The West Side Waltz (1995) (TV)

User Rating:

5.8/10   

Director:

Ernest Thompson

Writers (WGA):

Ernest Thompson (play)
Ernest Thompson (written for television by)

Release Date:

23 November 1995 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

A story that invites you to rediscover the joy of living, the power of friendship and the wisdom of age.

Plot:

Margaret keeps her neighbours at a distance and avoids contact except with Cara. She enjoys her company...

Plot Keywords:

Based On Play

Cast

Shirley MacLaine	...	Margaret Mary Elderdice
Liza Minnelli	...	Cara Varnum
Jennifer Grey	...	Robin Ouiseau
August Schellenberg	...	Serge
Richard Gilliland
Hal Williams	...	Jonno
Ernest Thompson
Camille Saviola
Estelle Harris
Tsai Chin
Lorna Scott
Mary Pat Gleason
Kathy Bates	...	Mr. Goo
Robert Pastorelli	...	Sookie Cerullo
George Alvarez	...	Construction Worker

Runtime:

90 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Allied Communications

Trivia:

The roles created on film by Shirley MacLaine and Liza Minnelli were originated on Broadway by Katharine Hepburn and Dorothy Loudon.

Quotes:

Mr. Goo: You an actor, or just crazy?
Robin Ouiseau: Both, but don't tell anybody about the actor part. It's a secret.

Endearing and Marvelous!

I remember seeing this film when it originally aired. Thanksgiving night of 1995. I fell in love with the characters. It really is a New York City film. The titles open with glorious Aeriel shots of the world trade center, central park, and the busy envrioment of west 72nd street.

Shirley Maclaine and Liza Minnelli are perfect foils for each other. Maclaine is delightful as the curmudgeonly Margaret Mary Elderdice . Made Bitter by time, her late husband and former room mate (who committed suicide when the bills got too high). Liza Minnelli cuts the mustard in this flick. Her portrayal of Cara is proof positive that she is indeed a very talented actress. Quite capable of playing great character roles. Not one trace of "LIZA" is on screen. Jennifer Grey is adorable (and quite stunning, albeit with the help of a plastic surgeon. Just watch Dirty Dancing and you'll see what I mean) . She displays great comic timing and is a good balance for her two very seasoned leading ladies. In the end Waltz is a story about the human condition, Self discovery, making peace within one's self and finding one can change . It is a tale of growing friendship . My only complaint was...I wanted more! Mr.Thomspon should be commended for rendering a top notch adaptation of his already clever and heart-warming stage play.

For the longest time it was only possible to find this flick on Lifetime. Usually about 3 am in the morning. This past winter it was released on DVD . Grab it if you can.