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:

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

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

Their New York to Los Angeles trip is interrupted by an emergency in Tucson, Arizona. Going through Tucson is not mentioned in the movie and adds over 200 miles to a normal NY-LA route.

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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

Referenced in Saturday Night Live: The Best of Will Ferrell - Volume 2 (2004)

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Soundtracks

Willow
Written by Joan Armatrading
Performed by Joan Armatrading
Courtesy of A & M Records

User Reviews

Surprisingly sensitive

Absorbing, funny and incredibly aware comedy-drama about three ladies on a road trip: Whoopi Goldberg as a lesbian lounge singer, Drew Barrymore as a pregnant, unmarried waif, and Mary-Louise Parker as an uptight woman trying to loosen up (and suffering from HIV). Plot is contrived, but the interaction between the characters is definitely not. Screenwriter Don Roos writes vivid dialogue and touching scenes, and the cast plays it to the hilt. Barrymore is at her best here, Goldberg is outstanding, and Parker--while not a varied actress--does solid work. Nice direction by Herbert Ross, who hasn't been this focused in years. ***1/2 from ****