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For the Boys (1991)

 -  Comedy | Drama | Music  -  22 November 1991 (USA)
5.8
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Ratings: 5.8/10 from 3,012 users  
Reviews: 36 user | 10 critic

With the help of the singer and dancer Dixie Leonhard US-Entertainer Eddie Sparks wants to bring some fun to the soldiers during World War II. Becoming a perfect team they tour from North ... See full summary »

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Title: For the Boys (1991)

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Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 1 win & 2 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
Dixie Leonard
...
Eddie Sparks
...
Art Silver
...
Shephard
Christopher Rydell ...
Danny Leonard
...
Jeff Brooks
...
Sam Schiff
...
Luanna Trott
Bud Yorkin ...
Phil
Dori Brenner ...
Loretta
Jack Sheldon ...
Wally Fields
Karen Martin ...
Victoria Lee
...
Margaret Sparks
Michael Greene ...
Maj. Gen. Scott
...
Corrine
Edit

Storyline

With the help of the singer and dancer Dixie Leonhard US-Entertainer Eddie Sparks wants to bring some fun to the soldiers during World War II. Becoming a perfect team they tour from North Africa to the Pacific to act for "the boys". Later they continue their work but when the author Silver gets involved into McCarthy's campaign and is being fired by Eddie, Dixie turns away from him, too. Written by Volker Boehm

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Taglines:

Laughter and tears. Tragedy and triumph. They lived it all. For the boys.

Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Music

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

22 November 1991 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Por los muchachos  »

Filming Locations:

 »

Box Office

Budget:

$40,000,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$17,860,280 (USA)
 »

Company Credits

Production Co:

 »
Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

(70 mm prints)| (35 mm prints)

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See  »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

After the release of the movie, Martha Raye claimed publicly that the character Bette Midler portrayed was plagiarized from her own career and especially the efforts she had made during several wars. Raye sought compensation in court, but after hearing the evidence of both sides, the judge decided that Raye did not have a case. See more »

Goofs

During a skit on an early Fifties TV variety show, Dixie makes an off-handed joke about group sex that would have triggered a major scandal had it really been broadcast during that era. See more »

Quotes

Wally Fields: What would I have to give you for one little kiss?
Loretta: Chloroform.
See more »

Connections

Featured in The 64th Annual Academy Awards (1992) See more »

Soundtracks

"Dreamland"
Written by Dave Grusin, Alan Bergman and Marilyn Bergman
See more »

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User Reviews

 
(7/10) Midler shines in epic tearjerker
23 April 2000 | by (Cape Town, South Africa) – See all my reviews

"For The Boys" is the story of two people - the irrepressible Dixie Leonard (Bette Midler) and the instantly dislikable but ever popular Eddie Sparks (James Caan). Set against the backdrop of wars in which the United States has been involved, the film moves from station to station as the pair entertain the boys while they bicker and fight amongst themselves.

The film starts with an aged Midler telling a studio assistant (Arye Gross) her tale, starting in the forties with World War II, moving through the was in Korea and climaxing in Vietnam. Along the way, she gets to sing a few classic tunes, including "Stuff Like That There" and "P.S. I Love You, as part of the stage act of comedian Eddie Sparks.

Bette Midler delivers a fine performance as the embittered Dixie Leonard who has seen it all in fifty odd years in the business. She layers her performance with emotion after emotion and has the gift of bringing out that quality in her fellow actors. The highlight of this film is her understated performance of "In My Life" at the small Vietnamese camp - truly a moment when the world stops turning and we are graced with a glimpse of heaven. James Caan, playing a quintessential son of a bitch, is less comfortable in his role but has some fine moments opposite his dynamic co-star.

The purpose of this film is not to document the wars which form such an integral backdrop to the plot. It succeeds primarily as a story of people - their suffering and their joy is real and it affects the audience in no uncertain terms. You will either love or hate this movie. Either way, take the time to decide - its worth the screening even if only for the divine Miss M.


16 of 18 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?

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