Boys on the Side (1995)

Robin shares a ride in her car from NYC to LA with Jane. They stop at Jane's friend's place in Pittsburg and take her with them west, making a long stop in Tucson. The 3 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 California. 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

Details

Country:

USA France

Language:

English

Release Date:

3 February 1995 (USA)

Also Known As:

A proposito di donne

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

Did You Know?

Trivia

Holly calls her baby girl Mary Todd, which makes her full name: Mary Todd Lincoln. This is a reference to the actual Abraham Lincoln, whose wife was named Mary Todd Lincoln.

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Goofs

When the doctor is talking to Jane after Robin is rushed to the hospital, she says that Robin is "going to the eighth floor". But exterior shots of the same hospital throughout the film show that it is only about four stories high.

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Quotes

Massarelli, Prosecuting Attorney: Are you a lesbian too, Ms. Nickerson?
Robin: No sir but at times I understand the inclination.

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Connections

References America's Most Wanted: America Fights Back (1988)

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Soundtracks

You Got It
Written by Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison and Tom Petty
Performed by Whoopi Goldberg

User Reviews

Poignant and Sweet

Another film that I liked a lot more than I thought I would. Drew Barrymore was as adorable as ever, even though she was playing a ditzy blonde. Mary-Louise Parker really made this film. Her frail cuteness with the edge of toughness when necessary was perfect. And Whoopi Goldberg played it in an understated way that shows her talent, that she can handle a lot more than the over-the-top comedic roles that she is so famous for. Matthew McConaughey plays a caricature, so there is really no indication of talent there. The ending swims in poignancy, without getting (too) cloying. This film is definitely worth a look.