The Last Dance

Todd is a harried hospital nurse struggling to balance his hectic work and family lives, when he has a chance contact with an elderly patient: his high school Latin teacher.

Despite the untimely departure of her husband in her twenties, she developed a love for life and appreciation of friendship that she finds she must teach him. Drawing his wife and children into her life, she helps him achieve a better understanding of the essence of his existence, as she must resolve the final details of her own. A poignant, compelling tale, sad yet upbeat.

This is an awesome movie. What a way for Maureen O'Hara to end her film career with this glowing, enchanting and beautifully haunting story.... Albeit this 'made for TV' effort is worthy of high praise, Australian Kevin Dowling's direction is outstanding as are all portrayals. (Check out another of his gems: 'The Sum Of Us'). The story, as reviewed by other contributors, is believable, has a moral tone that makes it perfect for younger folk. The theme demands special mention as many viewers will be in or close to the senior age level: How to accept that there is a proper time to dispose of one's lifelong possessions and pass them on to others who would not only value them, but extend their lifespan, does offer excellent advice.. City dumps are already overloaded!. I was fortunate enough to have recorded this movie on VHS tape at the time CBS aired it in 2000. On the evening prior to it's telecast, O'Hara was the special guest on Larry King Live. Again, just by chance, I was able to preserve this remarkable interview on VHS tape. O'Hara at 80 is full of life, humor and has definite perspectives on her life, film career and the male actors she starred with. Both presentations are part of my extensive collection of 'treasures' now virtually impossible to find and buy. Anyone interested? Contact me at gilturk@shaw.ca ( In Canada) .Thanks for reading.

I caught this movie on Lifetime, but it had the Hallmark network feel to it. Sometimes this type of film can be overly sentimental, but I found this one to be wonderful as it emphasized the importance of taking time to love one another. Maureen O'Hara, at 80-something and looking great, plays a schoolteacher who becomes involved in the life of a former student and his wife. As a woman whose great love ended before the relationship could fully develop, she imparts what she has learned to them about what's really important in this world, and what really stays with those we leave behind when we go into the next one.

O'Hara is really inspirational. Her voice and acting are strong and her no-nonsense portrayal keeps "The Last Dance" from being cloying in any way. You really grow to love this woman and all she stands for. The flashback scenes are well cast.

A nice movie to catch, especially around the holidays.

This 2000 TV movie has many things going for it. First off the legendary Maureen O'Hara, in her 80s, and looking as spectacular as she did in her 20s and 30s and 40s. Who can forget HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY, FOXES OF HARROW, LONG GRAY LINE, THE QUIET MAN, THE BLACK SWAN and those endearing John Ford films with her and her co-star John Wayne?

She sometimes was so incredibly beautiful you forgot that she could also act. Not to be outdone by The Duke, she held her own. In this sweet story she shows another side of her beauty; the simplicity of just being a woman. With elegance and without effort she radiates even the small TV screen. Those eyes! Her perfect diction and faded beauty enhance the performance. You can't stop watching her.

Not to be pushed away, there is also the quiet and thoughtful performance of Eric Stolz, who I have grown to respect over the years his body of work. I won't belabor the story as other critics have mentioned that, but I did want to pay respect to the actors and to the writers, namely, Todd F. Cope, Beth Polson and Dalene Young, who wrote the perfect vehicle for their star. And thanks Kevin Dowling for all those O'Hara closeups. Wow!

Maureen O'Hara gives a quiet, confident and masterful performance as a retired schoolteacher, Helen Parker. We gradually learn about Helen Parker's past as she become reacquainted with one of her former students, Todd Cope. Todd Cope, Todd Cope's family, and we discover the importance of not getting caught up with the details of life and to slow down to appreciate what life has to offer.