Tootsie (1982)

Michael Dorsey, an unsuccessful actor, disguises himself as a woman in order to get a role on a trashy hospital soap.

Director:

Sydney Pollack

Writers:

Larry Gelbart (screenplay), Murray Schisgal (screenplay)

Stars:

Dustin Hoffman, Jessica Lange, Teri Garr

Won 1 Oscar. Another 24 wins & 30 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:

reputation | andy warhol character | national film registry | afi | actor | 

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Taglines:

This Christmas everyone will know that she's Dustin Hoffman and he's Tootsie.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Official Sites:

Sony Movie Channel [United States]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 December 1982 (USA)

Also Known As:

Tootsie

Filming Locations:

Hurley Mountain Inn, Hurley, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$22,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$5,540,470, 19 December 1982, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$177,200,000

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Pictures Corporation,Mirage Enterprises,Punch Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

116 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Geena Davis and Dustin Hoffman appeared in Hero (1992). Both movies were made by Columbia Pictures. Hero (1992) is the second and final (to date, September 2018) of their two collaborations together.

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Goofs

In the final scene between Julie and Michael, a taxicab appears and disappears over Julie's left shoulder.

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Quotes

George Fields: OK, I know this is going to disgust you, Michael, but a lot of people are in this business to make money.
Michael Dorsey: You make it out like I'm some flake, George. I am in this business to make money, too.
George Fields: Really?
Michael Dorsey: Yes!
George Fields: The Harlem Theatre for the Blind? Strindberg in the Park? The People's Workshop in Syracuse?
Michael Dorsey: OK, now wait a minute. I did nine plays in eight months up in Syracuse. I happened to get great reviews from the New York critics, not that that's why I did it.
George Fields: Oh, of course not. God forbid you ...

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Crazy Credits

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

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Connections

Featured in Precious Images (1986)

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Soundtracks

I'll Know
(1950) (uncredited)
Music and lyrics by Frank Loesser
Sung a cappella by George Gaynes

User Reviews

Dustin at one of his best moments

It's more than a movie about a man in drag and it's more than just a great movie. This movie goes to show that Dustin Hoffman is best at playing the oh-so-very-different characters. Whether it's his unforgettable character in Rainman or Michael Dorsey/Dorthy Michael in this, Dustin is at his best when he plays someone DIFFERENT, someone who is not your average person.

This film will make you laugh, that's for sure, but it'll also make you rethink about the things that really make you happy in your life, something too few of us think about...almost never.