The Phantom of the Open Hearth

1976 1h 16m EN

👍

6.8

SOLID

★6.8TMDB · 6

ComedyFamilyDrama

Synopsis

Spoiler shield

This comedy/drama was written by Jean Shepherd, who appears at the beginning and the end and narrates it through voiceover. It tells the story of several events as they occur through the eyes of Ralph, a high-school-aged boy. Ralph is anticipating the upcoming prom and is working up the courage to invite Daphne Bigelow, a beautiful and popular student who does not seem aware of his existence.

“Some stories are better left unspoiled.”

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Cast

David Elliott
Ralph Parker As A Boy
Barbara Bolton
Mrs. Parker
James Broderick
Mr. Parker
David S. Howard
Zudock (as David Howard)
William Lampley
Flick
Jean Shepherd
Narrator / Ralph Parker (as a man)
Michael Stein
Steelmill Worker
Roberta Wallach
Wanda Hickey

Credits

Behind the camera

Director: Fred Barzyk
Writers: Jean Shepherd
Languages: English

Want more? Switch to Cinephile mode in the header for DP, composer, budget, box office, production companies, keywords, and release history.

Did you know?

Fun facts 🍿

1 / 6

RUNTIME

Did you know

Tight 76-minute runtime — shorter than most television pilots.

MoodPlayr · trivia#01

2 / 6

ERA

Did you know

50 years old — a genuine piece of film history.

MoodPlayr · trivia#02

3 / 6

RUNTIME

Did you know

Lean credit list — fewer than 30 people officially credited.

MoodPlayr · trivia#03

4 / 6

CAST

Did you know

David Elliott and Barbara Bolton and James Broderick carry the top of the cast.

MoodPlayr · trivia#04

5 / 6

WILD

Did you know

IMDB entry: tt0202527 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.

MoodPlayr · trivia#05

6 / 6

WILD

Did you know

Only 6 TMDB ratings — you're getting ahead of the curve on this one.

MoodPlayr · trivia#06

Cinephile deep dive

The take

Fred Barzyk directs. Runs lean at under 100 minutes. Dialogue in English.

Trivia

Things worth knowing

1Tight 76-minute runtime — shorter than most television pilots.
250 years old — a genuine piece of film history.
3Lean credit list — fewer than 30 people officially credited.
4David Elliott and Barbara Bolton and James Broderick carry the top of the cast.
5IMDB entry: tt0202527 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.
6Only 6 TMDB ratings — you're getting ahead of the curve on this one.