The read
Audiences rate it 16 points higher than critics do. Scores higher than 74% of the 1,345 1980s drama movies in this catalog. It runs long at 2h 35m.
Synopsis
A young black pianist becomes embroiled in the lives of an upper-class white family set among the racial tensions, infidelity, violence, and other nostalgic events in early 1900s New York City.
Ratings
IMDb7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes85%
Metacritic57/100
Audiences rate it 16 points higher than critics do.
197 audience votes
Key crew
- Miloš FormanDirector
- Michael Weller Screenplay
- Randy NewmanOriginal Music Composer
Cast
- James CagneyNew York Police Commissioner Rhinelander Waldo
- Brad DourifYounger Brother
- Moses GunnBooker T. Washington
- Elizabeth McGovernEvelyn Nesbit
- Kenneth McMillanWillie Conklin
- Pat O'BrienDelmas
- Donald O'ConnorEvelyn's Dance Instructor
- James OlsonFather
- Mandy PatinkinTateh
- Howard RollinsCoalhouse Walker Jr.
- Mary SteenburgenMother
- Debbie AllenSarah
Movies like Ragtime
Themes
new york citybased on novel or bookjazz singer or musicianpublic murderracismclass differencespianistragtimerevenge killingradical politicspianopolitical scandal
The Best Movies of 1981
Ragtime is #33 of 60
