Ragtime (film)

Ragtime is a 1981 American historical drama film directed by Miloš Forman, based on E. L. Doctorow's 1975 novel of the same name. It is set in and around New York City at the start of the 20th century, mainly in New Rochelle and Atlantic City, and includes fictionalized references to actual people and events of the time. The film stars James Cagney, Mary Steenburgen, Howard Rollins, Brad Dourif, James Olson and Elizabeth McGovern. Ragtime featured Cagney's and Pat O'Brien's final film appearances, as well as early roles by Jeff Daniels (his film debut), Fran Drescher, Samuel L. Jackson, Ethan Phillips and John Ratzenberger.