Petulia

1968

Petulia

Critics Consensus

No consensus yet.

92%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 13

80%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 945

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Movie Info

Petulia is Richard Lester's ode to the Swinging Sixties: a time of psychedelic instability when neither those who were square, nor those who were hip, really had it right. George C. Scott is Archie Bollen, a divorced San Francisco doctor in the midst of "discovering himself." Julie Christie is Petulia Danner, a peculiar young beauty recently married into an established family. Archie's sterile apartment and detached, bemused manner exemplify his inability to emote. Petulia's forward nature and desperate tenderness betray her fear of her sullen, abusive, pretty-boy husband (Richard Chamberlain). The physician and the newlywed embark on a schizophrenic love affair amid Pepsi references, automated motels, roller derbies, and a cameo by Big Brother and the Holding Company -- but they never achieve the daring to truly change their lives.

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Cast

Julie Christie
as Petulia Danner
George C. Scott
as Dr. Archie Bollen
Richard Chamberlain
as David Danner
Shirley Knight
as Polo
Arthur Hill
as Barney
Pippa Scott
as May
Kathleen Widdoes
as Wilma
Roger Bowen
as Warren
Richard Dysart
as Motel Receptionist
Ace Trucking Co.
The ATC Company
Ruth Kobart
as Nun
Ellen Geer
as Nun
Big Brother & the Holding Company
Lou Gilbert
as Mr. Howard
Nate Esformes
as Mr. Mendoza
Maria Val
as Mrs. Mendoza
The Grateful Dead
Vincent Arias
as Oliver
Eric Weiss
as Michael
Kevin Cooper
as Stevie
Joseph Cotten
as Mr. Danner
Austin Pendleton
as Intern
Barbara Colby
as Patient
Rene Auberjonois
as Salesman
Josephine Nichols
as Neighbor
DeAnn Mears
as Nurse
Peter Albin
as Band Member
Members of the American Conservatory Theatre
as Themselves
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Critic Reviews for Petulia

All Critics (13) | Top Critics (3)

View All Critic Reviews (13)

Audience Reviews for Petulia

  • Sep 19, 2010
    Sometimes you really don't know what to say about a movie other than "that was one of the goofiest exercises in cinema I have seen in a long time." The main story is constantly intercut with short clips of future, past, or random events, incongruous moments and locales pop up just to make you scratch your head, all the while involving you in a melodramatic-romantic-comedic-mystery! Reminiscent of Bunuel infused with a swinging '60s sensibility, would not be out of place as an aperitif during a David Lynch film festival either. Throw in some fantastic masterful camerawork by Nicolas Roeg and you've got an experience you won't soon forget, or sort out.
    Doctor S Super Reviewer
  • Sep 05, 2010
    I don't remember this movie well, but I can tell you that the summary on here is totally wrong. Look it up on imdb, that's the real summary. Anyway, this is another one of those love and divorce and affair related movies. Pretty average, from what I remember.
    Aj V Super Reviewer
  • Feb 25, 2008
    VERY 60's! Episodic and stream of conciousness. The clothes are great and Julie is luminous.
    jay n Super Reviewer
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