Sanctuary (1961): cast, story & where to watch
1961 · Film · ★ 6.5
Released in 1961, Sanctuary is a drama film directed by Tony Richardson, running about 90 minutes. “From the Nobel Prize winner...the unadorned truth about the governor's daughter...seared by the fires of her desperate desires...tormented by the new-found emotions within her...” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. In 1920s rural Mississippi, Nancy Mannigoe, an African-American servant, is placed on death row for the murder of Temple Drake's infant child. Temple, the daughter of the governor, pleads with her father to exonerate Nancy of the charges, explaining that Nancy acted in haste to prevent her from resuming her affair with a roguish Cajun called Candy Man. Details of Temple's sordid past are uncovered as she begs mercy for her faithful servant.
Who’s in it. Sanctuary stars Lee Remick as Temple Drake, Yves Montand as Candy Man, Bradford Dillman as Gowan Stevens and Harry Townes as Ira Bobbitt, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 6.5/10, Sanctuary has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Sanctuary page.
If you liked it. Fans of Sanctuary tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Sanctuary (1961)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for Sanctuary change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is Sanctuary worth watching?
- Sanctuary holds an audience score of 6.5 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in Sanctuary?
- Sanctuary stars Lee Remick, Yves Montand, Bradford Dillman, Harry Townes and Odetta.
- When was Sanctuary released?
- Sanctuary was released in 1961, with a runtime of about 90 minutes.