Thursday's Game

Thursday's Game
Also known asThe Birk
GenreComedy
Written byJames L. Brooks
Directed byRobert Moore
StarringGene Wilder
Ellen Burstyn
Bob Newhart
Cloris Leachman
Nancy Walker
Valerie Harper
Norman Fell
Rob Reiner
Martha Scott
Music byBilly Goldenberg
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
ProducerJames L. Brooks
CinematographyJoseph Biroc
EditorsDiane Adler
Fredric Steinkamp
Running time100 minutes
Production companyABC Circle Films
Original release
NetworkABC
ReleaseApril 14, 1974 (1974-04-14)

Thursday's Game (also known as The Berk) is a 1974 American made-for-television comedy film starring Gene Wilder and Bob Newhart, written by James L. Brooks and directed by Robert Moore. Though filmed in 1971, it was originally broadcast April 14, 1974, on ABC.

In addition to Wilder and Newhart, Thursday's Game starred many actors familiar to 1970s television viewers including John Archer, Ellen Burstyn, Norman Fell, Cloris Leachman, Valerie Harper, Rob Reiner, Richard Schaal, Martha Scott and Nancy Walker. The film was lauded by critics for its perceptive look at adult relationships, and furthered James L. Brooks's reputation as a writer and producer.

Plot

Harry Evers and Marvin Ellison are long time friends who meet each Thursday to play poker and get away from their wives. After the weekly game breaks up over a disagreement, the two men decide to continue meeting for other activities, which leads to friendship and rivalry as the men's lives take on very different paths.

Cast