---
title: "Bad Manners"
year: 1998
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/bad-manners-1998"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 41573
imdb_id: "tt0118671"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 88
community_rating: 4.8
vote_count: 6
content_rating: "Unrated"
---

# Bad Manners (1998) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/bad-manners-1998

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Bad Manners is a 1998 feature film categorized under comedy, drama, and romance that runs for one hour and twenty-eight minutes. The narrative centers on married academics Wes and Nancy as they host Nancy's former lover Matt alongside his computer specialist girlfriend Kim, leading to escalating intrigue and mistrust after a fifty-dollar theft accusation.

While specific cultural impact metrics are not provided in the sources, the film offers a focused exploration of interpersonal tension between couples and former partners. The production blends comedic and dramatic elements into a briskly paced narrative suitable for viewers interested in intimate character studies.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A married academic couple hosts Nancy's former lover and his new girlfriend, sparking escalating tensions."

### Why Watch
- Explores the psychological fallout of a dinner party among academics and former lovers.
- Features a compact runtime of one hour and twenty-eight minutes.
- Builds intrigue and mistrust from a simple missing fifty-dollar accusation.

### Caveats & Content Note
- The provided sources offer only a brief overview and partial plot synopsis of the film.
- Tone & Suitability: The tone blends comedy, drama, and romance with a concise runtime of one hour and twenty-eight minutes.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: #academic-couple, #dinner-party-tension, #former-lovers, #suspicion-and-mistrust, #dark-comedy-drama

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Plex, Plex Channel, Tubi TV | Amazon Video, Fandango At Home |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | None | Tubi TV, Plex | None |
| **Canada (CA)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Tubi TV, Plex | None |
| **Australia (AU)** | None | Tubi TV | None |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Jonathan Kaufer
- **Networks / Studios**: Wavecrest, Davis Entertainment Classics, Skyline Entertainment Partners

## Key Cast Continuity

- **David Strathairn** as *Wes Westlund*
- **Bonnie Bedelia** as *Nancy Westlund*
- **Saul Rubinek** as *Matt Carroll*
- **Caroleen Feeney** as *Kim Matthews*
- **Julie Harris** as *Professor Harper*
- **Robin Poley** as *First Musicologist*
- **Daniel Koch** as *Second Musicologist*
- **Steve Forbert** as *Coffeehouse Troubadour*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where can I stream Bad Manners?
Streaming availability is listed on platforms like The Movie Database, though specific streaming services are not detailed in the sources.

### Q: Is Bad Manners worth watching?
It is worth watching if you enjoy relationship dramas involving academics, former lovers, and escalating dinner party tensions.

### Q: What is the runtime or binge duration?
The film has a total runtime of one hour and twenty-eight minutes.

### Q: What are the essential scenes or episodes?
As a feature film released in 1998, it is watched as a single continuous viewing rather than being divided into episodes.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Bad Manners — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/41573)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*