Man on the Roof (1976): Cast, Plot & Rating

Name: Man on the Roof
Genre: Thriller, Action, Crime
Released: 1976
Duration: 108 min
Cast: Carl-Gustaf Lindstedt, Sven Wollter, Thomas Hellberg, Håkan Serner, Ingvar Hirdwall

What Man on the Roof Is About

Man on the Roof is adapted from The Abominable Man, the seventh book in Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö's Martin Beck series, reportedly director Bo Widerberg's personal favorite of the books. It follows Martin Beck and his team investigating the murder of a brutal police chief killed in a hospital, only to find one of the victims of his brutality has climbed a roof to open fire on the street below; Widerberg made the film under the influence of contemporary American gritty police cinema. Multiple critics today describe it as a forerunner of what's now called Nordic noir. Who it's for: anyone curious about a Swedish police film considered a forerunner of today's Nordic noir series like Wallander and The Killing. Who it's not for: viewers wanting a glossy, optimistic crime narrative, since the film leans on harsh, gritty realism.

How did this film move you?

Trailer

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Man on the Roof about?

Man on the Roof is adapted from The Abominable Man, the seventh book in Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö's Martin Beck series, reportedly director Bo Widerberg's personal favorite of the books. It follows Martin Beck and his team investigating the murder of a brutal police chief killed in a hospital, only to find one of the victims of his brutality has climbed a roof to open fire on the street below; Widerberg made the film under the influence of contemporary American gritty police cinema.

Where can I watch Man on the Roof?

Man on the Roof isn't currently listed on major digital platforms. Availability can change over time. Check the "Where to Watch" section for the latest.

How long is Man on the Roof?

Man on the Roof runs for 108 minutes (1h 48m).

When did Man on the Roof come out?

Man on the Roof was released in 1976.

Who directed Man on the Roof?

Man on the Roof was directed by Bo Widerberg.

Who stars in Man on the Roof?

Man on the Roof stars Carl-Gustaf Lindstedt, Sven Wollter, Thomas Hellberg, Håkan Serner.

What is Man on the Roof's rating?

Man on the Roof holds 7.2/10 on IMDb and 7.2/10 on TMDB. Its Pulse Score is 71 out of 100.