Stepping Out (1991)

Director:

Lewis Gilbert

Writers:

Richard Harris (play), Richard Harris (screenplay)

Stars:

Robyn Stevan, Jane Krakowski, Liza Minnelli

Nominated for 1 BAFTA Film Award.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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

Storyline

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Plot Keywords:

dancing | dancer | female protagonist | dance | based on play

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Taglines:

Your dreams are just a step away

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Musical

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 October 1991 (USA)

Also Known As:

A scuola di ballo

Filming Locations:

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Box Office

Gross:

$242,014 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

106 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

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.

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Connections

Referenced in Murphy Brown: Stepping Out (1996)

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Soundtracks

"Isn't It Romantic"
by Lorenz Hart and Richard Rodgers

User Reviews

Steps out in terrific style! A most wonderful film, both for its dancing and for its story, Minnelli is sensational!

Mavis (Liza Minnelli) was a chorus line dancer on Broadway. Just as she was on the verge of getting more prominent roles, she fell in love. Her full-of-himself boyfriend moved them to Buffalo, far from the theater scene. As a musician, he plays with a band in the local clubs, often with the very talented Mavis singing at his elbow. But, they are just two bit players, mostly because of his total lack of ambition. On the side, Mavis runs a dance studio for ordinary folks. In her classes, among others, are a lovely nurse, a librarian, a lady with an overbearing husband, a lady with an unemployed son, a bossy middle aged housewife (Julie Walters) and a lone, divorced, very shy male. The studio pianist is a strong-willed senior (Shelley Winters). One day, a woman who operates a more prominent dance school in Buffalo invites Mavis and her class to perform a number in a charity dance recital. Mavis accepts. But, as total amateurs, will Mavis' class look ridiculous in front of the other, younger groups? And, can Mavis weather a serious personal crisis, just as the class is working hard to get ready for the show? This is a wonderful film for several reasons. To begin, of course, the movie stars the very gifted Minnelli, who is a bonafide triple threat. She can sing, she can dance, and she can act, all in a glorious fashion. She makes Mavis a very memorable and wistful character. Next, the rest of the cast is outstanding, too, and not just Walters and Winters. Most of the dance class members are folks with no name recognition but who play their parts admirably. Then, too, the characters in the film are very human and sympathetic, making the audience cheer and weep for them as the events unfold. Also, the dance numbers are exciting, the costumes are very nice, and the setting in Buffalo quite charming, making for a fine looking film. If you love dancing and singing, this movie has the goods for you. But, even if you can't cut a rug, this film's story will warm your heart with its lovely, vibrant, and very touching tale.