Stepping Out (1991)

User Rating:

5.7/10   

Director:

Lewis Gilbert

Writers (WGA):

Richard Harris (play)
Richard Harris (screenplay)

Release Date:

11 October 1991 (USA)

Genre:

Musical

Tagline:

Your dreams are just a step away

Plot Keywords:

Dancing | Dance | Dancer | Based On Play

Awards:

Nominated for BAFTA Film Award.

Cast

Robyn Stevan	...	Sylvia
Jane Krakowski	...	Lynne
Bill Irwin	...	Geoffrey
Ellen Greene	...	Maxine
Sheila McCarthy	...	Andy
Andrea Martin	...	Dorothy
Julie Walters	...	Vera
Carol Woods	...	Rose
Liza Minnelli	...	Mavis Turner
Shelley Winters	...	Mrs. Fraser
Luke Reilly	...	Patrick
Nora Dunn	...	Pam
Eugene Robert Glazer	...	Frank
Géza Kovács	...	Jerry
Raymond Rickman	...	Alan

Runtime:

106 min | Argentina:108 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Australia:PG | Iceland:L | Argentina:Atp | Germany:6 | UK:PG | USA:PG

Filming Locations:

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Company:

Paramount Pictures

Trivia:

The Broadway production of "Stepping Out" by Richard Harris opened at the John Golden Theater in New York on January 11, 1987 and ran for 73 performances. Carol Woods recreated her stage role in the movie version. Richard Harris also wrote the screenplay based on his play.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Murphy Brown: Stepping Out (#8.23)" (1996)

Soundtrack:

Isn't It Romantic

this movie really made me luv liza

of course 'Cabaret' can do the same

but anyway I really really liked this film a lot and it made me admire Liza because of its subversive message, its exhortation to the folks in the audience to get off of their arses and do something why don't you. Even though there is a big scene that goes to show that there is only one Liza - that amateurs will never replace professionals - yet the film demonstrates in an affecting way how amateur artists frequently bring something quite special to what they do - that sometimes at a most essential level the distinction between a "real" artist and someone just making art or trying to, if you want, is quite irrelevant.

I haven't really seen any of the old "let's put on a show" movies. I once remember seeing part of "strike up the band" and thought it was rather dada and anyway it didn't appear to be about amateurism, it appeared to be totally about Judy and Mickey, period. "Stepping Out" is not 2 young virtuosos hopped up on amphetamines on parade!

I just loved Liza's performance in this film, every little move she made, Liza, you touched me! Yes, she seemed very genuine I would characterize the performance as "wise". Mavis/Liza. Mavis!!? What of it!

Reading other reviews I'm realizing I saw this film so long ago. Heck I'd forgotten about groovy gal Shelley Winters and the other performers. I only remembered that Bill Irwin was in it. Oh Liza, I think it's time for me to watch this one again.

I could believe Davis Gest might have extorted sex from the bodyguard who is suing Liza only the bodyguard is probably so dumb he thought DG was Liza! As Gilda said, "Disaster to the wench!" but let's at least have him show his face in the newspapers. I really wonder, who's the victim here!?

I'm glad some people gave this movie the maximum stars they could.