The West Side Waltz

I remember seeing this film when it originally aired. Thanksgiving night of 1995. I fell in love with the characters. It really is a New York City film. The titles open with glorious Aeriel shots of the world trade center, central park, and the busy envrioment of west 72nd street.

Shirley Maclaine and Liza Minnelli are perfect foils for each other. Maclaine is delightful as the curmudgeonly Margaret Mary Elderdice . Made Bitter by time, her late husband and former room mate (who committed suicide when the bills got too high). Liza Minnelli cuts the mustard in this flick. Her portrayal of Cara is proof positive that she is indeed a very talented actress. Quite capable of playing great character roles. Not one trace of "LIZA" is on screen. Jennifer Grey is adorable (and quite stunning, albeit with the help of a plastic surgeon. Just watch Dirty Dancing and you'll see what I mean) . She displays great comic timing and is a good balance for her two very seasoned leading ladies. In the end Waltz is a story about the human condition, Self discovery, making peace within one's self and finding one can change . It is a tale of growing friendship . My only complaint was...I wanted more! Mr.Thomspon should be commended for rendering a top notch adaptation of his already clever and heart-warming stage play.

For the longest time it was only possible to find this flick on Lifetime. Usually about 3 am in the morning. This past winter it was released on DVD . Grab it if you can.