Ragtime (1981)

Ragtime
Theatrical Performance
Domestic Box Office $17,468,158Details
Further financial details...

Metrics

Opening Weekend:$151,351 (0.9% of total gross)
Legs:8.54 (domestic box office/biggest weekend)
Domestic Share:100.0% (domestic box office/worldwide)
Theater counts:5 opening theaters/500 max. theaters, 6.2 weeks average run per theater
Infl. Adj. Dom. BO $65,818,875

Latest Ranking on Cumulative Box Office Lists

RecordRankAmount
All Time Domestic Box Office (Rank 4,101-4,200) 4,146 $17,468,158
All Time Worldwide Box Office (Rank 5,801-5,900) 5,867 $17,468,158

See the Box Office tab (Domestic) and International tab (International and Worldwide) for more Cumulative Box Office Records.


Movie Details

Domestic Releases: November 20th, 1981 (Wide) by Paramount Pictures
Video Release: November 16th, 2004 by Paramount Home Video
MPAA Rating: PG
Running Time: 156 minutes
Comparisons: vs. The Birth of a Nation
Create your own comparison chart…
Keywords: African Americans, Historical Drama, 1900s
Source:Based on Fiction Book/Short Story
Genre:Drama
Production Method:Live Action
Creative Type:Historical Fiction
Production/Financing Companies: Ragtime Productions, Ragtime Productions (U.K.)
Production Countries: United Kingdom, United States
Languages: English

Ranking on other Records and Milestones

RecordRankAmountChart
Date		Days In
Release
New Year's Day (All Movies, 3-Day, Inflation Adjusted) 372 $7,861,184 Jan 1, 1982 45
Theater Average 3rd Weekend 71 $20,791 Dec 4, 1981 17
Theater Average 2nd Weekend 46 $40,221 Nov 27, 1981 10

Compare this performance with other movies…

Domestic Cumulative Box Office Records

RecordRankRevenue
All Time Domestic Box Office (Rank 4,101-4,200) 4,146 $17,468,158
All Time Domestic Inflation Adjusted Box Office (Rank 2,501-2,600) 2,537 $65,818,875
All Time Domestic Non-Sequel Box Office (Rank 3,401-3,500) 3,491 $17,468,158
Top 1981 Movies at the Domestic Box Office 48 $17,468,158
All Time Domestic Box Office for Based on Fiction Book/Short Story Movies (Rank 801-900) 863 $17,468,158
All Time Domestic Box Office for Live Action Movies (Rank 3,601-3,700) 3,645 $17,468,158
All Time Domestic Box Office for Historical Fiction Movies (Rank 401-500) 421 $17,468,158
All Time Domestic Box Office for Drama Movies (Rank 701-800) 754 $17,468,158
All Time Domestic Box Office for PG Movies (Rank 801-900) 826 $17,468,158
All Time Domestic Box Office for Paramount Pictures Movies (Rank 401-500) 431 $17,468,158

Weekend Box Office Performance

DateRankGross% ChangeTheatersPer TheaterTotal GrossWeek
Nov 20, 1981 11 $151,351   5 $30,270   $151,351 1
Nov 27, 1981 9 $160,884 +6% 4 $40,221   $418,359 2
Dec 4, 1981 13 $103,955 -35% 5 $20,791   $594,893 3
Jan 1, 1982 11 $2,045,298   444 $4,607   $8,382,501 7
Jan 8, 1982 9 $1,508,236 -26% 447 $3,374   $10,741,269 8
Jan 15, 1982 7 $1,403,534 -7% 419 $3,350   $12,631,335 9
Jan 22, 1982 12 $851,000 -39% 350 $2,431   $13,835,000 10
Jan 29, 1982 13 $702,905 -17% 250 $2,812   $14,751,152 11
Feb 5, 1982 14 $536,245 -24% 215 $2,494   $15,457,026 12
Feb 12, 1982 13 $938,641 +75% 500 $1,877   $16,652,108 13
Feb 19, 1982 13 $673,959 -28% 442 $1,525   $17,468,158 14

Daily Box Office Performance

Weekly Box Office Performance

DateRankGross% ChangeTheatersPer TheaterTotal GrossWeek
Nov 20, 1981 9 $257,475   5 $51,495   $257,475 1
Nov 27, 1981 8 $233,463 -9% 4 $58,366   $490,938 2
Jan 1, 1982 11 $2,895,830   444 $6,522   $9,233,033 7
Jan 8, 1982 7 $1,994,768 -31% 447 $4,463   $11,227,801 8
Jan 15, 1982 7 $1,756,199 -12% 419 $4,191   $12,984,000 9
Jan 22, 1982 10 $1,064,247 -39% 350 $3,041   $14,048,247 10
Jan 29, 1982 12 $872,534 -18% 250 $3,490   $14,920,781 11
Feb 5, 1982 10 $792,686 -9% 215 $3,687   $15,713,467 12
Feb 12, 1982 13 $1,080,732 +36% 500 $2,161   $16,794,199 13

Lead Ensemble Members

Moses Gunn Booker T. Washington
Howard E. Rollins, Jr. Coalhouse Walker Jr.
Debbie Allen Sarah
James Cagney New York Police Commissioner Rheinlander Waldo
Pat O'Brien Delmas

Supporting Cast

Brad Dourif Younger Brother
Elizabeth McGovern Evelyn Nesbit
Kenneth McMillan Willie Conklin
James Olson Father
Mandy Patinkin Tateh
Mary Steenburgen Mother
Donald O’Connor Evelyn's Dance Instructor
Jeffrey DeMunn Houdini
Robert Joy Harry K. Thaw
Norman Mailer Stanford White
Bruce Boa Jerome
Hoolihan Burke Brigit
Norman Chancer Gent, Agent
Edwin Cooper Grandfather
Jeff Daniels Sgt. O'Donnell
Fran Drescher Mameh
Frankie Faison Gang Member
Hal Galili Police Captain
Alan Gifford Judge
Richard Griffiths Delmas Assistant
Samuel L. Jackson Gang member
Michael Jeter Special Reporter
Calvin Levels Gang Member
Bessie Love Old Lady, T.O.C.
Malcolm Christopher Police Captain
Herman Meckler Vernon Elliott
Billy J. Mitchell Delmas Assistant
Jenny Nichols Little Girl
Max Nichols Little Boy
Zack Norman Gent, Manager
Eloise O'Brien Mrs. Thaw
Don Plumley Inspector McNeil
Ted Ross Black Lawyer
Dorsey Wright Gang Member
Robert Arden Foreman of the Jury
Robert Boyd Teddy Roosevelt
Thomas A. Carlin Vice President Fairbanks
John Clarkson Plainclothes Detective
E. Brian Dean Fireman
Harry Ditson County Clerk
Robert Dorning Gent with Stanford White
Geoffrey Greenhill Police Guard, T.O.C.
Ray Hassett Policeman
Robert Hitt Plainclothes Detective
Rodney James Sleek Male Dancer
George Harris Band Leader, Clef Club
George J. Manos Novelty Shop Storeman
Val Pringle Clef Club Manager
Ron Weyand Doctor Muller
Sonny Abagnale Evelyn's Driver
John Alderson Waldo's Aide
Nesbitt Blaisdell Policeman
Chaim Blatter Rabbi
Donald Bisset J.P. Morgan
Josh Clark Fireman
Robert Coffin Desk Clerk
Patrick Connor Waldo's Aide
Joel Cutrara Policeman
Jake Dengel Fireman
Barry Dennen Stage Manager
Natalia Dobrer Woman
Daniel Foley Reporter
Gretchen Franklin Elderly Woman
Pat Gorman Thug
Guy Gregory Black Butler
Dave Griffiths Thug
Jeff Harding Policeman
Robert Henderson Elderly Man
Collette Hiller Lawyer's Female Companion
Patrick M. Hughes Policeman
Elaine Ives-Cameron Lawyer's Female Companion
Andreas Katsulas Policeman
Douglas Lambert Police Sergeant
Pavel Landovsky Soloman Peretz
Norris Mailer Lady with Stanford White
Derek Martin Waldo's Aide
Al Matthews Maitre d'
Stuart Milligan Marksman
Richard Oldfield Reporter
Nelly Polissky Woman in Window
Mike Potter Thug
Anthony Powell Policeman
Ethan Phillips Guard at Family House
Joe Praml Policeman
John Ratzenberger Fireman
Bill Reimbold Gent, Lawyer
Bob Sherman Policeman
Tony Sibbald Reporter
Stan Simmons Thug
John Sterland Library Guard
Jan Triska Special Reporter
Burnell Tucker Reporter
Britt Walker Black Butler
Peter Whitman Reporter
Edward Wiley Conductor

For a description of the different acting role types we use to categorize acting perfomances, see our Glossary.

Production and Technical Credits

Miloš Forman Director
Dino De Laurentiis Producer
Michael Weller Screenwriter
E.L. Doctorow Story Creator
Michael Hausman Executive Producer
Bernard Williams Executive Producer
Randy Newman Composer
Fredric M. Sidewater Associate Producer
Michael Hausman Assistant Director
Pat Churchill Production Manager
Malcolm Christopher Production Manager
John Graysmark Production Designer
Patrizia Von Brandenstein Art Director
Anthony Reading Art Director
George DeTitta, Sr Set Decorator
George DeTitta Jr. Set Decorator
Peter Howitt Set Decorator
Miroslav Ondříček Director of Photography
Anna Hill Johnstone Costume Designer
Peggy Farrell Associate Costume Designer
John Boyt Associate Costume Designer
Marilyn Putnam Costume Supervisor
Ron Beck Costume Supervisor
Anne V. Coates Editor
Antony Gibbs Editor
Nena Danevic Associate Editor
Chris Newman Sound Mixer
Gerry Humphreys Dubbing Mixer
Les Wiggins Sound Editor
Archie Ludski Sound Editor
John Strauss Music Editor
Randy Newman Song Writer
Mary Goldberg Casting Director
Maggie Carter Casting Director
Patricia Golden Casting Associate
Victor Magnotta Stunt Coordinator

The bold credits above the line are the "above-the-line" credits, the other the "below-the-line" credits.


  1. Summary
  2. News
  3. Box Office
  4. International
  5. Video Sales
  6. Cast & Crew
  7. Trailer

Metrics

Opening Weekend:$151,351 (0.9% of total gross)
Legs:8.54 (domestic box office/biggest weekend)
Domestic Share:100.0% (domestic box office/worldwide)
Theater counts:5 opening theaters/500 max. theaters, 6.2 weeks average run per theater
Infl. Adj. Dom. BO $65,818,875

Latest Ranking on Cumulative Box Office Lists

RecordRankAmount
All Time Domestic Box Office (Rank 4,101-4,200) 4,146 $17,468,158
All Time Worldwide Box Office (Rank 5,801-5,900) 5,867 $17,468,158

See the Box Office tab (Domestic) and International tab (International and Worldwide) for more Cumulative Box Office Records.


Movie Details

Domestic Releases: November 20th, 1981 (Wide) by Paramount Pictures
Video Release: November 16th, 2004 by Paramount Home Video
MPAA Rating: PG
Running Time: 156 minutes
Comparisons: vs. The Birth of a Nation
Create your own comparison chart…
Keywords: African Americans, Historical Drama, 1900s
Source:Based on Fiction Book/Short Story
Genre:Drama
Production Method:Live Action
Creative Type:Historical Fiction
Production/Financing Companies: Ragtime Productions, Ragtime Productions (U.K.)
Production Countries: United Kingdom, United States
Languages: English

Ranking on other Records and Milestones

RecordRankAmountChart
Date		Days In
Release
New Year's Day (All Movies, 3-Day, Inflation Adjusted) 372 $7,861,184 Jan 1, 1982 45
Theater Average 3rd Weekend 71 $20,791 Dec 4, 1981 17
Theater Average 2nd Weekend 46 $40,221 Nov 27, 1981 10

Lead Ensemble Members

Moses Gunn Booker T. Washington
Howard E. Rollins, Jr. Coalhouse Walker Jr.
Debbie Allen Sarah
James Cagney New York Police Commissioner Rheinlander Waldo
Pat O'Brien Delmas

Supporting Cast

Brad Dourif Younger Brother
Elizabeth McGovern Evelyn Nesbit
Kenneth McMillan Willie Conklin
James Olson Father
Mandy Patinkin Tateh
Mary Steenburgen Mother
Donald O’Connor Evelyn's Dance Instructor
Jeffrey DeMunn Houdini
Robert Joy Harry K. Thaw
Norman Mailer Stanford White
Bruce Boa Jerome
Hoolihan Burke Brigit
Norman Chancer Gent, Agent
Edwin Cooper Grandfather
Jeff Daniels Sgt. O'Donnell
Fran Drescher Mameh
Frankie Faison Gang Member
Hal Galili Police Captain
Alan Gifford Judge
Richard Griffiths Delmas Assistant
Samuel L. Jackson Gang member
Michael Jeter Special Reporter
Calvin Levels Gang Member
Bessie Love Old Lady, T.O.C.
Malcolm Christopher Police Captain
Herman Meckler Vernon Elliott
Billy J. Mitchell Delmas Assistant
Jenny Nichols Little Girl
Max Nichols Little Boy
Zack Norman Gent, Manager
Eloise O'Brien Mrs. Thaw
Don Plumley Inspector McNeil
Ted Ross Black Lawyer
Dorsey Wright Gang Member
Robert Arden Foreman of the Jury
Robert Boyd Teddy Roosevelt
Thomas A. Carlin Vice President Fairbanks
John Clarkson Plainclothes Detective
E. Brian Dean Fireman
Harry Ditson County Clerk
Robert Dorning Gent with Stanford White
Geoffrey Greenhill Police Guard, T.O.C.
Ray Hassett Policeman
Robert Hitt Plainclothes Detective
Rodney James Sleek Male Dancer
George Harris Band Leader, Clef Club
George J. Manos Novelty Shop Storeman
Val Pringle Clef Club Manager
Ron Weyand Doctor Muller
Sonny Abagnale Evelyn's Driver
John Alderson Waldo's Aide
Nesbitt Blaisdell Policeman
Chaim Blatter Rabbi
Donald Bisset J.P. Morgan
Josh Clark Fireman
Robert Coffin Desk Clerk
Patrick Connor Waldo's Aide
Joel Cutrara Policeman
Jake Dengel Fireman
Barry Dennen Stage Manager
Natalia Dobrer Woman
Daniel Foley Reporter
Gretchen Franklin Elderly Woman
Pat Gorman Thug
Guy Gregory Black Butler
Dave Griffiths Thug
Jeff Harding Policeman
Robert Henderson Elderly Man
Collette Hiller Lawyer's Female Companion
Patrick M. Hughes Policeman
Elaine Ives-Cameron Lawyer's Female Companion
Andreas Katsulas Policeman
Douglas Lambert Police Sergeant
Pavel Landovsky Soloman Peretz
Norris Mailer Lady with Stanford White
Derek Martin Waldo's Aide
Al Matthews Maitre d'
Stuart Milligan Marksman
Richard Oldfield Reporter
Nelly Polissky Woman in Window
Mike Potter Thug
Anthony Powell Policeman
Ethan Phillips Guard at Family House
Joe Praml Policeman
John Ratzenberger Fireman
Bill Reimbold Gent, Lawyer
Bob Sherman Policeman
Tony Sibbald Reporter
Stan Simmons Thug
John Sterland Library Guard
Jan Triska Special Reporter
Burnell Tucker Reporter
Britt Walker Black Butler
Peter Whitman Reporter
Edward Wiley Conductor

For a description of the different acting role types we use to categorize acting perfomances, see our Glossary.

Production and Technical Credits

Miloš Forman Director
Dino De Laurentiis Producer
Michael Weller Screenwriter
E.L. Doctorow Story Creator
Michael Hausman Executive Producer
Bernard Williams Executive Producer
Randy Newman Composer
Fredric M. Sidewater Associate Producer
Michael Hausman Assistant Director
Pat Churchill Production Manager
Malcolm Christopher Production Manager
John Graysmark Production Designer
Patrizia Von Brandenstein Art Director
Anthony Reading Art Director
George DeTitta, Sr Set Decorator
George DeTitta Jr. Set Decorator
Peter Howitt Set Decorator
Miroslav Ondříček Director of Photography
Anna Hill Johnstone Costume Designer
Peggy Farrell Associate Costume Designer
John Boyt Associate Costume Designer
Marilyn Putnam Costume Supervisor
Ron Beck Costume Supervisor
Anne V. Coates Editor
Antony Gibbs Editor
Nena Danevic Associate Editor
Chris Newman Sound Mixer
Gerry Humphreys Dubbing Mixer
Les Wiggins Sound Editor
Archie Ludski Sound Editor
John Strauss Music Editor
Randy Newman Song Writer
Mary Goldberg Casting Director
Maggie Carter Casting Director
Patricia Golden Casting Associate
Victor Magnotta Stunt Coordinator

The bold credits above the line are the "above-the-line" credits, the other the "below-the-line" credits.

Compare this performance with other movies…

Domestic Cumulative Box Office Records

RecordRankRevenue
All Time Domestic Box Office (Rank 4,101-4,200) 4,146 $17,468,158
All Time Domestic Inflation Adjusted Box Office (Rank 2,501-2,600) 2,537 $65,818,875
All Time Domestic Non-Sequel Box Office (Rank 3,401-3,500) 3,491 $17,468,158
Top 1981 Movies at the Domestic Box Office 48 $17,468,158
All Time Domestic Box Office for Based on Fiction Book/Short Story Movies (Rank 801-900) 863 $17,468,158
All Time Domestic Box Office for Live Action Movies (Rank 3,601-3,700) 3,645 $17,468,158
All Time Domestic Box Office for Historical Fiction Movies (Rank 401-500) 421 $17,468,158
All Time Domestic Box Office for Drama Movies (Rank 701-800) 754 $17,468,158
All Time Domestic Box Office for PG Movies (Rank 801-900) 826 $17,468,158
All Time Domestic Box Office for Paramount Pictures Movies (Rank 401-500) 431 $17,468,158

Weekend Box Office Performance

DateRankGross% ChangeTheatersPer TheaterTotal GrossWeek
Nov 20, 1981 11 $151,351   5 $30,270   $151,351 1
Nov 27, 1981 9 $160,884 +6% 4 $40,221   $418,359 2
Dec 4, 1981 13 $103,955 -35% 5 $20,791   $594,893 3
Jan 1, 1982 11 $2,045,298   444 $4,607   $8,382,501 7
Jan 8, 1982 9 $1,508,236 -26% 447 $3,374   $10,741,269 8
Jan 15, 1982 7 $1,403,534 -7% 419 $3,350   $12,631,335 9
Jan 22, 1982 12 $851,000 -39% 350 $2,431   $13,835,000 10
Jan 29, 1982 13 $702,905 -17% 250 $2,812   $14,751,152 11
Feb 5, 1982 14 $536,245 -24% 215 $2,494   $15,457,026 12
Feb 12, 1982 13 $938,641 +75% 500 $1,877   $16,652,108 13
Feb 19, 1982 13 $673,959 -28% 442 $1,525   $17,468,158 14

Daily Box Office Performance

Weekly Box Office Performance

DateRankGross% ChangeTheatersPer TheaterTotal GrossWeek
Nov 20, 1981 9 $257,475   5 $51,495   $257,475 1
Nov 27, 1981 8 $233,463 -9% 4 $58,366   $490,938 2
Jan 1, 1982 11 $2,895,830   444 $6,522   $9,233,033 7
Jan 8, 1982 7 $1,994,768 -31% 447 $4,463   $11,227,801 8
Jan 15, 1982 7 $1,756,199 -12% 419 $4,191   $12,984,000 9
Jan 22, 1982 10 $1,064,247 -39% 350 $3,041   $14,048,247 10
Jan 29, 1982 12 $872,534 -18% 250 $3,490   $14,920,781 11
Feb 5, 1982 10 $792,686 -9% 215 $3,687   $15,713,467 12
Feb 12, 1982 13 $1,080,732 +36% 500 $2,161   $16,794,199 13

Worldwide Cumulative Box Office Records

RecordRankRevenue
All Time Worldwide Box Office (Rank 5,801-5,900) 5,867 $17,468,158
All Time Worldwide Non-Sequel Box Office (Rank 5,001-5,100) 5,028 $17,468,158
Top 1981 Movies at the Worldwide Box Office 52 $17,468,158
All Time Worldwide Box Office for Based on Fiction Book/Short Story Movies (Rank 1,001-1,100) 1,095 $17,468,158
All Time Worldwide Box Office for Live Action Movies (Rank 5,001-5,100) 5,089 $17,468,158
All Time Worldwide Box Office for Historical Fiction Movies (Rank 601-700) 621 $17,468,158
All Time Worldwide Box Office for Drama Movies (Rank 1,201-1,300) 1,279 $17,468,158
All Time Worldwide Box Office for PG Movies (Rank 901-1,000) 930 $17,468,158
All Time Worldwide Box Office for Paramount Pictures Movies (Rank 401-500) 448 $17,468,158