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Trailer

The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds

1972Movie1 h 40 minPG

Drama
76
GreatGoodWatch score
IMDb7.4Rotten Tomatoes77%81%

A moving, melancholic drama movie about family and the mind, with standout characters.

Good for friends night · teens · thought-provoking

Skip it if you need an uplifting mood

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Not for laughs, warmth or comfort.

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Story

Life's been a real bitch to Beatrice Hunsdorfer. And vice versa.

Middle-aged widow Beatrice Hunsdorfer and her daughters Ruth and Matilda are struggling to survive in a society they barely understand. Beatrice dreams of opening an elegant tea room but does not have the wherewithal to achieve her lofty goal. Epileptic Ruth is a rebellious adolescent, while shy but highly intelligent and idealistic Matilda seeks solace in her pets and school projects, including one designed to show how small amounts of radium affect marigolds.

Feels like

  • Dysfunctional Family
  • Coming-of-Age
  • Psychological Drama
  • Social Commentary
  • Bleak Realism
  • Marigolds & Radium
  • Middle-Aged Widow
  • Epileptic Daughter
  • Scientific Experiment

Cast

9 of 9

Crew

Directed by
Paul Newman
Written by
Alvin Sargent
Produced by
Paul Newman
Music by
Maurice Jarre

Everyone

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

Facts

December 20, 1972 · 1 h 40 min · PG

Released
December 20, 1972
Runtime
1 h 40 min
Age rating
PG
Content
Strong Language, Disturbing Imagery
Genres
Drama
Original language
English
Made in
United States

Tropes

The Ghost, As You Know, Title Drop +9

  • The Ghost
  • As You Know
  • Title Drop
  • Bookends
  • "Ray of Hope" Ending
  • Measuring the Marigolds
  • Lady Drunk
  • Proud to Be a Geek
  • Deadpan Snarker
  • Minimalist Cast
  • Dysfunctional Family
  • The Fantastic Trope of Wonderous Titles

12 of 16 tropes. From TV Tropes.

Q&A

4 questions, like "Is The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds worth watching?"

Questions about The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Is The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds worth watching?

76
GreatGoodWatch score

Mostly, it's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 76 (IMDb 7.4 and Rotten Tomatoes 77%).

Is The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds okay for kids?

PGStrong languageDisturbing imagery

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

Will I feel good after watching The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds?

BleakHopeful

Probably not: the title analysis rates it 8 of 10 for bleakness and 8 for melancholy, against 3 for hopefulness.

Is The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds plot-driven or character-driven?

CharactersPlot

Mostly character-driven: it leans on character depth (9 of 10) and pathos (8 of 10) more than on its plot.