Straight Time (1978)

January 10, 2023
the scores below are older than 30 days, do you wish to this information?
Straight Time (1978)    Listen Movie Details
Happiness Meter
7.141/10 71%
Average of Ratings
73%
World Popularity
1%
Internet Movie Database
74%
Rotten Tomatoes
82%
Metacritic
64%
0.0
0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews)
Excellent0%
Very good0%
Average0%
Poor0%
Terrible0%
Watch Straight Time on:
Powered by AT & JustWatch

Straight Time (1978) on global platforms:

Straight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on Amazon Video   Amazon Video has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in AT country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on Amazon Video   Amazon Video has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in AT country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on Apple iTunes   Apple iTunes has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in AU country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on Amazon Video   Amazon Video has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in AU country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on Google Play Movies   Google Play Movies has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in AU country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on YouTube   YouTube has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in AU country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on Apple iTunes   Apple iTunes has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in AU country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on Amazon Video   Amazon Video has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in AU country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on Google Play Movies   Google Play Movies has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in AU country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on YouTube   YouTube has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in AU country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on Apple iTunes   Apple iTunes has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in BE country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on Apple iTunes   Apple iTunes has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in BE country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on Apple iTunes   Apple iTunes has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in CA country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on Google Play Movies   Google Play Movies has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in CA country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on Microsoft Store   Microsoft Store has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in CA country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on YouTube   YouTube has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in CA country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on Apple iTunes   Apple iTunes has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in CA country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on Google Play Movies   Google Play Movies has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in CA country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on Microsoft Store   Microsoft Store has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in CA country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on YouTube   YouTube has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in CA country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on Apple iTunes   Apple iTunes has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in CH country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on Apple iTunes   Apple iTunes has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in CH country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on Amazon Video   Amazon Video has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in DE country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on Amazon Video   Amazon Video has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in DE country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on Apple iTunes   Apple iTunes has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in DK country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on Google Play Movies   Google Play Movies has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in DK country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on Apple iTunes   Apple iTunes has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in DK country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on Google Play Movies   Google Play Movies has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in DK country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on Apple iTunes   Apple iTunes has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in ES country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on Amazon Video   Amazon Video has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in ES country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on Apple iTunes   Apple iTunes has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in ES country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on Amazon Video   Amazon Video has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in ES country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to watch/stream on Filmin   Filmin has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in ES country/region to watch/stream onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on Apple iTunes   Apple iTunes has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in FI country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on Google Play Movies   Google Play Movies has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in FI country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on Apple iTunes   Apple iTunes has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in FI country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on Google Play Movies   Google Play Movies has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in FI country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on Apple iTunes   Apple iTunes has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in FR country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on Filmo TV   Filmo TV has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in FR country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on Canal VOD   Canal VOD has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in FR country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on LaCinetek   LaCinetek has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in FR country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on Amazon Video   Amazon Video has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in FR country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on Apple iTunes   Apple iTunes has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in FR country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on Filmo TV   Filmo TV has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in FR country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on Canal VOD   Canal VOD has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in FR country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on LaCinetek   LaCinetek has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in FR country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on Amazon Video   Amazon Video has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in FR country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on Amazon Video   Amazon Video has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in GB country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on Apple iTunes   Apple iTunes has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in GB country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on Google Play Movies   Google Play Movies has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in GB country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on Chili   Chili has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in GB country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on YouTube   YouTube has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in GB country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on Amazon Video   Amazon Video has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in GB country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on Apple iTunes   Apple iTunes has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in GB country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on Google Play Movies   Google Play Movies has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in GB country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on Chili   Chili has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in GB country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on YouTube   YouTube has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in GB country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on Apple iTunes   Apple iTunes has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in IE country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on Google Play Movies   Google Play Movies has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in IE country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on Apple iTunes   Apple iTunes has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in IE country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on Google Play Movies   Google Play Movies has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in IE country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on Google Play Movies   Google Play Movies has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in IS country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on Google Play Movies   Google Play Movies has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in IS country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on Apple iTunes   Apple iTunes has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in NL country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on Amazon Video   Amazon Video has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in NL country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on Apple iTunes   Apple iTunes has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in NL country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on Amazon Video   Amazon Video has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in NL country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on Apple iTunes   Apple iTunes has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in NO country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on Google Play Movies   Google Play Movies has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in NO country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on Apple iTunes   Apple iTunes has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in NO country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on Google Play Movies   Google Play Movies has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in NO country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on Apple iTunes   Apple iTunes has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in NZ country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on Google Play Movies   Google Play Movies has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in NZ country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on Apple iTunes   Apple iTunes has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in NZ country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on Google Play Movies   Google Play Movies has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in NZ country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on Apple iTunes   Apple iTunes has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in SE country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on Google Play Movies   Google Play Movies has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in SE country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on Apple iTunes   Apple iTunes has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in SE country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on Google Play Movies   Google Play Movies has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in SE country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on Apple iTunes   Apple iTunes has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in US country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on Amazon Video   Amazon Video has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in US country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on Google Play Movies   Google Play Movies has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in US country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on YouTube   YouTube has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in US country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on Vudu   Vudu has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in US country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on Microsoft Store   Microsoft Store has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in US country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to rent on DIRECTV   DIRECTV has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in US country/region to rent onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on Apple iTunes   Apple iTunes has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in US country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on Amazon Video   Amazon Video has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in US country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on Google Play Movies   Google Play Movies has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in US country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on YouTube   YouTube has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in US country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on Vudu   Vudu has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in US country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on Microsoft Store   Microsoft Store has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in US country/region to buy onlineStraight Time (1978) movie is available to buy on DIRECTV   DIRECTV has made Straight Time (1978) movie available in US country/region to buy online

Movie basic details

Current status - Released
Total runtime - 114 mins.
Release date - 18-03-1978
Release year - 1978
Genres - Crime, Drama

Overall ratings and scores for Straight Time:
Happiness Score - 7.141/10, World Popularity Score - 6.344/100, IMDB Score - 7.4, Metascore - 64, Internet Movie Database - 7.4/10, Rotten Tomatoes - 82%, Metacritic - 64/100, .
Straight Time movie has Total Global Votes - 128, Total IMD Votes - 8,893

Straight Time Movie Introduction: Movie Straight Time, release year 1978 is written by Edward Bunker, Alvin Sargent, Jeffrey Boam and directed by Ulu Grosbard, Dustin Hoffman. The leading star-cast in this movie are Dustin Hoffman, Theresa Russell, Gary Busey along with the other stars and crew members.

Trailers, Clips, Featurettes and Behind the Scenes


Straight Time (1978) Original Trailer [FHD]

Josh Olson on Straight Time

Movie overview and plot by

Movie in-short: After being released on parole, a career burglar assaults his former probation officer, returns to a life of crime, and goes on the run.

Movie story-line: After being released on parole, a burglar attempts to go straight, get a regular job, and just go by the rules. He soon finds himself back in jail at the hands of a power-hungry parole officer.

Movie synopsis: After 6 years in prison, Max Dembo, a career criminal is released on parole. Max wants to go straight, but doesn't like the restrictions of parole, much to the chagrin of his parole officer, Earl Frank. Some conditions -living in a half-way house, not associating with past friends and associates, no driving, and no drugs, all may be more difficult than he imagines especially as his encounters with Earl become increasingly tense. The way Max deals with Earl is the same way he deals with everything: his way or no way Through his life in the outside world, Max embarks on a relationship with Jenny Mercer, an employment agency clerk whom he meets while looking for a job. Jenny knows about his past criminal history, but he ends up only telling her so much of his current life if only to protect her - just in case.

Highlights - Straight Time (1978)

Total budget - $0.00
Total revenue - $9,900,000.00
Produced by - First ArtistsSweetwall
Produced in - United States of America
Available languages - Spanish (Español), English (English), Cantonese (广州话 / 廣州話),
Homepage URL -
Awards won / Nominations - N/A
Certificate(s) - US : R NL : 12

Lead Actors, Writer(s), Director(s) of Straight Time (1978)

Lead Actors - Dustin Hoffman, Theresa Russell, Gary Busey
Writer(s) - Edward Bunker, Alvin Sargent, Jeffrey Boam
Director(s) - Ulu Grosbard, Dustin Hoffman

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ) about Straight Time (1978)

What is the release date of Straight Time (1978)?
Release date of Straight Time (1978) is 18-03-1978.


What is the total runtime of Straight Time (1978) in minutes?
Total runtime of Straight Time (1978) in minutes is 114 min.


What is the budget consumed to produce Straight Time (1978) movie?
The budget consumed to produce Straight Time (1978) movie is around $0.00.


How much revenue is expected from movie Straight Time (1978)?
Expected revenue from movie movie Straight Time (1978) is around $9,900,000.00.


What is the pupularity of Straight Time (1978)?
Worldwide pupularity of Straight Time (1978) movie is 6.344%.


What is the name of the production company of film Straight Time (1978)?
Production company of film Straight Time (1978) is/are First Artists, Sweetwall, .


Which country the film Straight Time (1978) is produced in?
Film production country for the film Straight Time (1978) is United States of America, .


Which language the film Straight Time (1978) is produced in?
Film Straight Time (1978) is produced in Spanish (Español), English (English), Cantonese (广州话 / 廣州話), language(s).


Which Genre the film Straight Time (1978) belongs to?
Movie Straight Time (1978) is categorized under Crime, Drama genre(s).


Who are the lead actors of the film Straight Time (1978)?
Lead actors of the film Straight Time (1978) are Dustin Hoffman, Theresa Russell, Gary Busey.


Who is the writer of the film Straight Time (1978)?
The writer(s) of the film Straight Time (1978) is/are Edward Bunker, Alvin Sargent, Jeffrey Boam.


Who is the director of the film Straight Time (1978)?
The director(s) of the film Straight Time (1978) is/are Ulu Grosbard, Dustin Hoffman.


Which awards, nominations and recognitions are won by Straight Time (1978) movie?
Movie Straight Time (1978) has N/A awards and nomination in it's profile.


What is the story of Straight Time (1978) in-short?
Short plot of movie Straight Time (1978): After being released on parole, a career burglar assaults his former probation officer, returns to a life of crime, and goes on the run..


What is the full story of Straight Time (1978) movie?
Full plot of movie Straight Time (1978): After 6 years in prison, Max Dembo, a career criminal is released on parole. Max wants to go straight, but doesn't like the restrictions of parole, much to the chagrin of his parole officer, Earl Frank. Some conditions -living in a half-way house, not associating with past friends and associates, no driving, and no drugs, all may be more difficult than he imagines especially as his encounters with Earl become increasingly tense. The way Max deals with Earl is the same way he deals with everything: his way or no way Through his life in the outside world, Max embarks on a relationship with Jenny Mercer, an employment agency clerk whom he meets while looking for a job. Jenny knows about his past criminal history, but he ends up only telling her so much of his current life if only to protect her - just in case..


Where to find full details of Straight Time (1978) movie?
You can find the full details of movie Straight Time (1978) at https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078326


Where to stream or watch movie Straight Time (1978) online?
You can stream or watch online movie Straight Time (1978) on Amazon Video, Apple iTunes, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Microsoft Store, Filmin, Filmo TV, Canal VOD, LaCinetek, Chili, Vudu, DIRECTV, .


List of full Starcast and crew members of Straight Time (1978)

Full Starcast:

profie photo of Dustin HoffmanName: Dustin Hoffman
Character: Max Dembo

profie photo of Theresa RussellName: Theresa Russell
Character: Jenny Mercer

profie photo of Gary BuseyName: Gary Busey
Character: Willy Darin

profie photo of Harry Dean StantonName: Harry Dean Stanton
Character: Jerry Schue

profie photo of M. Emmet WalshName: M. Emmet Walsh
Character: Earl Frank

profie photo of Rita TaggartName: Rita Taggart
Character: Carol Schue

profie photo of Kathy BatesName: Kathy Bates
Character: Selma Darin

profie photo of Sandy BaronName: Sandy Baron
Character: Manny

profie photo of Jake BuseyName: Jake Busey
Character: Henry Darin

profie photo of Peter KwongName: Peter Kwong
Character: Grocery Clerk

profie photo of Fran RyanName: Fran Ryan
Character: Cafe Owner

profie photo of Edward BunkerName: Edward Bunker
Character: Mickey

profie photo of Tina MenardName: Tina Menard
Character: Hotel Manager

profie photo of Stephanie EricssonName: Stephanie Ericsson
Character: Bar Patron

profie photo of Dave KellyName: Dave Kelly
Character: Counterman

profie photo of Don SommeseName: Don Sommese
Character: Waiter

profie photo of Kit Jee WongName: Kit Jee Wong
Character: Grocer

profie photo of Jane HowardName: Jane Howard
Character: Employment Clerk

Crew Members:

profie photo of Michael MannName: Michael Mann
Department: Crew
Job/Role: Additional Writing

profie photo of Jeffrey BoamName: Jeffrey Boam
Department: Writing
Job/Role: Screenplay

profie photo of Dianne CrittendenName: Dianne Crittenden
Department: Production
Job/Role: Casting

profie photo of Richard PortmanName: Richard Portman
Department: Sound
Job/Role: Sound Re-Recording Mixer

profie photo of Gail MutruxName: Gail Mutrux
Department: Production
Job/Role: Associate Producer

profie photo of Owen RoizmanName: Owen Roizman
Department: Camera
Job/Role: Director of Photography

profie photo of Edward BunkerName: Edward Bunker
Department: Writing
Job/Role: Screenplay

profie photo of Edward BunkerName: Edward Bunker
Department: Writing
Job/Role: Novel

profie photo of Alan GibbsName: Alan Gibbs
Department: Crew
Job/Role: Stunts

profie photo of Marvin MarchName: Marvin March
Department: Art
Job/Role: Set Decoration

profie photo of Alvin SargentName: Alvin Sargent
Department: Writing
Job/Role: Screenplay

profie photo of David ShireName: David Shire
Department: Sound
Job/Role: Original Music Composer

profie photo of Stephen B. GrimesName: Stephen B. Grimes
Department: Art
Job/Role: Production Design

profie photo of Sam O'SteenName: Sam O'Steen
Department: Editing
Job/Role: Editor

profie photo of Tim ZinnemannName: Tim Zinnemann
Department: Production
Job/Role: Producer

profie photo of Robert M. StevensName: Robert M. Stevens
Department: Camera
Job/Role: Camera Operator

profie photo of Nancy DowdName: Nancy Dowd
Department: Crew
Job/Role: Additional Writing

profie photo of Howard PineName: Howard Pine
Department: Production
Job/Role: Executive Producer

profie photo of Ulu GrosbardName: Ulu Grosbard
Department: Directing
Job/Role: Director

profie photo of Dick ZikerName: Dick Ziker
Department: Crew
Job/Role: Stunt Coordinator

profie photo of Randy RobertsName: Randy Roberts
Department: Editing
Job/Role: Editor

profie photo of Stanley BeckName: Stanley Beck
Department: Production
Job/Role: Producer

profie photo of Bob WestmorelandName: Bob Westmoreland
Department: Costume & Make-Up
Job/Role: Makeup Artist

profie photo of John Caper Jr.Name: John Caper Jr.
Department: Sound
Job/Role: Music Editor

profie photo of Victor PaulName: Victor Paul
Department: Crew
Job/Role: Stunts

profie photo of Everett CreachName: Everett Creach
Department: Crew
Job/Role: Stunt Coordinator

profie photo of Vivienne WalkerName: Vivienne Walker
Department: Costume & Make-Up
Job/Role: Hairstylist

profie photo of Jack RoeName: Jack Roe
Department: Directing
Job/Role: Assistant Director

profie photo of John FrancoName: John Franco
Department: Directing
Job/Role: Script Supervisor

profie photo of Barry BedigName: Barry Bedig
Department: Art
Job/Role: Property Master

profie photo of Dick LawrenceName: Dick Lawrence
Department: Art
Job/Role: Art Direction

profie photo of Sorin Serene PricopieName: Sorin Serene Pricopie
Department: Crew
Job/Role: Stunts

profie photo of James E. WebbName: James E. Webb
Department: Sound
Job/Role: Production Sound Mixer

profie photo of Susan Leslie BattlesName: Susan Leslie Battles
Department: Production
Job/Role: Production Coordinator

Movie Posters and Wallapapers - Straight Time (1978)

movie poster 23397tt0078326-1movie poster 23397tt0078326-2movie poster 23397tt0078326-3movie poster 23397tt0078326-4movie poster 23397tt0078326-5movie poster 23397tt0078326-6movie poster 23397tt0078326-7movie poster 23397tt0078326-8movie poster 23397tt0078326-9movie poster 23397tt0078326-10movie poster 23397tt0078326-11movie poster 23397tt0078326-12movie poster 23397tt0078326-13movie poster 23397tt0078326-14movie poster 23397tt0078326-15movie poster 23397tt0078326-16movie poster 23397tt0078326-17movie poster 23397tt0078326-18movie poster 23397tt0078326-19movie poster 23397tt0078326-20



Reviews Section

rated 4.5 out of 5
June 23, 2021

I got stomach trouble... no guts. Based on ex-convict Eddie Bunker's novel, No Beast So Fierce, pic pitches Dustin Hoffman as ex-con Max Dembo, who after being released from prison has every intention to go straight. Easier said than done, though... It's hard to believe that Straight Time is often thought of as under seen, a hidden gem of the 1970s, this given that it stars Dustin Hoffman and the advent of the internet years has seen it garner votes and reviews aplenty. Yet it does seem to be a pic that doesn't get its due credit, annoying since it's one of Hoffman's greatest performances. Hoffman loved the material and heavily sought to direct and star in it. Something which proved too hard for him to do. He was humble enough to recognise this fact and brought in friend Ulu Grosbard to direct while he concentrated on the acting side of things - result! There is absolutely no glamour on show here, Max is surrounded by weasels, slime balls, junkies and perpetual thieves, while his own mental fortitude is suspect at best. It's both gripping and disturbing, this world he inhabits, no excuses are put forward, no "woe is me" tales, he ultimately accepts his lot. Hoffman is backed by superb performances from Harry Dean Stanton, M. Emmet Walsh and Gary Busey, and Theresa Russell gives quality turn as the naive woman in Max's life - no token here, she's in the grip of a homme career criminal and not merely here to look pretty and doe eyed. As a character study it positively bristles with brains and foolish brawn, and Grosbard directs with unfussy skill whilst showing a very good eye for a dramatic action scene. Studio interference would hurt the pic upon release, but now this can be seen as a film of great worth. 9/10


-- John Chard

There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.

Submit Review