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.

---

Plot Keywords:

reputation | girl in panties | panties | unexpected kiss | woman in lingerie | 

---

Taglines:

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

---

Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

---

Certificate:

PG

Details

Official Sites:

Sony Movie Channel [United States]

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)

Opening Weekend USA:

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

Gross USA:

$177,200,000

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Pictures, Mirage Enterprises, Punch Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

116 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Jessica Lange is one of twenty-six actresses to have won an Academy Award for their performance in a comedy, hers being for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.

---

Goofs

Julie throws the flowers that Dorothy gives her on the table twice.

---

Quotes

Michael Dorsey: [Sandy has seen Michael going into his apartment dressed as Dorothy, and she thinks this means he's having an affair with a woman] Sandy, I'm not having an affair with the woman who went into my apartment earlier, alright? It's impossible.

---

Crazy Credits

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

---

Alternate Versions

Original UK release was cut by 6 seconds to obtain a "PG" classification. Subsequently passed uncut with a "15" certificate.

---

Connections

References The Entertainer (1960)

---

Soundtracks

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

User Reviews

Wonderful J. Lange Performance!

Although this is Hoffman's film (and he's very good), Jessica Lange steals the show as Julie. Charles Durning adds another great performance to this growing gallery as Lange's old man. Terri Garr is bearable for a change and there is a slew of interesting character performances, especially by the director Sydney Pollack.

A 7 out of 10. Best performance = Jessica Lange. A comedy that has not dated (Bill Murray is also exceptional). I can't imagine anyone not enjoying this New York tale. Hoffman deserved his Oscar nomination and I'm glad Lange won a supporting Oscar since she lost to Mess Streep instead of winning for FRANCES.