The Out-of-Towners
The Out-of-Towners

Movie spotlight

The Out-of-Towners

1970
Movie
98 min
English

A trip to New York for a job interview turns into a trip to hell for a small town couple.

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes75%
Google Users80%
Director: Arthur HillerGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

A couple from Ohio, Henry and Jean, travel to New York City for Henry's important job interview. Their journey turns into a chaotic and increasingly disastrous ordeal as they face a series of unfortunate events, including lost luggage, missed appointments, and the general indifference and hostility of the city. The film chronicles their increasingly desperate attempts to navigate the urban jungle and salvage their crucial visit.

Critical Reception

The Out-of-Towners was generally well-received by critics, praised for its sharp comedic timing and Jack Lemmon's standout performance. The film effectively captures the anxieties of small-town individuals overwhelmed by the impersonal nature of a large metropolis. While some found the relentless misfortune a bit much, the overall consensus highlighted its relatable humor and poignant depiction of urban alienation.

What Reviewers Say

  • Jack Lemmon delivers a masterful performance as a man crumbling under the weight of New York City's indifference.

  • The film's relentless string of bad luck provides both sharp satire and dark humor about urban life.

  • A relatable and often hilarious portrayal of the challenges faced by outsiders in a big city.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's humor and Jack Lemmon's performance, finding the depiction of the overwhelming nature of New York City both funny and sadly familiar. Some viewers noted the bleakness of the plot but agreed it was a memorable and well-acted comedy-drama.

Awards & Accolades

Jack Lemmon was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role. The film also received nominations for Best Motion Picture and Best Screenplay at the Golden Globe Awards.

Fun Fact

The film's director, Arthur Hiller, originally wanted to cast Jack Benny in the lead role, but Benny turned it down, feeling the role was too similar to his existing persona.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
barrymost

barrymost

'Chaos ensues' is practically an understatement, as Mr. and Mrs. Kellerman embark on a business trip to NYC and mishap after mishap assails the poor couple. After a while, all the misfortune and unbelievable predicaments may grow annoying ...