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

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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:

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 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

In the first scene where Michael Dorsey is waking up to dress as Dorothy, there is a picture of Dustin Hoffman's mother next to the alarm clock.

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Goofs

It is unbelievable that Michael (as Dorothy) and Les did not do anything more romantic other than sitting by a fire. Les later tells Michael how lucky he is they never kissed.

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Quotes

Jeff: I'm just afraid that you're going to burn in Hell for all this.

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Crazy Credits

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

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Alternate Versions

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

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Connections

Referenced in Prettig geregeld: Zoiets doen mijn dochters niet (1989)

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Soundtracks

Happy Birthday to You
(1893) (uncredited)
Written by Mildred J. Hill and Patty S. Hill
Sung a cappella by all at the party

User Reviews

genderbender deluxe

Possibly the best gender comedy of all time! Everything in this baby clicks: A script that is both clever, endearing and realistic in its depiction of the emotional transformation within Michael Dorsey, incredible acting performances (with Dustin Hoffman, Terri Garr and unbilled Bill Murray as standouts) and a great soundtrack that adds volumes to the mood of the film.

This is a 10! Watch it!