It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time Poster

It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time 1975

★ 3.012 votes90 min📅 1975-09-11

"A gilt-edged wacky comedy"

Dive into *It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time* (1975), a golden-era comedy directed by John Trent that follows the misadventures of Sweeney, a once-promising playwright now clinging to the fringes of relevance.

Director: John Trent

Cast

Anthony Newley
Anthony Newley
Sweeney
Stefanie Powers
Stefanie Powers
Georgina
Isaac Hayes
Isaac Hayes
Moriarty
Lloyd Bochner
Lloyd Bochner
Burton
Yvonne De Carlo
Yvonne De Carlo
Julia
Henry Ramer
Henry Ramer
Prince
Lawrence Dane
Lawrence Dane
Broom
John Candy
John Candy
Kopek
Moya Fenwick
Mrs. Chorley
Anne Marie Sten
Big Red

Frequently Asked Questions

What is *It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time* (1975) about?

The film centers on Sweeney, a struggling playwright who scrapes by on beer money and fleeting reunions with his ex-wife Georgia, now married to a wealthy but unlikable developer. As his career flounders, Sweeney navigates a world of questionable choices and lingering attachments, all while clinging to the hope that his next idea might just work.

Who directed *It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time*?

The film was directed by John Trent, known for his work in mid-century comedies and dramas, who brings a lighthearted yet insightful touch to Sweeney's chaotic world.

Who stars in *It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time*?

The cast features Anthony Newley as Sweeney, Stefanie Powers as Georgia, and a standout performance by Isaac Hayes, alongside Lloyd Bochner and Yvonne De Carlo.

Is *It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time* (1975) worth watching?

While it lacks the polish of blockbuster comedies, this film's sharp dialogue and underdog charm make it a hidden treasure for fans of 70s cinema. Its blend of humor and heartache offers a refreshing take on creative struggles, even if it's not flawless.

How long is *It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time*?

The film runs for 90 minutes, making it a perfect quick watch for a cozy movie night.

About It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time (1975) — A Witty Comedy of Love and Failure

Dive into *It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time* (1975), a golden-era comedy directed by John Trent that follows the misadventures of Sweeney, a once-promising playwright now clinging to the fringes of relevance. Stuck in a cycle of financial handouts from his eccentric friend Moriarty and nostalgic reunions with his ex-wife Georgia—now married to a pretentious tycoon—Sweeney's life is a chaotic blend of fading dreams and unresolved passion. The film's witty dialogue and sharp character dynamics paint a satirical portrait of artistic decline and romantic limbo, wrapped in the breezy, carefree spirit of mid-70s comedy. With its playful tone and underdog protagonist, this underseen gem offers a charming escape into the absurd.

Starring Anthony Newley as the lovable Sweeney and Stefanie Powers as the magnetic Georgia, *It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time* balances humor with a touch of melancholy, capturing the tension between ambition and compromise. The cast, including the soulful Isaac Hayes and the ever-glamorous Yvonne De Carlo, adds depth to a story that's as much about human foibles as it is about laughs.