Performance & Direction: House Calls Review
Last updated: January 26, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is House Calls (1978) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and House Calls features a noteworthy lineup led by Walter Matthau . Supported by the likes of Glenda Jackson and Art Carney , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of House Calls (1978) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: House Calls
Quick Plot Summary: House Calls is a Comedy, Romance film that brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: House Calls
Ending Breakdown: House Calls concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of House Calls reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch House Calls?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Box Office Collection: House Calls
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $6.5M |
| Worldwide Gross | $28.5M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
House Calls Budget
The estimated production budget for House Calls is $6.5M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: House Calls
All Cast & Crew →








House Calls Parents Guide & Age Rating
1978 AdvisoryWondering about House Calls age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of House Calls is 98 minutes (1h 38m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.3/10, and global performance metrics, House Calls is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1978 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is House Calls worth watching?
House Calls is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.3/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find House Calls parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for House Calls identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of House Calls?
The total duration of House Calls is 98 minutes, which is approximately 1h 38m long.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked House Calls
How House Calls Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for House Calls
No reviews found for this filter.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
More with Walter Matthau









