The Comedians (1967)
A star-studded drama of moral compromise and political terror, adapted from Graham Greene's acclaimed novel and set in the shadow of Haitian tyranny.
The Comedians - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Comedians
- Release Year: 1967
- Directed by: Peter Glenville
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 2h 32m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Haitian; Haitian Creole, Spanish, French
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 31, 1967 (United States - NR), December 21, 1967 (Germany - 12)
- Alternative Titles: Les comédiens (FR), Os Comediantes (PT)
- Production Companies: Maximillian Productions, Trianon Films, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
- Production Countries: United States of America, France
The Comedians - Plot
American and British tourists get caught up in political unrest in Haiti.
The Comedians - Trailer
Watch the official trailer for this gripping 1967 political drama:
They lie, they cheat, they destroy… they even try to love
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The Comedians - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Peter Glenville
Main Cast
- Richard Burton
- Elizabeth Taylor
- Alec Guinness
- Peter Ustinov
- Paul Ford
- Lillian Gish
- Georg Stanford Brown
- Roscoe Lee Browne
- Gloria Foster
- James Earl Jones
Writers
- Graham Greene
Producers
- Peter Glenville
The Comedians - FAQs
Where can you watch The Comedians (1967)?
The Comedians is available to rent or buy on several digital platforms, including Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It is not currently available on major subscription streaming services, so a digital rental or purchase is the most accessible viewing option.
Is The Comedians based on a true story?
The Comedians is based on Graham Greene's 1966 novel of the same name. While fictional, the story draws heavily on Greene's own experiences in Haiti during the brutal Duvalier dictatorship, giving the film a strong basis in the real political terror of that era.
Who are the main actors in The Comedians?
The Comedians features a distinguished ensemble cast led by Richard Burton as Brown and Elizabeth Taylor as Martha Pineda. They are joined by Alec Guinness, Peter Ustinov, Paul Ford, Lillian Gish, James Earl Jones, Roscoe Lee Browne, Gloria Foster, and Georg Stanford Brown.
What is The Comedians (1967) about?
The Comedians follows a group of foreigners — including a disillusioned hotel owner, a diplomat, and idealistic American tourists — whose lives intersect in Haiti under the reign of the feared Tonton Macoute militia. The film explores moral compromise, political violence, and the difficulty of remaining uninvolved amid oppression.
Who directed The Comedians and who wrote it?
The Comedians was directed by Peter Glenville, who also served as producer. The screenplay was written by Graham Greene, adapting his own acclaimed 1966 novel. Glenville and Greene had previously collaborated on the film Becket (1964), making this a notable reunion of talents.
How long is The Comedians and what is its age rating?
The Comedians has a runtime of 2 hours and 32 minutes. The film carries a Not Rated (NR) classification in the United States, meaning it was not submitted to the MPAA for a formal rating. Due to its mature political themes and dramatic intensity, it is best suited for adult audiences.
Did The Comedians receive notable critical recognition?
The Comedians earned respectful critical attention upon release, praised particularly for its powerful ensemble performances and Greene's sharp screenplay. Alec Guinness and Peter Ustinov were singled out for their nuanced supporting work. The film is regarded as a serious, politically charged drama that holds up as a portrait of tyranny and moral ambiguity.
What are some films similar to The Comedians?
Viewers who enjoy The Comedians may also appreciate other morally complex dramas such as The Killer Inside Me (2010), 3:10 to Yuma (1957), and Lions for Lambs (2007). Films featuring Richard Burton or Elizabeth Taylor from the same era, such as Wait Until Dark (1967) and Secret Ceremony (1968), also make natural companion pieces.
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