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A Criterion Channel Companion

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Putney Swope (1969) | Criteria

Backdrop for Putney Swope

Poster for Putney Swope

Putney Swope

English • 1969 • 1h 25m

This film is not currently available on the Criterion Channel

Director

Robert Downey Sr.

Comedy Eclipse Series

3.67/5·15.1K ratings·4.8K reviewson Letterboxd

Synopsis

Swope—the only black man on the executive board of an advertising firm—is accidentally put in charge after the death of the chairman.

Included in
The Cinema 5 Story
Position 4
Included in
New York Stories
Position 16
Included in
Robert Downey: Moment to Moment
Position 4
Included in
February 2021
Position 68
Included in
Now Playing: 30 Years of the Film Foundation
Position 2

Credits

Crew

DirectorRobert Downey Sr.

WriterRobert Downey Sr.

CinematographerGerald Cotts

ComposerCharley Cuva

EditorBud S. Smith

ProducerRobert Downey Sr.

Cast

Arnold Johnsonas Putney Swope

Stan Gottliebas Nathan

Allen Garfieldas Elias, Jr.

Related Films

via Criterion Collection

Poster for Mr. Freedom William Klein

Mr. Freedom William Klein

Poster for No More Excuses Robert Downey Sr. and
Robert Soukis

No More Excuses Robert Downey Sr. and Robert Soukis

Poster for Symbiopsychotaxiplasm: Two Takes by William Greaves

Symbiopsychotaxiplasm: Two Takes by William Greaves

Articles

via Criterion Collection

Eclipse Series 33: Up All Night with Robert Downey Sr.Michael Koresky — May 22, 2012
Back in New York with Robert Downey Sr.May 23, 2016
Robert Downey Sr. and Paul Thomas Anderson on Putney SwopeMay 30, 2012

Included in

Wyatt Cenac’s Adventures in Moviegoing

Position 4

Part of Box Set

Eclipse Series 33: Up All Night with Robert Downey Sr.

as Joker

Ramon Gordonas Bissinger

Bert Lawrenceas Hawker

Joe Maddenas Mr. Syllables

Antonio Fargasas The Arab

Laura Greeneas Mrs. Swope

Allan Arbusas Mr. Bad News

Pepi Hermineas President of the United States

Ruth Hermineas First Lady

Shelley Plimptonas Face Off Girl

Elżbieta Czyżewskaas Putney's Maid

Peter Maloneyas Putney's Chauffeur

David Kirkas Elias, Sr.

Don Georgeas Mr. Cards

Buddy Butleras Putney's Bodyguard

Vincent Hamillas Man in White Suit

Tom Odachias Wing Soney