Desperate Characters_
Sophie and Otto Bentwood are a middle-aged, middle class, childless Brooklyn Heights couple trapped in a loveless marriage. He is an attorney, she a translator of books. Their existence is affected not only by their disintegrating relationship but by the threats of urban crime and vandalism that surround them everywhere they turn, leaving them feeling paranoid, scared, and desperately helpless.
Starring
Shirley MacLaine, Kenneth Mars, Sada Thompson
Updated Feb 16, 2026
WHERE TO WATCH
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Year context
Desperate Characters was released 55 years ago in 1971.
Overview
Sophie and Otto Bentwood are a middle-aged, middle class, childless Brooklyn Heights couple trapped in a loveless marriage. He is an attorney, she a translat...
Desperate Characters is a Drama film with a runtime of 1h 37m.
CAST (20)
Shirley MacLaine
Sophie Bentwood
Kenneth Mars
Otto Bentwood
Sada Thompson
Claire
Jack Somack
Leon
Gerald S. O'Loughlin
Charlie
CG
Chris Gampel
Mike Holstein
MA
Mary Alan Hokanson
Flo Holstein
Robert Bauer
Young Man
Carol Kane
Young Girl
Michael Higgins
Francis Early
MM
Michael McAloney
Raconteur
Wallace Rooney
Man on Subway
Rose Gregorio
Ruth
EK
Elena Karam
Saleslady
NS
Nick Smith
The Caller
RD
Robert Delbert
Hospital Attendant
SP
Shauneille Perry
Woman Doctor (as Shauneille Ryder)
GF
Gonzalee Ford
Nurse
Patrick McVey
Mr. Haynes
LJ
L. J. Davis
Tom
DETAILS
Release
Status
Released
Runtime
97 min (1h 37m)
Country
Rating
4.9/10 (7 votes)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Desperate Characters about?
Sophie and Otto Bentwood are a middle-aged, middle class, childless Brooklyn Heights couple trapped in a loveless marriage. He is an attorney, she a translator of books. Their existence is affected not only by their disintegrating relationship but by the threats of urban crime and vandalism that surround them everywhere they turn, leaving them feeling paranoid, scared, and desperately helpless.
How long is Desperate Characters?
Desperate Characters has a runtime of 97 minutes (1h 37m).
Who stars in Desperate Characters?
The cast of Desperate Characters includes Shirley MacLaine, Kenneth Mars, Sada Thompson, Jack Somack, Gerald S. O'Loughlin.
What is the rating of Desperate Characters?
Desperate Characters has a rating of 4.9 out of 10 based on 7 votes on TMDB.
GENRES (1)
Drama