Kramer vs. Kramer

Kramer vs. Kramer, motion picture about a career-driven man forced to take care of his young son, based on the 1977 novel by Avery Corman. Released in 1979, this five-time Academy Award-winning film stars Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep as Ted and Joanna Kramer. Ted’s success-driven life alienates his wife, Joanna, and she leaves him abruptly. Their first-grader son Billy remains with Ted, and he is forced to deal with fatherly issues he had previously left to Joanna. Ted loses his job as a result of his new responsibilities, but he and his son grow close for the first time. Ted finds a new, better job, and things begin to settle down, until Joanna arrives demanding custody of Billy.

Director

• Robert Benton

Cast

• Dustin Hoffman (Ted Kramer)
• Meryl Streep (Joanna Kramer)
• Jane Alexander (Margaret Phelps)
• Justin Henry (Billy Kramer)
• Howard Duff (John Shaunessy)
• George Coe (Jim O'Connor)
• JoBeth Williams (Phyllis Bernard)
• Bill Moor (Gressen)
• Howland Chamberlin (Judge Atkins)
• Jack Ramage (Spencer)
• Jess Osuna (Ackerman)
• Nicholas Hormann (Interviewer)
• Ellen Parker (Teacher)
• Shelby Brammer (Ted's secretary)
• Carol Nadell (Mrs. Kline)
• Judith Calder (Receptionist)
• Peter Lownds (Norman)
• Kathleen Keller (Waiter)
• Dan Tyra (Court clerk)
• David Golden (Grocer)
• Petra King (Petie Phelps)
• Melissa Morell (Kim Phelps)
• Donald Gantry (Surgeon)

Awards

• Academy Award for Best Picture (1979): Stanley R. Jaffe
• Academy Award for Best Actor (1979): Dustin Hoffman
• Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (1979): Meryl Streep
• Academy Award for Best Director (1979): Robert Benton
• Academy Award for Best Writing—Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium (1979): Robert Benton
• Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture—Drama (1979)
• Golden Globe Award for Best Screenplay—Motion Picture (1979): Robert Benton
• Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture Actor—Drama (1979): Dustin Hoffman
• Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture Actress in a Supporting Role (1979): Meryl Streep

Quotes

• Billy (upset): “I want my mommy!”
• Ted: “I’m all you’ve got!”