Mrs. Lambert Remembers Love poster

Mrs. Lambert Remembers Love

Movie 1991 1h 32m 4.5 /10
Directed by Charles Matthau

Lillian "Lil" Lambert and Clifford Pepperman are two older, single people who discover an unexpected romantic connection late in life. The film follows how their tentative courtship unfolds within a small community, with scenes that focus on day to day warmth, awkward adjustments, and the quiet... Read more

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Streaming availability last verified: January 14, 2026

About Mrs. Lambert Remembers Love

Lillian "Lil" Lambert and Clifford Pepperman are two older, single people who discover an unexpected romantic connection late in life. The film follows how their tentative courtship unfolds within a small community, with scenes that focus on day to day warmth, awkward adjustments, and the quiet laughter and arguments that come with getting close again after years of solitude. Family members and friends react in ways that are sometimes supportive and sometimes awkward, and the story dwells on simple moments rather than dramatic events, showing how companionship can change routines and open up new possibilities even when life feels settled.

This 1991 made-for-television drama was directed by Charles Matthau and created by Janet Heaney. Ellen Burstyn and Walter Matthau lead the cast, supported by Ryan Todd, William Schallert, and Kathleen Garrett, giving the movie a seasoned ensemble feel.

As a TV movie, it did not have a theatrical box office, so there are no cinema gross figures to report. Its life has mainly been on broadcast and in occasional reruns rather than in commercial release.

Critical and audience reactions were mixed, with a modest vote average reported by a small number of viewers. Reviewers noted the film's steady, low-key approach to romance in later years, and it leans on themes of companionship, aging with dignity, and adjusting expectations, rather than on suspense or melodrama.

While it never became a mainstream classic, the pairing of Burstyn and Matthau drew attention from fans of mature drama and of the actors themselves. The movie has some nostalgic appeal for viewers who appreciate understated portrayals of love after middle age, and it remains a reference point for television projects that treat older protagonists with straightforward affection.

Details

Release Date
May 12, 1991
Runtime
1h 32m
User Ratings
5 votes
Type
Movie
Genres
Drama, TV Movie
Country
United States
External Links
View on IMDB

Cast

Ellen Burstyn

Ellen Burstyn

Lillian "Lil" Lambert

Walter Matthau

Walter Matthau

Clifford Pepperman

Ryan Todd

Ryan Todd

Jared Lambert

William Schallert

William Schallert

Sheriff

Kathleen Garrett

Kathleen Garrett

Darlene

Sherry Hursey

Sherry Hursey

Etta Crue

R

Richard Zobel

Mitch

J

Jeanne Reynolds

Laura Halstead

T

Tom McGraw

Ray Halstead

V

Victoria Richardson

Tracy Halstead

Director: Charles Matthau

Written by: Janet Heaney

Frequently Asked Questions

Mrs. Lambert Remembers Love is not currently available to stream, rent, or buy online in the US. Check back later for updates.

With a rating of 4.5/10 from 5 viewers, Mrs. Lambert Remembers Love is a mixed bag - check out reviews to see if it's right for you.

Lillian "Lil" Lambert and Clifford Pepperman are two older, single people who discover an unexpected romantic connection late in life. The film follows how their tentative courtship unfolds within a small community, with scenes that focus on day to day warmth, awkward adjustments, and the quiet l...

Mrs. Lambert Remembers Love stars Ellen Burstyn, Walter Matthau, Ryan Todd, William Schallert, and Kathleen Garrett.

Mrs. Lambert Remembers Love was directed by Charles Matthau.

Mrs. Lambert Remembers Love was released on May 12, 1991.

Mrs. Lambert Remembers Love is a Drama and TV Movie film.

Ellen Burstyn plays Lillian "Lil" Lambert, a longtime single woman who finds romance late in life. The film follows her relationship with Clifford Pepperman.

Walter Matthau plays Clifford Pepperman, the man who becomes Lil's romantic partner later in life. Their late-life romance is the central focus of the story.

Ryan Todd plays Jared Lambert, William Schallert appears as the Sheriff, and Kathleen Garrett plays Darlene. They are listed among the top supporting cast alongside Burstyn and Matthau.

The film has a 4.5/10 rating, which indicates generally mixed to negative reception. It remains a lesser-known TV drama from 1991.