Stepping Out

Stepping Out isn't commonly spoken of nowadays, which is a shame as the film is a brilliant combination of Shelley Winters' comedy, Liza Minnelli's stamina and voice and superb performances by the 'Mavis Turner Tappers'. The story is inspiring as a group of amateur tap dancers try to make it to the top, and I watch it whenever I feel depressed - It raises your spirits and confidence.

Stepping Out is a gentle feel good musical comedy with plenty of dance numbers. It was supposed to mark a return to form for Liza Minnelli after years of drink and drugs issues.

Minnelli plays Mavis a one time professional dancer in a chorus line in New York who has moved to Buffalo. She starts a dance studio for beginners and ends up getting invited to put on a show for charity.

Her dance class are mainly female with just one guy (Bill Irwin) and range widely in age. Julie Walters plays a hygiene obsessed housewife, Shelly Winters is the temperamental pianist. Everyone has some side issues or problem but will these no hopers get their dance act together in time for the show is the essence of the story.

This is a sweet and enjoyable enough film. Its unpretentious fun, Minnelli does enough to show that in essence she has squandered her talent since her Oscar winning turn as Sally Bowles and there are enough familiar faces in the film to keep your feet tapping along.

Mavis (Liza Minnelli) was a chorus line dancer on Broadway. Just as she was on the verge of getting more prominent roles, she fell in love. Her full-of-himself boyfriend moved them to Buffalo, far from the theater scene. As a musician, he plays with a band in the local clubs, often with the very talented Mavis singing at his elbow. But, they are just two bit players, mostly because of his total lack of ambition. On the side, Mavis runs a dance studio for ordinary folks. In her classes, among others, are a lovely nurse, a librarian, a lady with an overbearing husband, a lady with an unemployed son, a bossy middle aged housewife (Julie Walters) and a lone, divorced, very shy male. The studio pianist is a strong-willed senior (Shelley Winters). One day, a woman who operates a more prominent dance school in Buffalo invites Mavis and her class to perform a number in a charity dance recital. Mavis accepts. But, as total amateurs, will Mavis' class look ridiculous in front of the other, younger groups? And, can Mavis weather a serious personal crisis, just as the class is working hard to get ready for the show? This is a wonderful film for several reasons. To begin, of course, the movie stars the very gifted Minnelli, who is a bonafide triple threat. She can sing, she can dance, and she can act, all in a glorious fashion. She makes Mavis a very memorable and wistful character. Next, the rest of the cast is outstanding, too, and not just Walters and Winters. Most of the dance class members are folks with no name recognition but who play their parts admirably. Then, too, the characters in the film are very human and sympathetic, making the audience cheer and weep for them as the events unfold. Also, the dance numbers are exciting, the costumes are very nice, and the setting in Buffalo quite charming, making for a fine looking film. If you love dancing and singing, this movie has the goods for you. But, even if you can't cut a rug, this film's story will warm your heart with its lovely, vibrant, and very touching tale.

Often incorrectly classified as a musical, "Stepping Out" is actually a delightful comedy-drama with an excellent ensemble cast. British playwright Richard Harris has Americanized his script and added more detailed plot developments for this film version. It's suitable for the whole family, and definitely worth renting (some night when you don't feel like "Stepping Out"). Everyone is bound to have a favorite in the cast, whether it's Liza herself, veteran actress Shelley Winters, comedian Bill Irwin, or "Ally McBeal's" Jane Krakowski. All turn in hilariously touching performances -- and yes, there is a song-and-dance number at the end, for all you Liza fans! Once you've watched, you'll want everyone to see "Stepping Out"!

I gave this little movie a 6 out 10 possible points as it does have some great tapping dancing and there are some interesting moments when the plot comes together but unfortunately this doesn't happen enough nor can the dancing alone carry this picture completely. I would recommend watching Stepping Out at least once maybe even twice. Liza Minnelli is good, her supporting cast is fair, the usual assortment of different characters that have their ups and downs with each other and Liza. I liked the ending, which I won't give away but I'll bet you will be able to guess after the first 15 minutes of the film. Try watching this film it worth that if not a little more. It is hard to buy, not on DVD and I bought a used VHS, must be out of print.

Andy