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Trailer

The Paper Chase

1973Movie1 h 53 minPG

Drama
70
GoodGoodWatch score
IMDb7.2Metacritic658.8
70
GoodGoodWatch score
IMDb7.2Metacritic658.8

Summary

A first-year law student struggles with balancing his coursework and his relationship with the daughter of a stern professor.

Good for

  • Date night
  • Friends night
  • Teens

Where to watch

Fingerprint

Not for laughs, scares or brutality.

Movies with

Cast

12 of 12

Crew

Directed by
James Bridges
Written by
James Bridges, John Jay Osborn Jr.
Produced by
Robert C. Thompson, Rodrick Paul
Music by
John Williams

Everyone

Pick a department, or search for a name or a job (“editor”, “stunt”).

Facts

October 16, 1973 · 1 h 53 min · PG

Released
October 16, 1973
Runtime
1 h 53 min
Age rating
PG
Content
Strong Language, Sexual Content
Genres
Drama
Original language
English
Also spoken
Latin
Made in
United States
Available in
11 countries
Keywords
based on novel or book

Tropes

Jerk with a Heart of Gold, Insult Backfire, Jerkass +9

Q&A

6 questions, like "Where can I stream The Paper Chase?"

Questions about The Paper Chase

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Paper Chase?

In the United States, you can rent or buy The Paper Chase from Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.

Is The Paper Chase worth watching?

70
GoodGoodWatch score

Mostly, it's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 70 (IMDb 7.2 and Metacritic 65). Audiences rate it higher (80 out of 100) than critics (65).

Is The Paper Chase okay for kids?

PGStrong languageSexual content

Not for young kids: it's rated PG in the United States for strong language and sexual content, and the viewing guide lists it for teens and adults.

Is The Paper Chase good for date night?

and 3 moreDate NightPartner WatchAdultsFriends NightIntergenerational

Yes: romance is 7 of 10, and the viewing guide lists it for date night.

Is The Paper Chase plot-driven or character-driven?

CharactersPlot

Mostly character-driven: it leans on dialogue centrality (8 of 10) and character depth (7 of 10) more than on its plot.

What tropes does The Paper Chase use?

Jerk with a Heart of GoldInsult BackfireJerkassCalling the Old Man OutStress VomitImprobably High I.Q.Coming of Age StoryFreudian TrioThe Man Behind the CurtainThe Un-RevealStern TeacherCharacter Ticand 14 more

TV Tropes lists 26 tropes for it, including Jerk with a Heart of Gold, Insult Backfire, and Jerkass.