Screenplay - Robert Benton

Runtime – 1 hour 45 minutes

Released – December 19, 1979

Staring –

Dustin Hoffman as Ted Kramer

Meryl Streep as Joanna Kramer

Justin Henry as Billy Kramer

Jane Alexander as Margaret Phelps

Petra King as Petie Phelps

Melissa Morell as Kim Phelps

Howard Duff as John Shaunessy

George Coe as Jim O'Connor

JoBeth Williams as Phyllis Bernard

Howland Chamberlain as Judge Atkins