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Comedy drama

The Professor (2019): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

The Professor (2019) movie poster

The Professor is a 2019 comedy drama directed by Wayne Roberts, starring Linda Emond as Barbara, Johnny Depp and Rosemarie DeWitt. It runs 1 hour 30 minutes and earned $3.6 million worldwide on a $25 million budget. Critics gave it 39% on Rotten Tomatoes and 37 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.2/10.

IMDb rating
7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes
39%
worldwide gross
$3.6M
Echo Score
48
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The Professor (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 30m (90 min)
Director
Wayne Roberts
Genres
Drama , Comedy
Original language
English
Budget
$25M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Professor About?

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

In 19th-century England, Professor James Murray undertakes the ambitious project of creating the definitive Oxford English Dictionary. His meticulous work involves gathering words and their origins from a vast network of volunteer contributors. As he navigates the complexities of language and the diverse individuals involved, the endeavor becomes a revealing look at Victorian society, the power of words, and the challenges of a monumental undertaking.

The Professor Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • dictionary
  • widow
  • scot
  • american
  • prison guard
  • oxford university
  • 19th century
  • 1870s
  • prisoner
  • insane asylum
  • redemption
  • schizophrenia
+38 more
  • army doctor
  • killing
  • winston churchill character
  • lexicographer
  • oxford english dictionary
  • opening action scene
  • insanity
  • writer
  • historical drama
  • period piece
  • victorian era
  • broadmoor
  • prison drama
  • psychological drama
  • social commentary
  • war flashback
  • prison visitor
  • alienist
  • painter as artist
  • honorary doctorate
  • children
  • teaching someone to read
  • philologist
  • logophile
  • prison superintendent
  • headmaster
  • etymology
  • book editor
  • catalepsy
  • scriptorium
  • william chester minor character
  • undesirable alien
  • banishment
  • extradition order to united states
  • field hockey
  • polyglot
  • literature
  • not guilty by reason of insanity
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Cast & crew

The Professor Cast & Characters

Linda Emond leads the cast as Barbara, with Johnny Depp as Richard and Rosemarie DeWitt as Veronica. Directed by Wayne Roberts; 13 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Wayne Roberts

One more film directed by Wayne Roberts: Katie Says Goodbye.

Full filmography
Ratings

The Professor Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Professor 39% on Rotten Tomatoes and 37 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.2/10. Our Echo Score gives it 48/100, strongest in character & emotion (60) and weakest in story & flow (45).

48 /100

The Professor Echo Score Breakdown

The Professor delivers a mixed viewing experience balanced between a committed central performance and uneven storytelling. Critics frequently fault the narrative’s pacing and underdeveloped supporting roles, while users appreciate the emotional authenticity and dark humor. The film’s cautious visual style and modest soundtrack further reinforce its subdued tone. Despite moments of warmth, the uneven script and direction limit its overall impact.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 45

    In terms of art and craft, the film exhibits a restrained visual approach that often trades impact for symmetry. Critics note the cautious framing and stifled compositions, and there are few memorable production design flourishes. Editing choices maintain clarity but rarely heighten drama. Overall, the subdued visual execution supports the subdued tone but lacks standout artistry.

  • Character & Emotion 60

    When it comes to character and emotion, Johnny Depp’s performance draws consistent praise for its intensity and vulnerability. However, critics find several supporting roles underwritten and few interactions truly convincing. Some moments of genuine warmth emerge, especially in the protagonist’s personal revelations, but uneven character development undermines sustained emotional resonance. Overall, the film relies heavily on its lead without fully realizing its ensemble.

  • Story & Flow 45

    In terms of story and flow, the narrative’s premise of a terminal diagnosis presents potential for depth but suffers from inconsistent pacing. Critics frequently describe the plot as meandering with clichés dominating the homestretch, while some viewers appreciate its didactic elements. Originality is limited by familiar midlife crisis tropes. Overall, the script’s uneven structure and lack of compelling twists impede engagement.

  • Sensory Experience 50

    When examining the sensory experience, the score and sound design remain serviceable yet seldom distinctive. The visual style adheres to a muted palette, reinforcing the film’s reflective mood but contributing little surprise. Soundtrack selections support key emotional beats without overshadowing them. Overall, the sensory elements are competent but stop short of creating a memorable audiovisual identity.

  • Rewatch Factor 55

    In terms of rewatch factor, the film’s thematic focus on living authentically resonates for some viewers, suggesting repeat viewings for those drawn to character study. However, the uneven storytelling and limited stylistic flair reduce its replay value. While moments of emotional clarity may invite a second look, the overall experience may not sustain repeated engagement.

Plot

The Professor Plot Summary

What happens in The Professor from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

The film intricately delves into the life of the esteemed professor, Sir James Murray, who in the year 1857 embarked on the monumental responsibility of compiling the Oxford English Dictionary. His journey intertwines with that of Dr. William Chester Minor, a former army surgeon from the United States whose life took a dark turn, leading him to submit over 10,000 entries for the dictionary while confined in the Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum. In a tumultuous past marked by paranoia and tragedy, Minor mistakenly took the life of an innocent man, believing him to be a stalker, which resulted in his detention as he grappled with fractured sanity.

Full summary

The whole story of The Professor, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

The Professor Box Office & Budget

The Professor grossed $3.6 million worldwide on a $25 million budget, 15% of what it cost.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$3.6M

15% of its budget back

International
$3.6M
Budget
$25M
Videos

The Professor Trailers & Videos

The trailer of The Professor.

Official Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know The Professor?

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

Who played the role of Sir James Murray in 'The Professor'?

Cars

Cars in The Professor

3 cars on screen, including the 1984 Mercedes-Benz W123 and the Volvo XC70.

  • 1984 Mercedes-Benz W123 in The Professor 1984 Mercedes-Benz W123 Important role
  • Volvo XC70 in The Professor Volvo XC70 Minor role
  • 2000 Toyota Camry in The Professor 2000 Toyota Camry Background role
Details

The Professor Also Known As

31 alternative titles, including “Richard Says Goodbye” and “Професор”.

Also known as
  • Richard Says Goodbye
  • Професор
  • Ричард прощается
  • 더 프로페서
  • Професорът
  • Ричард казва сбогом
  • Richard mówi do widzenia
  • Les Derniers Jours de Monsieur Brown
  • El Profesor
  • Richard dice adiós
  • グッバイ、リチャード!:2018
  • Ричард казва довиждане
+19 more
  • Во всё тяжкое
  • 수상한 교수
  • Arrivederci professore
  • Річард говорить "Прощавай"
  • 教授
  • Adeus
  • Profesor
  • Ποτέ δεν είναι Αργά Κύριε Καθηγητά
  • 人生消極掰
  • پروفسور
  • מסיבת הפרידה של ריצ'ארד
  • Ričards atvadās
  • Näkemiin professori
  • Poslední semestr
  • Richard búcsút mond
  • Ričardas atsisveikina, პროფესორი
  • Profesorul
  • グッバイ、リチャード!
  • En Richard diu adeu

Seen The Professor?

FAQ

The Professor FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

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

How long is The Professor?

The Professor runs 1 hour 30 minutes (90 minutes).

When was The Professor released?

The Professor was released on May 17, 2019.

Who directed The Professor?

The Professor was directed by Wayne Roberts.

More films by Wayne Roberts

Who is in the cast of The Professor?

The Professor stars Linda Emond as Barbara, Johnny Depp as Richard and Rosemarie DeWitt as Veronica, among 13 credited actors.

How much did The Professor make at the box office?

The Professor grossed $3.6 million worldwide on a budget of $25 million.

How is The Professor rated?

The Professor has 7.2/10 on IMDb, 39% on Rotten Tomatoes, 37 on Metacritic and 69% on TMDB.

Does The Professor have a post-credit scene?

No. The Professor has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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