The movie was adapted and directed by Robert Benton from the novel by Russo.
It was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Paul Newman) and Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium.
It was one of Jessica Tandy's final films.
The movie was filmed in the Upstate New York cities of Beacon, Poughkeepsie, and Hudson. Some parts were filmed in Fishkill, New York also.
Sully is a tenant in the home of Miss Beryl (Tandy), whose son strongly urges her to kick the boarder out. Family complications of his own develop for Sully with a visit in town from Peter, his estranged son (Walsh). While they reconstruct their relationship, Sully strikes up a new one with his young grandson.
Jailed for punching a police officer (Hoffman) who has been persecuting him, Sully's luck seems to be all bad. But in turn his son and grandson warm up to him, his lottery number hits and even the lovely Toby expresses a willingness to leave Carl and run away with him.
In the end, Sully is pretty much back where he began, boarding at Miss Beryl's, but this time the picture of contentment.