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Romantic comedy

Continental Divide (1981): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Continental Divide (1981) movie poster

Continental Divide is a 1981 romantic comedy directed by Michael Apted, starring John Belushi, Blair Brown and Val Avery. It runs 1 hour 43 minutes and earned $15.6 million worldwide. It earned 1 award nomination, including Best Performance in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical (Actress) at the Golden Globes 1982. Critics gave it 73% on Rotten Tomatoes and 64 on Metacritic.

Rotten Tomatoes
73%
worldwide gross
$15.6M
award nomination
1
Metascore
64
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Continental Divide (1981) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 43m (103 min)
Director
Michael Apted
Genres
Comedy , Romance
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Continental Divide About?

The premise of Continental Divide without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

After a run-in with corrupt police officers in Chicago, cynical journalist Ernie Souchak is sent to Wyoming to recuperate. There, he meets and falls for Nell Porter, an ornithologist. However, Ernie's past and professional obligations in Chicago create complications for their burgeoning romance. He must confront his past while navigating the challenges of a relationship with someone so different from himself, leading them to question if their connection can endure.

Continental Divide Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • respect
  • cougar
  • glacier national park
  • two word title
  • newspaper reporter
  • wilderness
  • survival
  • female scientist
  • poacher
  • snow
  • colorado
  • cigarette smoking
+38 more
  • cabin
  • snowbound
  • backpack
  • shower
  • mountain lion
  • stretcher
  • tent
  • city country contrast
  • train station
  • night train
  • interview
  • falling in love
  • mountain
  • rescue
  • ornithologist
  • bird watching
  • odd couple
  • saving a life
  • newlywed
  • female rear nudity
  • female nudity
  • love
  • eagle
  • reporter
  • thin air
  • newspaper columnist
  • hermit
  • cynic
  • cultural conflict
  • city boy
  • camping
  • acrophobia
  • obscene finger gesture
  • train
  • chicago illinois
  • gay slur
  • corruption
  • former athlete
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Cast & crew

Continental Divide Cast

John Belushi leads the cast, with Blair Brown and Val Avery. Directed by Michael Apted; 10 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Michael Apted

More films directed by Michael Apted, best-rated first: 42: Forty Two Up, 56 Up, 49 Up and 63 Up.

Full filmography
Ratings

Continental Divide Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Continental Divide 73% on Rotten Tomatoes and 64 on Metacritic.

Plot

Continental Divide Plot Summary

What happens in Continental Divide from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

As the story unfolds, Ernie Souchak, portrayed by John Belushi, a journalist for a Chicago newspaper, is deep into a high-stakes exposé regarding the rampant corruption within city politics. Unfortunately, his investigation is suddenly interrupted when he finds himself at odds with two corrupt police officers working under the influence of a deceitful alderman. The ensuing confrontation leaves Souchak both physically and emotionally battered, ultimately forcing him into the hospital, where he must confront the unforgiving realities of his profession.

Full summary

The whole story of Continental Divide, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Continental Divide Box Office

Continental Divide grossed $15.6 million worldwide.

1981 box office

Worldwide gross

$15.6M

US & Canada
$15.6M
Awards

Continental Divide Awards & Nominations

Continental Divide earned 1 award nomination, including Best Performance in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical (Actress) at the Golden Globes 1982.

1 nomination1 ceremony

Videos

Continental Divide Trailers & Videos

3 videos: 3 trailers.

Trailer #1
  • Trailer Trailer
  • Trailer TV Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Continental Divide?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What is Ernie Souchak's profession?

Cars

Cars in Continental Divide

18 cars on screen, including the 1978 Checker Taxicab and the 1978 Chevrolet Impala.

All 18 cars
  • 1978 Checker Taxicab in Continental Divide 1978 Checker Taxicab Important role
  • 1978 Chevrolet Impala in Continental Divide 1978 Chevrolet Impala Minor role
  • 1975 Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse W116 in Continental Divide 1975 Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse W116 Minor role
  • 1979 Penn Hi-Cube Versatile Van in Continental Divide 1979 Penn Hi-Cube Versatile Van Minor role
Details

Continental Divide Also Known As

10 alternative titles, including “Chiamami aquila” and “Zwei wie Katz und Maus”.

Also known as
  • Chiamami aquila
  • Zwei wie Katz und Maus
  • Континентално разделение
  • Континентальный водораздел
  • Mi nido o el tuyo
  • Brincou com Fogo... Acabou Fisgado!
  • Deux drôles d'oiseaux
  • 天南地北一线牵
  • Przez kontynent
  • Žemynų atskirti

Seen Continental Divide?

FAQ

Continental Divide FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Continental Divide, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Continental Divide?

Continental Divide runs 1 hour 43 minutes (103 minutes).

When was Continental Divide released?

Continental Divide was released on September 18, 1981.

Who directed Continental Divide?

Continental Divide was directed by Michael Apted.

More films by Michael Apted

Who is in the cast of Continental Divide?

Continental Divide stars John Belushi, Blair Brown and Val Avery, among 10 credited actors.

How much did Continental Divide make at the box office?

Continental Divide grossed $15.6 million worldwide.

How is Continental Divide rated?

Continental Divide has 73% on Rotten Tomatoes, 64 on Metacritic and 61% on TMDB.

Was Continental Divide nominated for any awards?

Continental Divide received 1 nomination across 1 ceremony.

Does Continental Divide have a post-credit scene?

No. Continental Divide has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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