Overview
A single mother navigates the chaos of love and family in a comedic twist of fate.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- witty
- sardonic
- warm
- date night
- lazy sunday
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film a satisfying, witty romantic comedy elevated by Richard Dreyfuss's performance, while noting formulaic plotting and uneven opening sections.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Paula and Elliot must share an apartment despite conflicting expectations, resentments, and personal boundaries.
Elliot's acting career and Richard III performance shape his self-image and his relationship with Paula.
Paula and Elliot's sharp arguments and persistent friction slowly transform into mutual regard.
Paula protects and supports Lucy while coping with repeated abandonment and an uncertain household.
Films like The Goodbye Girl, and why
Barefoot in the Park
romantic comedy driven by prickly banter, theatrical personalities, and an initially antagonistic couple who gradually develop affection
Annie Hall
warm urban romantic comedy centered on mismatched adults, domestic negotiation, and witty dialogue
California Suite
bittersweet relationship comedy featuring professional performers, emotional vulnerability, and sophisticated verbal sparring
Movie Details
- Director
- Herbert Ross
- Release Date
- 1977-11-27
- Runtime
- 111 min
- Rating
- 7.0 / 10 (190)
Cast
- Richard Dreyfuss
- Marsha Mason
- Quinn Cummings
- Paul Benedict
- Barbara Rhoades
- Theresa Merritt
- Michael Shawn
- Patricia Pearcy
- Gene Castle
- Marilyn Sokol
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The Goodbye Girl about?
- A recently abandoned Manhattan mother reluctantly shares her apartment with an aspiring actor, turning domestic friction into an unexpectedly tender romance.
- What is The Goodbye Girl like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Goodbye Girl as brisk, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is The Goodbye Girl violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in The Goodbye Girl.
- What did critics think of The Goodbye Girl?
- Critics broadly found the film a satisfying, witty romantic comedy elevated by Richard Dreyfuss's performance, while noting formulaic plotting and uneven opening sections.
- Which films are like The Goodbye Girl?
- Films with a similar feel include Barefoot in the Park, Annie Hall, and California Suite.
- How long is The Goodbye Girl?
- The Goodbye Girl runs 111 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Goodbye Girl?
- In United States, The Goodbye Girl is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
