Joe (1970)

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All Critics
Top Critics

Average Rating: 6.4/10
Reviews Counted: 7
Fresh: 6 | Rotten: 1

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Release Date: Jul 15, 1970 Wide

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Average Rating: 3.4/5
User Ratings: 993

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Movie Info

Peter Boyle delivers a strong and raw performance as Joe Curran, a racist factory worker who hates "hippies and niggers." The film deals with New York City advertising executive Bill Compton (Dennis Patrick), who kills Frank (Patrick McDermott), the junkie lover of his daughter Melissa (Susan Sarandon, in her film debut), when she ends up in a mental hospital after suffering an overdose of speed. Stunned by his rage, Bill goes into a bar and comes upon Joe, who discovers the murder and holds

R, 1 hr. 47 min.

Drama, Classics

Directed By: John G. Avildsen

In Theaters: Jul 15, 1970 Wide

On DVD: Apr 16, 2002

Cast

Dennis Patrick
Bill Compton
Peter Boyle
Joe Curran
Susan Sarandon
Melissa Compton
Patrick McDermott
Frank Russo
Audrey Caire
Joan Compton
K Callan
Mary Lou Curran
Marlene Warfield
Bellevue Nurse
Gloria Hoye
Janine
Patti Caton
Nancy
Gary Weber
George
Claude Robert Simon
Bob
Francine Middleton
Gail
Mary Case
Teeny Bopper
Rudy Chumey
Man in Bar
Reid Cruickshanks
American Bartender
Robert Emerick
TV Newscaster
Jeanne Lange
Phyllis
Frank Moon
Gil Richards
Bob O'Connell
Man in Bargain Store
Patrick O'Neal
Bartender at Ginger Man
Estelle Omens
Woman in Bargain Store
Jenny Paine
Teeny Bopper
Tim Lewis
Kid in Soda Shop
Frank Vitale
Hippie in Group
Perry Gerwitz
Hippie on Street

Critic Reviews for Joe

All Critics (11) | Top Critics (2) | Fresh (6) | Rotten (1) | DVD (2)

Starting with a murder and ending with a massacre, this bleak portrait of America shows a dream turned sour and a country at odds with itself.

January 5, 2009 Full Review Source: Film4

| Comment

Anton Bitel

Film4

Cliched melodrama was a cultural landmark; Boyle is superb

May 12, 2005 Comment

Daniel Eagan

Film Journal International

I admire the film's gusto to look at the hippie era, but its shock factor is more of a bail out rather than letting the story reach a meaningful conclusion.

September 9, 2002 Full Review Source: ReelTalk Movie Reviews

| Comment

Ryan Cracknell

ReelTalk Movie Reviews

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Audience Reviews for Joe

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Two guys who hate everyone who's different from them finally take some action, violent action, and in the end begin to question their beliefs. This is a brilliant movie, and I highly recommend it. Plus, watch for Susan Sarandon in her first movie!

September 5, 2010

AJ Verser

Super Reviewer

sometimes i find it hard to watch unlikable characters, but was told that this is one you had to stick with 'til the end. that sure was the truth. a good lesson in what hatred and bigotry can get ya.

April 23, 2008