
That Cold Day in the Park 1969
"How far will a woman go? How far will a 32 year-old spinster go to possess a strange, 19 year-old boy?"
That Cold Day in the Park (1969) is a haunting psychological drama directed by Robert Altman that explores the dangerous territory of obsession and isolation.
Director: Robert Altman
Cast






Frequently Asked Questions
What is That Cold Day in the Park (1969) about?
The film follows wealthy spinster Frances Austen who takes in a mute teenage boy she finds freezing in a park, only to have her initial kindness transform into an unsettling obsession as communication barriers deepen her isolation.
Who directed That Cold Day in the Park?
Robert Altman directed this psychological thriller, bringing his distinctive observational style to examine themes of loneliness and possession.
Who stars in That Cold Day in the Park?
The film features Sandy Dennis as Frances Austen, with supporting performances from Michael Burns, Susanne Benton, David Garfield, and Luana Anders.
Is That Cold Day in the Park (1969) worth watching?
With its unrated status and Altman's direction, this psychological drama offers a challenging but rewarding experience for fans of character-driven thrillers exploring dark themes of obsession and isolation.
How long is That Cold Day in the Park?
The film runs for 107 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About That Cold Day in the Park (1969) — Robert Altman's Psychological Thriller
That Cold Day in the Park (1969) is a haunting psychological drama directed by Robert Altman that explores the dangerous territory of obsession and isolation. When wealthy spinster Frances Austen discovers a mute teenager shivering in a park near her apartment, she impulsively brings him inside. What begins as an act of kindness quickly transforms into something far more unsettling as communication barriers fuel her growing possessiveness.
Starring Sandy Dennis in a compelling central performance alongside Michael Burns and Susanne Benton, the film creates an atmosphere of mounting tension through Altman's signature observational style. The drama-thriller hybrid delves deep into themes of loneliness, control, and the blurred lines between care and captivity. Set against the backdrop of a cold, isolating environment, the story builds toward increasingly disturbing revelations about human nature.
This 107-minute character study showcases early Altman mastery in creating psychological unease through subtle direction and powerful performances. The film's exploration of unconventional relationships and mental instability makes it a fascinating, if uncomfortable, viewing experience that lingers long after the credits roll.