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MTDb โ€บ Best of โ€บ 1985 โ€บ The Purple Rose of Cairo

The Purple Rose of Cairo poster

The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985)

โ€œShe's finally met the man of her dreams. He's not real, but you can't have everything.โ€

7.4/10 ยท 1,180 votes 1h 22m pg ComedyFantasyRomance

#11 of 67 films from 1985 #361 of 2885 in comedy

Directed by Woody Allen ยท Written by Woody Allen

โ–ถ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

Cecilia is a waitress in New Jersey, living a dreary life during the Great Depression. Her only escape from her mundane reality is the movie theatre. After losing her job, Cecilia goes to see 'The Purple Rose of Cairo' in hopes of raising her spirits, where she watches dashing archaeologist Tom Baxter time and again.

Cast

Mia Farrowas Cecilia
Jeff Danielsas Tom Baxter / Gil Shepherd
Danny Aielloas Monk
Irving Metzmanas Theater Manager
Stephanie Farrowas Cecilia's Sister
Edward Herrmannas Henry
John Woodas Jason
Deborah Rushas Rita
Van Johnsonas Larry
Zoe Caldwellas The Countess
Milo O'Sheaas Father Donnelly
Dianne Wiestas Emma
Glenne Headlyas Hooker
Paul Hermanas Penny Pitcher

Facts

Release dateMarch 1, 1985
Runtime82 min (1h 22m) โ€” shorter as the 1985 average of 104 min
GenresComedy, Fantasy, Romance
LanguageEN
Budget$15,000,000
Box office$10,631,333 (0.7ร— budget)
IMDbtt0089853

More from Woody Allen

Annie HallAnnie Hall1977 ยท โ˜… 7.7 ยท 1h 33m ManhattanManhattan1979 ยท โ˜… 7.7 ยท 1h 36m Midnight in ParisMidnight in Paris2011 ยท โ˜… 7.5 ยท 1h 34m Hannah and Her SistersHannah and Her Sisters1986 ยท โ˜… 7.5 ยท 1h 47m Love and DeathLove and Death1975 ยท โ˜… 7.5 ยท 1h 25m Crimes and MisdemeanorsCrimes and Misdemeanors1989 ยท โ˜… 7.4 ยท 1h 44m ZeligZelig1983 ยท โ˜… 7.4 ยท 1h 19m Match PointMatch Point2005 ยท โ˜… 7.4 ยท 2h 4m

If you liked The Purple Rose of Cairo

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Questions

How long is The Purple Rose of Cairo?
The Purple Rose of Cairo runs 82 minutes (1h 22m), short enough for a weeknight.
Is The Purple Rose of Cairo worth watching?
TMDB users give it 7.4/10 across 1,180 votes, which places it #11 of 67 films released in 1985 in this index (top 85%) and #361 among 2885 comedy titles.
Who directed The Purple Rose of Cairo?
The Purple Rose of Cairo was directed by Woody Allen. Other well-rated titles by the same director: Annie Hall (1977), Manhattan (1979), Midnight in Paris (2011).
Who stars in The Purple Rose of Cairo?
Mia Farrow as Cecilia; Jeff Daniels as Tom Baxter / Gil Shepherd; Danny Aiello as Monk; Irving Metzman as Theater Manager; Stephanie Farrow as Cecilia's Sister; Edward Herrmann as Henry.
What is The Purple Rose of Cairo rated?
It carries a pg certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for The Purple Rose of Cairo?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/12205.

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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.