Classic Film Guide

Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)

Al Pacino and Kate Jackson (from TV's Charlie's Angels!) were the original choices for the leads of this year's Oscar winning Best Picture. However, thankfully, the roles went to Dustin Hoffman, who won the Best Actor Oscar, and Meryl Streep (who won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar). Ms. Streep (also in last year's BP winner) is so good, you'll come to "hate" the character she plays with a passion in this film about divorce, surviving as a single (male) parent, and the custody battle. Director Robert Benton also took home the gold, and also won a Best Writing Oscar too, meaning the film came tantalizingly close to sweeping the top five awards (except Streep's was for Supporting, not Lead). Justin Henry (the youngest ever, at 8 years old) and Jane Alexander were also nominated for their supporting roles.

Streep plays a bad mother who's so stressed she leaves her husband (Hoffman) and son (Henry) for another woman. Alexander plays Hoffman's friend, who supports him as he learns the rewards of fatherhood. However, once he's established a routine and bonded with the little guy, Streep returns, insisting she's got it together and wanting custody of their son.

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