Betsy's Wedding is a 1990 American romantic comedy film written and directed by Alan Alda. The film stars Alda, Joey Bishop, Madeline Kahn, Catherine O'Hara, Joe Pesci, Ally Sheedy, Bibi Besch, Burt Young, and Molly Ringwald. It was theatrically released in the United States on June 22, 1990, by Buena Vista Pictures Distribution.

Betsy's Wedding
Theatrical release poster
Directed byAlan Alda
Written byAlan Alda
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyKelvin Pike
Edited byMichael E. Polakow
Music byBruce Broughton
Production
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Distributed byBuena Vista Pictures Distribution
Release date
  • June 22, 1990 (1990-06-22)
Running time
94 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Box office$19.7 million[1]

Plot

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Eddie Hopper is a construction contractor from Long Island, New York, and dad of two daughters. One of them, Betsy, is about to be married.

Money is tight in the Hopper household, but Eddie, much to the dismay of his wife, Lola, decides that it is important to throw a lavish wedding to impress the wealthy family of Betsy's fiancé. Everyone in the family is throwing advice Eddie's way, even his father's ghost.

A new house Eddie is building is adding to his financial and emotional woes. In desperation, he turns to his corrupt brother-in-law, Oscar, who ends up getting Eddie involved with loan sharks. Stevie Dee is sent to keep an eye on Eddie, but instead turns his gaze to Connie Hopper, who is not only a police officer but the bride's sister.

Betsy's wedding ultimately goes ahead as planned, but is disrupted by a torrential downpour of rain.

Cast

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Production

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The plot was reportedly inspired by the marriage of Alda's youngest daughter.

Reception

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Critical response

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Betsy's Wedding received mixed reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes it has an approval rating of 56% based on reviews from 16 critics.[2] Reviews of the film included comments such as "threadbare concoction",[3] "narcissism flourishing like ragweed" and "unctuous".[4]

Betsy's Wedding has been cited as launching the film career of Anthony LaPaglia.[5] Joe Pesci was asked about the film in interviews and declined to discuss it.

Accolades

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Year Award Category Nominee Result
1991 3rd Chicago Film Critics Association Awards Most Promising Actor Anthony LaPaglia Nominated
11th Golden Raspberry Awards Worst Actress Molly Ringwald Nominated
Worst Supporting Actress Ally Sheedy Nominated

References

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  1. ^ "Betsy's Wedding (1990)". The Numbers. Retrieved December 15, 2021.
  2. ^ "Betsy's Wedding (1990)". Rotten Tomatoes.
  3. ^ Benson, Sheila (1990-06-22). "MOVIE REVIEW : Alan Alda's Talents Spread Too Thin in 'Betsy's Wedding'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2021-02-18.
  4. ^ Rea, Steven (1990-07-01). "Newcomer Is the Life of 'Betsy's Wedding' the Film Hasn't Won Raves from Critics, But Anthony LaPaglia Has Caught Their Eye". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved 2008-03-18.
  5. ^ Van Gelder, Lawrence (1991-04-26). "At the Movies". The New York Times. Retrieved 2008-03-18.
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