Is The Rules of Marriage Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Rules of Marriage is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 193 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Rules of Marriage Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1982, The Rules of Marriage emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, TV Movie domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A seemingly perfect marriage disintegrates, as both husband and wife become involved in a series of affairs. Unlike standard genre fare, The Rules of Marriage attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Rules of Marriage features a noteworthy lineup led by Elizabeth Montgomery . Supported by the likes of Elliott Gould and Michael Murphy , 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 The Rules of Marriage (1982) is negative. With an audience rating of 1.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Rules of Marriage Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Rules of Marriage is a Drama, TV Movie film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Rules of Marriage Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Rules of Marriage attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, 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 drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Rules of Marriage reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Rules of Marriage?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of The Rules of Marriage
- Elizabeth Montgomery – Joan Hagen
- Elliott Gould – Michael Hagen
- Michael Murphy – Alan Murray
- Melinda Culea – Holly Stone
- Sean Astin – Charlie Hagen
Top Highlights
Elizabeth MontgomeryJoan Hagen
Elliott GouldMichael Hagen
Michael MurphyAlan Murray
Melinda CuleaHolly Stone
Sean AstinCharlie Hagen
Susan RinellMargo Hagen
Nancy CartwrightJill Murray
Patricia HartyRonnie Starr
Alice HirsonEva Hewlitt
Millie SlavinDoris Gallup
Parents Guide & Age Rating
The Rules of Marriage has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 1/10, and global collection metrics, The Rules of Marriage stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1982 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Rules of Marriage movie hit or flop?
The Rules of Marriage is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 1/10 and lower collections.
Is The Rules of Marriage worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 1/10, The Rules of Marriage may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch The Rules of Marriage online?
The Rules of Marriage may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
How The Rules of Marriage Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Rules of Marriage
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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