Die Ballkönigin

The very fact that I remembered the exact title of this made for TV film after 36 years, says it all for me.

It was the first time I had ever seen Charles Durning or Maureen Stapleton as actors in any production, whether movie or television.

Their acting was superb -- understated and classy.

I was in my 20's when I saw this film and only now am I of a certain age where I can truly appreciate the feelings and emotions represented by these actors -- most of all it is Maureen Stapleton that made an impact on me.

A week ago, Maureen Stapleton died and right away, I said, "Queen of the Stardust Ballroom" -- such a good, warm thought to have upon hearing of someone's passing.

I would recommend this film to anyone!

Maureen Stapleton's husband dies. Her friends start moving halfway around the world to California. One day, the waitress at the coffee shop suggests she join her for a night of ballroom dancing at the Stardust Ballroom. At first, Miss Stapleton has a horrid time; the man her friend fixes her up with is a fancy-schmancy dancer who dances around her. Somehow, she dances with Charles Durning and romance blooms. So do problems.

This award-winning TV movie was clearly aimed at the older demographics. Miss Stapleton was a triple-crown winner (Tony, Oscar, and Emmy for this movie), almost invariably cast in supporting roles; likewise, Durning was no one's idea of a matinee idol. Their aging, ordinary appearances is a primary point in this show.

It's a musical, although most of the numbers are recitatives, expounding on their thoughts. Although this movie is a minor affair, its themes and performances lift it out of the ordinary.

True to life. Durning and Stapleton, the chemistry is perfect. Durning and Stapleton are phenomenal. A story for our times. Such comments are more than adequate for this fine story.

Bea Asher is widowed at middle age. She sings of her loneliness and the deprivation brought about by her husband's passing.Bea is about to settle down to a grim widowhood, when a waitress, in a restaurant, tells her that you start living once your husband has died.

Though this statement is shocking, Bea goes with the woman to the Stardust Ballroom, a carefree lounge where couples dance to their pleasure. While there, Bea meets postman Al Green and the two are a match made up in heaven. Bea dances up a storm, changes that gray hair to bright red and becomes a live-wire not quite almost as Stapleton depicted in Woody Allen's "Interiors." Life has more meaning now, despite the anger conveyed by her pristine daughter and sister, Helen, shown in a memorable scene by Charlotte Rae.

The ending may be considered a downer but the author really had nowhere else to go. Available on DVD, see this film. It will warm your heart and get those shoes out for some fine dancing!

I discovered The Queen of the Stardust Ballroom a few years ago when a friend recommended it. I found print online which was not very good but I still loved what I saw

Recently I bought the Blu Ray of the film and saw a good print with clear sound and it bowled me over. This has to be one of the warmest and nicest feel good films ever made. The fact that its between two "regular" middle aged people makes it that much more special and relatable

The storyline is relatively simple but its the main actors that elevate the film above the ordinary

Maureen Stapleton transitions from grief to determination to a woman in love with poise and grace. She's a wonderful actress and nothing less would have been expected

For me the surprise was Charles Durning. We have known him from film after film to be a tough talking actor. Who knew he had this soft romantic side to him. From the time he steps in its as if the film is completely transformed. He is simply outstanding as the charming Shakespeare quoting mailman who can sing (not too badly) and dance. I definitely did not expect to see his portly frame glide so effortlessly and gracefully across the dance floor. Turns out he was a dance instructor for many years before he became an actor. I wonder why no other film maker made use of this talent again

I have rewatched the film several times over and it has left me smiling everytime. This is such a believable little story, even the sometimes off-key singing by the actors makes it that much more real and easy to engage with

I am surprised this film isn't better known than it is and why it doesn't count as a classic. Though it was nominated for a bunch of awards and even won a few,, it definitely needs more recognition than that.

I haven't seen this film in over 20 years and yet I still recall scenes from it quite vividly. The performances by both Stapleton (who I was researching now when I saw this film in a list of her credits) and Durning are both wonderful. The characters seemed very "real"...even more so when the film came out, as back then middle aged+ characters were *very rare* as romantic leads in a movie. And it's also quite touching. I recall crying quite a bit near the end on the 3 occasions I saw this movie on TV years ago. Bravo to Stapleton and Durning for this one!