Terms of Endearment

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Terms of Endearment
Terms of Endearment
Produced by James L. Brooks
Directed by James L. Brooks
Albert M. Shapiro (1st A'sst)
Written by Larry McMurtry (novel) & James L. Brooks (screenplay)
Starring Shirley MacLaine
Jack Nicholson
Debra Winger
Music by Michael Gore
Cinematography Andrzej Bartkowiak
Editing Richard Marks
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release date November 23, 1983
Runtime 132 min.
Language English
IMDb Page


Terms of Endearment is a 1983 American drama film and romantic comedy. It tells the story of a mother and daughter whose relationship is tense at best. The movie was adapted by James L. Brooks from the novel by Larry McMurtry.

Actor Jack Nicholson's character, astronaut Garrett Breedlove, was not in the original novel. The part was created for Burt Reynolds, but he was already committed to make another movie, so the part went to Nicholson. Jennifer Jones and Sissy Spacek were the original choices for the mother and daughter roles.


Primary cast:


Plot Summary

The movie tells the story of a mother and daughter relationship which juxtaposes both womens inconclusive search for love.

The movie opens with the newly born Emma in the cradle sleeping. Her mother Aurora comes in to check on her infant and is not content with the childs safety until the baby is awoken and crying...


Award wins:


Award nominations:



Films Directed by James L. Brooks
Terms of Endearment | Broadcast News | I'll Do Anything | As Good as It Gets | Spanglish
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