Boys on the Side (1995)

Robin shares a ride in her car with Jane from New York to Los Angeles. They stop at Jane's friend Holly's place in Pittsburgh and take her with them west, making a long stop in Tucson. The three very different women become close friends.

Director:

Herbert Ross

Writer:

Don Roos

Stars:

Whoopi Goldberg, Mary-Louise Parker, Drew Barrymore

1 win & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Whoopi Goldberg	...	Jane
Mary-Louise Parker	...	Robin
Drew Barrymore	...	Holly
Matthew McConaughey	...	Abe
James Remar	...	Alex
Billy Wirth	...	Nick
Anita Gillette	...	Elaine
Dennis Boutsikaris	...	Massarelli
Estelle Parsons	...	Louise
Amy Aquino	...	Anna
Stan Egi	...	Henry
Stephen Gevedon	...	Johnny Figgis / Jane's Band
Amy Ray	...	Indigo Girl
Emily Saliers	...	Indigo Girl
Jude Ciccolella	...	Jerry

Storyline

Jane is a night club singer out of work. Robin is a quirky real estate agent looking for a ride-share to accompany her to Los Angeles. Her advertisement is answered by Jane, who at first was uncertain about her. A stop in Pittsburgh picks up a third, Holly, escaping a violent and drug dealing partner. Girls on the road, reaching understanding, respect, and care for each other. But this trio is different - Jane a lesbian, Robin suffering with AIDS, Holly running from her past, seeking one night stands, and a good man.

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Plot Keywords:

lesbian | female protagonist | terminal illness | domestic violence | abusive boyfriend | 

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Taglines:

A motion picture that celebrates the art of survival, the gift of laughter and the miracle of friendship.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong language and some sexuality

Did You Know?

Trivia

As the part of Holly hadn't been cast, Whoopi Goldberg suggested her close personal friend, Drew Barrymore. The two have been friends since Barrymore visited the set of The Color Purple (1985) in 1985.

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Goofs

After leaving NY, Jane and Robin appear to drive an entire day & then spend the night in a motel. There, Robin mentions to Jane that in order to get to Pittsburgh by noon the following day, they'll need to leave by 8:00am. Pittsburgh is less than 6 hours from NY which means they would have only driven 2 hours on the 1st day before stopping to stay overnight in a hotel.

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Quotes

Robin: I don't know what it is but there's something that goes on between women. You men know that because it's the same for you. I'm not saying one sex is better then the other. I'm just saying, like speaks to like. Love or whatever doesn't always keep. So you found out what does, if you're lucky.

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Connections

References Thelma & Louise (1991)

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Soundtracks

Shame, Shame, Shame
Written by Sylvia Robinson
Performed by Shirley & Co.
Courtesy of Vibration Records

User Reviews

Great movie for the girls

I LOVE this movie. It's touching, funny, sad, heartbreaking and inspiring all in one. I found Mary-Louise Parker's character so like myself that it was hilarious! Drew Barrymore, lovely as ever in her role, provided the much-needed sparkle to the movie. Some parts were a lot sadder and more sinister than others, but Drew was always there to bring the sunshine!

It's so touching, it makes me cry every time. But I love it. It's not perfect by any means, but it's definitely one to watch with the girls. Boys are on the side.

Details

Country:

USA France

Language:

English

Release Date:

3 February 1995 (USA)

Also Known As:

Boys on the Side

Filming Locations:

Teatro Carmen, Tucson, Arizona, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$21,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$4,808,873, 5 February 1995

Gross USA:

$23,440,188

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$23,440,188

Company Credits

Production Co:

Alcor Films, Canal+, Hera Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

115 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR SDDS Dolby DTS

Color:

Black and White Color (DuArt)

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1