Thursday's Game Explained

Alt Name:The Birk
Genre:Comedy
Director:Robert Moore
Starring:Gene Wilder
Ellen Burstyn
Bob Newhart
Cloris Leachman
Nancy Walker
Valerie Harper
Norman Fell
Rob Reiner
Martha Scott
Music:Billy Goldenberg
Country:United States
Language:English
Producer:James L. Brooks
Editor:Diane Adler
Fredric Steinkamp
Cinematography:Joseph Biroc
Runtime:100 minutes
Company:ABC Circle Films
Network:ABC

Thursday's Game (also known as The Berk) is a 1974 American made-for-television comedy film starring Gene Wilder and Bob Newhart, written by James L. Brooks and directed by Robert Moore. Though filmed in 1971, it was originally broadcast April 14, 1974, on ABC.

In addition to Wilder and Newhart, Thursday's Game starred many actors familiar to 1970s television viewers including John Archer, Ellen Burstyn, Norman Fell, Cloris Leachman, Valerie Harper, Rob Reiner, Richard Schaal, Martha Scott and Nancy Walker. The film was lauded by critics for its perceptive look at adult relationships, and furthered James L. Brooks's reputation as a writer and producer.

Plot

Harry Evers and Marvin Ellison are long time friends who meet each Thursday to play poker and get away from their wives. After the weekly game breaks up over a disagreement, the two men decide to continue meeting for other activities, which leads to friendship and rivalry as the men's lives take on very different paths.

Cast