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.
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.