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:

Don McGuire (story by), Larry Gelbart (story by)

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 | lesbian | 

---

Taglines:

This Is a Hell of a Way To Make a Living.

---

Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

---

Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

Andy Warhol: Uncredited, as himself.

---

Goofs

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

---

Quotes

John Van Horne: Does Jeff know?

---

Crazy Credits

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

---

Alternate Versions

"Tootsie" was cut in the UK to remove one line of dialogue with the F word to receive a 'PG'. At that time there was no '12'certificate so uncut it would have got a '15'. For video it was classified '15' uncut. Since then the video has not be re-submitted for re-classification as a '12' so still carries a 30 year old '15' certificate with its 2016 Criterion release.

---

Connections

Remade as Sabaniye (1984)

---

Soundtracks

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

User Reviews

THE COMMENTS OF A FILM ADDICT

Wow!, what a film anyone who has seen this film would definetly agree with me that this film touches you in so many different places. It's funny, sad but also appealing to so many different people. Dustin Hoffman is superb in it, so is Jessica Lange the way they act on set together is very amusing but when they are alone, it's always an emotional scene. Especially the scene in which Julie (Lange) throws a glass of champagne at him when he tries to come on to her at a party, it's so funny. Murray is also good as Hoffman's mixed-up flat mate. Sydney Pollack the director also takes a small role as Hoffman's Agent who unsuccesfully tries to find him work. The viewer sees the struggle of all the characters in their everyday life. There is also a touch of romance in the fim for the sentimentals in this world. The whole team bonds together to create a funny, imaginative film suitable for anyone who is in the mood for a laugh or a cry. I thouroughly reccomend it!!

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:

$21,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$5,540,470, 19 December 1982

Gross USA:

$177,200,000

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$177,200,000

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Pictures, Mirage Enterprises, Punch Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

116 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1