Headin' for Broadway

Help. I've been trying to find this movie since the early 80's. I saw it on HBO and really liked it. Didn't own a VCR at the time and never taped it. Now I've been on this search forever. I actually look through the entire TV guide every sunday morning. I haven't found it on any video sites, this is the only place I've ever found mention of it. Where are people seeing it?

Many people pick on this film, but I didn't find this film to be that bad. Barely released film(Seattle is one of the city to get this film). Rex Smith, Paul Carafortes, Terri Treas play struggling broadway dancer/singer who goes through hard times trying to make it in a musical cattle call. Production problem shows in this film as we see many flashback in dream sequence, and choppy editing. Realistic acting as if this was sort of filmed in a documentary style. Rex Smith sings two catchy songs "woman" and "Headin' for Broadway". It a shame Brooks never made another film after this. 20th Century Fox release threw this film away. This film could've really made the three stars into major stars. Now we see Rex advertise infomercial, Paul missing, and Terri direct Roger Corman films. Recommended.

This movie is an absolute gem. Think "Fame" but with a stripped-down, grittier style. The plot follows a handful of performers from across the country that descend on NYC in the late 70's for a casting tryout in an up-for-production Broadway show. You follow their trials and tribulations as the multi-day casting tryout intensifies with numerous cut rounds under the ultra-demanding choreographer, Ray Westin, a Bob Fosse-type played by Broadway dancing and choreography veteran, Gene Foote. The plot centers around Ralph Morelli (Paul Carafotes), a Philly street dancer and first-time Broadway trialist whose raw and gutsy dance style catapults him into the lead role of the show against all odds. Like "Fame", Headin' for Broadway features a star singer that sets the backdrop to the film with original soundtrack songs, including the film's namesake "Headin' for Broadway" theme song. Instead of Irene Cara (in "Fame"), we're treated to the wonderful musical stylings of Rex Smith (his scene performing his deep cut hit "Woman" is mesmerizing and worth the movie watch in and of itself.) All in all, Headin' for Broadway is an exceptional film depicting the grit and toughness of the Broadway show audition process through the eyes of diverse and likable set of performers and characters. A must-see for show buffs and anyone looking to take a chance on a wonderful and obscure movie that stands the test of time. "Johnny doesn't go yellow for no one!"

One way to rate a movie is by how much of the film you remember after 26 years. Produced in 1980,. this being one of the hundred of thousands of films I have watched in all those year, that I remember vividly. It gives a wonderfully voyeuristic ( sort of a prehistoric "Survivor" type show ) view that lets you see and feel the struggles , trials and tribulations, the heartbreaks and ecstasies of auditioning for a Broadway show. But it goes further that that, it draws you deep into the lives of of each of the young adults and shows you a glimpse of their personal lives and hardships and sacrifices each has endured just to get where they are trying to get a job in the chorus line now. I changed my mind -- I was going to give this film a " 7 " but the more I type the more I think it deserves a " 9 1/2 ".. p.s. No film ever gets a 10 from me -- No Matter how good you think a film is, there's inevitability always another film that comes along that's better..

Singers and dancers from various parts of the country and with various backgrounds head to Broadway to audition for a spot in a show. Focusing on four dancers ranging from Los Angeles to Philadelphia, the film takes them through the whole process of trying out. While the acting isn't all that great, the dancing and music is top notch. Only one actor is recognizable; Lonnie Price,(Niel Kellerman from "Dirty Dancing") plays the role of an NYU student. "Headin For Broadway" also fairly illustrates the audition process, perhaps better than "A Chorus Line". While it is very rare film to find, out of print on VHS and not available on DVD, it is an enjoyable and entertaining movie. If you like good musicals and dance numbers, this is for you.