The Amateur (1981): cast, story & where to watch
1981 · Film · ★ 5.9
Released in 1981, The Amateur is an action, thriller and crime film directed by Charles Jarrott, running about 112 minutes. “The first 11 minutes will absolutely shock you. The last 11 minutes will rivet you to your seat.” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. A researcher for the CIA who convinces his superiors to send him to the eastern bloc in order to avenge the murder of his wife by enemy agents discovers a web of deception underneath his wife's death.
Who’s in it. The Amateur stars John Savage as Charles Heller, Christopher Plummer as Professor Lakos, Marthe Keller as Elisabeth and Arthur Hill as Brewer, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 5.9/10, The Amateur has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response. It went on to earn $6.9M at the box office.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Amateur page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Amateur tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Inception and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Amateur (1981)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Amateur change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is The Amateur worth watching?
- The Amateur holds an audience score of 5.9 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy action, thriller and crime. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in The Amateur?
- The Amateur stars John Savage, Christopher Plummer, Marthe Keller, Arthur Hill and Nicholas Campbell.
- When was The Amateur released?
- The Amateur was released in 1981, with a runtime of about 112 minutes.