Tootsie (1982)

An unemployed actor with a reputation for being difficult disguises himself as a woman to get a role in a soap opera.

Director:

Sydney Pollack

Writers:

Larry Gelbart (screenplay), Murray Schisgal (screenplay),

Stars:

Dustin Hoffman, Jessica Lange, Teri Garr

Won 1 Oscar. Another 29 wins & 23 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Dustin Hoffman	...	Michael Dorsey / Dorothy Michaels
Jessica Lange	...	Julie
Teri Garr	...	Sandy
Dabney Coleman	...	Ron
Charles Durning	...	Les
Bill Murray	...	Jeff
Sydney Pollack	...	George Fields
George Gaynes	...	John Van Horn
Geena Davis	...	April
Doris Belack	...	Rita
Ellen Foley	...	Jacqui
Peter Gatto	...	Rick
Lynne Thigpen	...	Jo
Ronald L. Schwary	...	Phil Weintraub
Debra Mooney	...	Mrs. Mallory

Storyline

Michael Dorsey is an unemployed actor with an impossible reputation. In order to find work and fund his friend's play he dresses as a woman, Dorothy Michaels, and lands the part in a daytime drama. Dorsey loses himself in this woman role and essentially becomes Dorothy Michaels, captivating women all around the city and inspiring them to break free from the control of men and become more like Dorsey's initial identity. This newfound role, however, lands Dorsey in a hot spot between a female friend/'lover,' a female co-star he falls in love with, that co-star's father who falls in love with him, and a male co-star who yearns for his affection.

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Plot Keywords:

actor | love | reputation | actress | friend | 

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Taglines:

Desperate, he took a female role and became a star. If only he could tell the woman he loves.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 December 1982 (USA)

Also Known As:

Would I Lie to You?

Filming Locations:

Hurley Mountain Inn, Hurley, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$22,000,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$177,200,000 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Pictures Corporation, Mirage Enterprises, Punch Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

116 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

In the first scene where Michael Dorsey is waking up to dress as Dorothy, there is a picture of Dustin Hoffman's mother next to the alarm clock.

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Goofs

When Michael is packing his clothes for the trip, they move around in his suitcase between shots.

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Quotes

John Van Horne: I'm just an untalented old has-been.
Dorothy Michaels: Were you ever famous?
John Van Horne: No.
Dorothy Michaels: Then how can you be a has-been?

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Crazy Credits

Dustin Hoffman is credited twice: Dustin Hoffman .... Michael Dorsey Dustin Hoffman .... Dorothy Michaels

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Connections

Referenced in The Other Sister (1999)

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Soundtracks

"It Might Be You"
(1982)
Lyrics by Alan Bergman & Marilyn Bergman
Music by Dave Grusin
Sung by Stephen Bishop

User Reviews

THE COMMENTS OF A FILM ADDICT

Wow!, what a film anyone who has seen this film would definetly agree with me that this film touches you in so many different places. It's funny, sad but also appealing to so many different people. Dustin Hoffman is superb in it, so is Jessica Lange the way they act on set together is very amusing but when they are alone, it's always an emotional scene. Especially the scene in which Julie (Lange) throws a glass of champagne at him when he tries to come on to her at a party, it's so funny. Murray is also good as Hoffman's mixed-up flat mate. Sydney Pollack the director also takes a small role as Hoffman's Agent who unsuccesfully tries to find him work. The viewer sees the struggle of all the characters in their everyday life. There is also a touch of romance in the fim for the sentimentals in this world. The whole team bonds together to create a funny, imaginative film suitable for anyone who is in the mood for a laugh or a cry. I thouroughly reccomend it!!