The Goodbye People (film)

The Goodbye People

Company type	Film
Industry	Motion picture
Founded	1984
Founder	Herb Gardner
Products	Comedy-drama film

The Goodbye People is a 1984 American comedy-drama motion picture crafted and helmed by Herb Gardner, adapted from his 1968 theatrical work. The film features performances by Judd Hirsch, Martin Balsam, and Pamela Reed. After its debut at the 1984 Cannes Film Festival, the movie experienced a postponed release in the United States, arriving in theaters in 1986.

Plot

Arthur Korman, a dissatisfied man in his forties, makes a daily habit of visiting Coney Island to witness the sunrise. During these visits, he encounters Max Silverman, who once owned a hot dog stand, and Max's daughter Shirley, who is determined to revive the stand after her father suffers a heart attack.

Cast

• Judd Hirsch portraying Arthur Korman
• Martin Balsam as Max Silverman
• Pamela Reed playing Nancie (Shirley) Scot
• Vincent Gugleotti in the role of Irwin Abrams
• Gene Saks as Marcus Soloway
• Ron Silver as Eddie Bergson

Production

Initially slated for production in 1969 by United Artists with producers David V. Picker and Norman Lear attached, the project transitioned to Embassy Pictures following changes in company leadership. In 1974, Bob Fosse was among those considered to direct. To maintain budgetary discipline, principal actors and essential crew accepted scale wages, keeping expenses near $2.5 million. Filming took place over an eight-week period during April and May 1983 on location at Coney Island despite adverse weather conditions.

Release

After being showcased at both the 1984 Cannes and Toronto International Film Festivals, the film had a limited engagement in Toronto that same year. Its U.S. distribution faced delays due to prolonged runs of other titles and shifts in ownership—Embassy Pictures was acquired first by the Coca-Cola Company and subsequently by Dino de Laurentiis. Norman Lear secured worldwide theatrical rights and funded a constrained release in New York (January 31, 1986) followed by Los Angeles (February 14). Distribution duties were managed by Castle Hill Productions, with profits shared after Lear recouped marketing expenditures.

A scheduled home video launch via Embassy Home Communications was deferred to focus on the theatrical distribution.

Critical reception

Leonard Klady of Variety observed: "Derived from a 15-year-old stage failure, neither the passage of time nor adaptation to film enhanced the tale of three quirky individuals seeking better fortune... Gardner treats their uneasy partnership superficially, with dialogue peppered by comedic remarks but overshadowed by misplaced sentiment." The People critic remarked: "The trio forms an engagingly human ensemble, interacting warmly and humorously through their idiosyncrasies. Debut director Herb Gardner, who also authored the original play, demonstrates skill both in writing and directing... Filmed on location, the movie offers a nostalgic glimpse of Coney Island, where its fading attractions evoke both unease and tranquility. 'The Goodbye People' embraces these contrasts, transforming a narrative about mortality into an insightful celebration of resilience."