Queen of the Stardust Ballroom

The very fact that I remembered the exact title of this made for TV film after 36 years, says it all for me.

It was the first time I had ever seen Charles Durning or Maureen Stapleton as actors in any production, whether movie or television.

Their acting was superb -- understated and classy.

I was in my 20's when I saw this film and only now am I of a certain age where I can truly appreciate the feelings and emotions represented by these actors -- most of all it is Maureen Stapleton that made an impact on me.

A week ago, Maureen Stapleton died and right away, I said, "Queen of the Stardust Ballroom" -- such a good, warm thought to have upon hearing of someone's passing.

I would recommend this film to anyone!

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.

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.

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.

True to life. Durning and Stapleton, the chemistry is perfect. Durning and Stapleton are phenomenal. A story for our times. Such comments are more than adequate for this fine story.

Bea Asher is widowed at middle age. She sings of her loneliness and the deprivation brought about by her husband's passing.Bea is about to settle down to a grim widowhood, when a waitress, in a restaurant, tells her that you start living once your husband has died.

Though this statement is shocking, Bea goes with the woman to the Stardust Ballroom, a carefree lounge where couples dance to their pleasure. While there, Bea meets postman Al Green and the two are a match made up in heaven. Bea dances up a storm, changes that gray hair to bright red and becomes a live-wire not quite almost as Stapleton depicted in Woody Allen's "Interiors." Life has more meaning now, despite the anger conveyed by her pristine daughter and sister, Helen, shown in a memorable scene by Charlotte Rae.

The ending may be considered a downer but the author really had nowhere else to go. Available on DVD, see this film. It will warm your heart and get those shoes out for some fine dancing!