Stepping Out
Time Out says
Schlepping out, more like. Another feel-good movie to follow Shirley Valentine, this is set in a New York dance class run by feisty coulda-been Mavis (Minnelli), who had her week of glory understudying on Broadway. Now, her career hampered by her boyfriend's ego, fulfilment lies in teaching a lovable bunch of stereotypes and social inadequates under the steely eye of cantankerous pianist Winters. Asked to stage a routine for a charity show, Mavis has to whip these no-hopers into a crack corps de tap. This isn't a Willy Russell job, but the rules are the same: plain folk overcome problems in one life-affirming moment, braving the disapproval of society and/or him at home. There's little room for a strong cast to manoeuvre. Minnelli plies her gamine act likeably, although when it comes to her big 'what good is it sitting alone in your room' closer, tacked on as a cynical box-office sop, she's the same old Liza with a Zzzz. Gilbert opens up Richard Harris' church-hall bound stage play with all the visual flair of a sitcom episode.
Details
Release details
Duration:
110 mins
Cast and crew
Director:
Lewis Gilbert
Screenwriter:
Richard Harris
Cast:
Liza Minnelli
Shelley Winters
Robyn Stevan
Jane Krakowski
Bill Irwin
Ellen Greene
Sheila McCarthy
Andrea Martin
Julie Walters
Carol Woods
Luke Reilly
Nora Dunn
Shelley Winters
Robyn Stevan
Jane Krakowski
Bill Irwin
Ellen Greene
Sheila McCarthy
Andrea Martin
Julie Walters
Carol Woods
Luke Reilly
Nora Dunn