Reine d'un soir

Hard to believe that Maureen Stapleton was only 50 when she made this movie. Charles Durning was two years older. Yet they're portrayed as a couple of frumpy and hopeless old fogies--especially her--grabbing for some last romance before they reach the graveyard. I felt also that even though most of these characters appeared to be Jewish, their ethnicity was played down too much--perhaps to appeal to a general television audience. Regardless, the story realistically portrays a woman rescued at the last moment from her family and friends' expectations. Her children want her to be a sexless grandmother-cum-babysitter living in their spare bedroom, and her sister and friends think she should be a proper widow without an emotional life. Naturally they're disappointed when she decides to live the rest of her life as a free woman who still has desires and dreams. (Durning, on the other hand, was more of a cipher. He confides that he has a wife, but nothing more is said about her. Is she an invalid? Are they living apart?) The ending was a little abrupt, but I liked the film's message that we're never too old for romance. Who would make this movie today? More important, who would go see it? Well, how about all those aging boomers who are wondering about the many loves they found, lost, or never explored in the first place when they were younger.

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.

The reasons I bought this DVD are because I'd rembered this film as being great fun (having seen it 15+ yrs ago on TV), Maureen Stapleton is a top drawer actress and I'm nearly as sentimental as the film.

But there is so much more. It's done quite creatively. The five or so bits where the two main characters sing their thoughts to themselves worked. Normally that would be difficult to pull off & Hollywood would flub it up. Part of the reason why I enjoyed it (or found it acceptable, which I normally wouldn't) is because it's quite apparent that they're from a generation raised to be selective about the thoughts they share, in stark contrast to today's society. It's also shot in a rather different manner, or have I forgotten how films of the 70s were photographed?

Queen of the Stardust Ballroom raises the moral bar by ignoring unwarranted judgements and dealing with more important matters.

And Maureen Stapleton... she's one class act and a brilliant actress.

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.

The pacing is overly rapid in certain places, Bea's sister and daughter are painted with a cartoonish brush, but the film manages to be genuinely moving and poignant throughout.

We are never asked to condone every change Bea makes; only to understand. Maureen Stapleton's human, subtly-keyed performance is the perfect centerpiece. Charles Durning is also wonderful in a role many actors would coast through. Once you see him here you'll never think of him in quite the same way again. These characters are so real, so everyday, that we can feel their joy and sorrow in ways cardboard types can't transmit.

The singing is jarring at first, but their shaky voices add to the realistic undertone of the fantasy.

Bea's unapologetic stance in her relationship with Al typifies the 70's and the 70's willingness to shake off conventions; I'm not sure if this tv-film would be made today with the same viewpoint.

I loved the atmosphere of the Stardust Ballroom, the different relationships and the nostalgia for days gone by. Bea comes alive in a room where most are trying to relive their past glories.

Flawless it may not be, but if you want to believe in love, in having a second chance at life no matter what your age is, this is the film to see.