The Last Dance

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.

In this day of fake movies, films dripping with 'Hollywood sauce', violence, etc., I found this film to be quite refreshing. Creators of heart-felt films tend to make them extra-sappy, which also seems to defeat the purpose (at least for me). This movie avoided all these 'traditional' pitfalls. "The Last Dance" felt real to me...not far-fetched. It was simple and to the point. It reflected on things that really mean something on this planet; there was no wasting time on silliness. To top it off, the ending had a nice metaphysical touch (always scoring big points with me). Yes, you really can see good films without having to pay for cable TV. They may not come around all that often, yet the occasional meaningful movie will stick with you. Sometimes less is more.

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.

Maureen O'Hara was one of the most spectacular beauties in Hollywood history. When she made "The Last Dance," she was 82--and still a stunning woman. Because many of her films were action films and westerns, it's easy to forget that O'Hara was also an excellent actress. Here she plays a retired Latin teacher--yes, Latin was once taught in public schools, folks--who reconnects with a former student who is now a male nurse. The plot is reminiscent of "Good Morning, Miss Dove," with Jennifer Jones, another beauty who has aged well.

The former student keeps an eye on the teacher when she leaves the hospital, and soon his family (wife and two children) becomes involved as well. The plot is interesting, and the movie is well-written and very well-acted by the cast. What could easily slide into bathos is genuinely moving as the film gradually reveals via well-integrated flashbacks the teacher's life, past as well as present. A bus trip and a day at the beach are extremely well-done.

"The Last Dance" is one of those films that really has to be seen to be appreciated; it's very quietly done but beautifully realized. When you watch O'Hara, think about what most of the current crop of "actresses" will look like and what their performances will be like when they are in their eighties--if any of them manage to maintain a career past the age of thirty.

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.