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IMDbPro

Hopscotch

  • 1980
  • R
  • 1h 46m
IMDb RATING
7.1/10
9.7K
YOUR RATING
Walter Matthau and Glenda Jackson in Hopscotch (1980)
An CIA agent threatens to publish an embarrassing, tell-all book
Play trailer2:57
2 Videos
99+ Photos
AdventureComedy

Grounded with a desk job by incompetent superiors, a clever CIA agent retires and writes a tell all memoir that will embarrass his bosses, prompting him to go on the run and elude them.Grounded with a desk job by incompetent superiors, a clever CIA agent retires and writes a tell all memoir that will embarrass his bosses, prompting him to go on the run and elude them.Grounded with a desk job by incompetent superiors, a clever CIA agent retires and writes a tell all memoir that will embarrass his bosses, prompting him to go on the run and elude them.

  • Director
    • Ronald Neame
  • Writers
    • Brian Garfield
    • Bryan Forbes
  • Stars
    • Walter Matthau
    • Glenda Jackson
    • Sam Waterston
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.1/10
    9.7K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Ronald Neame
    • Writers
      • Brian Garfield
      • Bryan Forbes
    • Stars
      • Walter Matthau
      • Glenda Jackson
      • Sam Waterston
    • 99User reviews
    • 34Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 3 nominations total

    Videos2

    Hopscotch
    Trailer 2:57
    Hopscotch
    Hopscotch: Where Have You Been?
    Clip 2:26
    Hopscotch: Where Have You Been?
    Hopscotch: Where Have You Been?
    Clip 2:26
    Hopscotch: Where Have You Been?

    Photos123

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    + 117
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    Top cast42

    Edit
    Walter Matthau
    Walter Matthau
    • Miles Kendig
    Glenda Jackson
    Glenda Jackson
    • Isobel von Schönenberg
    Sam Waterston
    Sam Waterston
    • Joe Cutter
    Ned Beatty
    Ned Beatty
    • G.P. Myerson
    Herbert Lom
    Herbert Lom
    • Mikhail Yaskov
    David Matthau
    • Leonard Ross
    George Baker
    George Baker
    • Parker Westlake
    Ivor Roberts
    • Ludlum
    Lucy Saroyan
    Lucy Saroyan
    • Carla
    Severn Darden
    Severn Darden
    • Maddox
    George Pravda
    George Pravda
    • Saint Breheret
    Jacquelyn Hyde
    Jacquelyn Hyde
    • Realtor
    Mike Gwilym
    • Alfie Booker
    Terry Beaver
    • Tobin
    Ray Charleson
    Ray Charleson
    • Clausen
    Christopher Driscoll
    • Policeman #1
    Michael Cronin
    • Policeman #2
    Roy Sampson
    Roy Sampson
    • Police Sergeant
    • Director
      • Ronald Neame
    • Writers
      • Brian Garfield
      • Bryan Forbes
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews99

    7.19.7K
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    Featured reviews

    bplcw

    Brilliant

    I doubt anyone will read this far into the reviews, but for the record I felt I had to contribute. We all of us watch many, many movies, and some of us feel motivated to review some or all of them no matter the quality. I HAD TO REVIEW THIS, despite the fact I seldom bother, for I genuinely feel it was a delight. Previous reviewers will provide the details, and for example, the first review by dbborroughs has it completely right: wholesome, intelligent fun that is so seldom achieved by more "modern" movies that seem compelled to add gratuitous violence, explosions, one-liners, etc. There are shortcomings that could be improved, of course, but in the end they don't matter. The viewer is left with a smile that didn't depend on potty jokes or shock tactics for stimulation. Brilliant. The overall work is a true gem. Enjoy!
    7secondtake

    There's nothing wrong with aiming low and hitting the mark perfectly...a charmer

    Hopscotch (1980)

    A lightweight, enjoyable entertainment about an aging spy who has fun going renegade in his final weeks.

    I have to admit I liked the movie for the congeniality of Walter Matthau. While not as zany (and original) as the much earlier "Charade" (also with Matthau), "Hopscotch" shares a lot of the feel of that movie, with villains who aren't quite villainous, and a leading man who is part bumbling and part a step ahead of the game. The supporting cast is fun, though just barely--both of the key CIA guys after our hero are good actors at their best, but they are not at their best here, especially Sam Waterston in a wishy-washy role. Most peculiar of all, and almost scotch-taped into both the plot and the casting, is very British and very different actress Glenda Jackson, a former spy who chips in as needed, and plays a growing role as things proceed.

    British director Ronald Neame (who directed "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie" and "The Odessa File") is completely in charge here, making the most of a middling script that uses well worn or barely surprising twists and gags to keep a potentially violent espionage film from ever leaving light comedy. Because in fact the pace is consistent and the filming (under the eye of Arthur Ibbeteson, also British) is completely fine, if nothing to write home about. In fact, this feels like high budget British television, which is something different than pure Hollywood. Or it might feel like 1960 Hollywood widescreen with minor updates--not including the 1960s Hollywood star, Mr. Matthau.

    But it is Matthau's movie, fortunately. He can be a convincing bumpkin and a warm hearted fellow, and he can be clever beneath his seeming simplicity. All of this is an advantage here, and you are completely on his side as he thwarts, with winks and tricks, the supposedly superior forces of a full press CIA assault. Expect some fun, and you won't be disappointed.
    McGonigle

    Great comedy thriller for adults

    I don't think a movie like this could get made today. Funny, clever and understated, it's exactly the kind of movie that does not lend itself well to Burger King merchandising or witty catch-phrases (although "I'd say he has you well and truly by the short hairs" comes close).

    Instead, this is simply a funny, charming and romantic spy thriller that's all about Walter Matthau's great acting. As others have said, this is a movie I can see again and again for the great acting and hilarious moments. Thankfully, it's finally available on DVD.
    8ashleyallinson

    "Hopscotch...Good Title"

    I think many of us were really surprised to see Criterion release Hopscotch, but glad, were all glad they did. Here Walter Matthau is reprimanded for allowing a wanted KGB agent to walk. Matthau's integrity is too precious to take guff from even the CIA. Subsequently, he does not take the news of being reassigned to the job of file clerk very well so he begins to write his memories, leaking secret information to the opposition. The ensuing chase is slapstick, a Spy vs. Spy comedy with great international locations. Frankly, using the cold war as a catalyst for comedy was long overdue by 1980. A great travel piece.
    7perfectbond

    Impressive film

    The most impressive thing about this movie is the way the director manages the tone of this film. The balance between comedy and drama is handled with great aplomb. This is best in encapsulated in the Myerson character. His ineptness is clearly the comic relief yet he also is trying to hunt down Kendig. I had seen other films where Matthau was in a supporting role like Mirage and Charade but here he is the star and he carries the film perfectly. The new Criterion Collection DVD has a very interesting interviews that add immensely to the appreciation of the film. 8/10.

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    Related interests

    Still frame
    Adventure
    Will Ferrell in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
    Comedy

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The Oktoberfest scene at the beginning of the film was not staged. The filmmakers hid eight cameras to prevent people from knowing they were being filmed.
    • Goofs
      In the scene at Myerson's house in Savannah, Kendig is getting ready to start typing and glances at a photo of Myerson. When the photo is first shown, Myerson is almost smiling, but the photograph changes several times after this. In fact, each change is intentional and is intended to show Myerson getting more frustrated and downtrodden as the plot progresses, culminating in the picture being shot in the forehead by one of the FBI agents (as explained in the introductory video on the DVD).
    • Quotes

      [first lines]

      Kendig: Hey Yaskov, how are ya?

      Yaskov: Kendig. What as unexpected pleasure.

      Kendig: May I have it please?

      Yaskov: Have what?

      Kendig: I got it all on film, Yaskov. You don't want to deal with the West Germans, they don't like Russian Intelligence, you know that. Just give it to me, and we'll forget all about it.

      Yaskov: I could make a run for it, you know.

      Kendig: Come on, Yaskov. You running, me chasing? We'd look like Laurel and Hardy.

    • Crazy credits
      The credits for the production crew members were mixed with those of the on-screen talent. "Lucy Saroyan -- Carla [Fleming]" ( (Walter Matthau's stepdaughter) had the role of the Seaplane Pilot, while "Richard Moore -- Seaplane Pilot" was the real-life pilot. The two helicopters in the film had real-life pilots who had no lines or face shots. If actor Philip Voss had a role as helicopter pilot, his scenes were cut. Two other men were listed as real-life helicopter pilots.
    • Alternate versions
      DVD version contains both the original theatrical soundtrack and a redubbed soundtrack used for television release (replacing profanity and other objectionable dialogue).
    • Connections
      Edited into The Clock (2010)
    • Soundtracks
      Il barbiere di Siviglia
      Written by Gioachino Rossini

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    FAQ17

    • How long is Hopscotch?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • October 10, 1980 (Finland)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Languages
      • English
      • German
      • French
      • Russian
      • Italian
    • Also known as
      • El espía más loco del mundo
    • Filming locations
      • Savannah, Georgia, USA
    • Production companies
      • Edie & Ely Landau Inc.
      • A Ronald Neame Film
      • International Film Investors
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $9,500,000 (estimated)
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 46m(106 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Mono
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.39 : 1

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