A Change of Seasons (1980)
A sharp, funny, and surprisingly tender look at marriage, desire, and the chaos that follows when two middle-aged spouses each decide to play by new rules.
A Change of Seasons - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1980
- Directed by: Richard Lang
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Romance, Comedy
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 42m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 1, 1980 (United States - R), February 20, 1981 (Germany - 16)
- Production Companies: Film Finance Group, Polyc International, 20th Century Fox
- Production Countries: United States of America
A Change of Seasons - Plot
Marriage takes a sour turn when a middle-aged husband falls for a young and sexy woman. Things get even more complicated when his wife starts a hot affair with a younger lover of her own.
A Change of Seasons - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the sparks — and the awkwardness — fly:
"She may be 20 and gorgeous, but I have not yet begun to fight."
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A Change of Seasons - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Richard Lang
Main Cast
- Shirley MacLaine
- Anthony Hopkins
- Bo Derek
- Michael Brandon
- Mary Beth Hurt
- Edward Winter
- Paul Regina
- K Callan
- Rod Colbin
- Steve Eastin
Writers
- Erich Segal
- Ronni Kern
- Fred Segal
- Martin Ransohoff
Producers
- Martin Ransohoff
A Change of Seasons - FAQs
Who are the main actors in A Change of Seasons?
The film stars Shirley MacLaine and Anthony Hopkins as the married couple at the center of the story, with Bo Derek playing the young student who sparks the affair. Michael Brandon and Mary Beth Hurt round out the key cast in this comedic romantic drama.
What is A Change of Seasons about?
A middle-aged college professor falls for one of his students, sending his long-term marriage into a tailspin. Rather than simply walking away, his wife responds by starting her own affair with a younger man — and the two couples end up sharing a ski vacation together in an increasingly awkward and funny arrangement.
Why do both couples vacation together in the film?
In a bold move that drives much of the film's comedy, Karyn insists that if her husband Adam is going to pursue his affair openly, she'll do the same — and the two couples end up at a Vermont ski resort together. The shared vacation forces everyone to confront jealousy, ego, and unspoken feelings in hilariously uncomfortable ways.
What is the famous hot tub scene in this film?
The hot tub scene became one of the film's most talked-about moments, featuring all four main characters soaking together in an attempt to maintain a veneer of modern, open-minded civility. It perfectly captures the film's satirical edge — adults trying desperately to act cool about a situation that is anything but.
When was A Change of Seasons released?
A Change of Seasons opened in the United States on December 1, 1980, rated R. It later received a release in Germany on February 20, 1981, where it carried a 16 rating.
Who directed A Change of Seasons?
Richard Lang directed A Change of Seasons. Lang was primarily known for his television work, and this romantic comedy-drama stands among his more notable theatrical feature film efforts, benefiting greatly from a strong ensemble cast led by Shirley MacLaine and Anthony Hopkins.
What is the age rating for A Change of Seasons?
A Change of Seasons is rated R in the United States. The rating reflects the film's adult themes, including extramarital affairs, sexual content, and mature comedic situations. It's squarely aimed at grown-up audiences who enjoy sharp, character-driven romantic comedies.
What are some movies similar to A Change of Seasons?
If you enjoy A Change of Seasons, you might also like 10 (1979), The Family Man (2000), The Matador (2005), or The Weather Man (2005) for similarly themed midlife and relationship comedies. For more recent picks, Happiness for Beginners (2023) and Lonely Planet (2024) offer a comparable romantic warmth.
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