Vanya on 42nd Street (1994)

New York actors rehearse Chekhov's "Uncle Vanya" in a rundown theater.

Director:

Louis Malle

Writers:

Anton Chekhov (play), David Mamet (play),

Stars:

Wallace Shawn, Phoebe Brand, George Gaynes

8 wins & 6 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Phoebe Brand	...	Nanny
Lynn Cohen	...	Maman
George Gaynes	...	Serybryakov
Jerry Mayer	...	Waffles
Julianne Moore	...	Yelena
Larry Pine	...	Dr. Astrov
Brooke Smith	...	Sonya
Wallace Shawn	...	Vanya
Andre Gregory	...	Himself
Madhur Jaffrey	...	Mrs. Chao

Storyline

An uniterrupted rehersal of Chekhov's "Uncle Vanya" played out by a company of actors. The setting is their run down theater with an unusable stage and crumbling ceiling. The play is shown act by act with the briefest of breaks to move props or for refreshments. The lack of costumes, real props and scenery is soon forgotten.

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Plot Keywords:

Actor | Grandmother Granddaughter Relationship | Gun | Illusion | Sleeping | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for thematic material

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 October 1994 (USA)

Also Known As:

42. kadun Vanja-eno

Filming Locations:

New Amsterdam Theater - 214 West 42nd Street, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Gross:

$1,746,050 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Channel Four Films, Mayfair Entertainment, The Vanya Company

Technical Specs

Runtime:

119 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Version of Uncle Vanya (1957)

User Reviews

Frustrated Lives and Unrequited Loves

In New York, the cast of Anton Chekhov's "Uncle Vanya" rehearse the play in a dilapidated theater on the 42nd Street.

The arrogant and selfish Professor Serybryakov (George Gaynes) is an elderly intellectual married with his gorgeous and younger second wife Yelena (Julianne Moore) that feels trapped in a prison with her marriage. They live in a farm that supports their lifestyle with the Professor Serybryakov's brother-in-law from the first marriage Vanya (Wallace Shawn), who manages the family business with Professor's daughter from his first marriage, Sonya (Brooke Smith), a plain single young woman and Vanya's mother. The local Dr. Astrov (Larry Pine) visits the family every day since he is in love with Yelena. She talks with him about his feelings for Sonya, but Astrov misunderstands and believes she is also in love with him. One day, Sonya confides to Yelena that she has an unrequited love for Dr. Astrov. When Professor Serybryakov discloses his intention of selling the real estate, there is a crisis in the family.

"Vanya on 42nd Street" is a filmed rehearsal of Anton Chekhov's play "Uncle Vanya" by Louis Malle. The talkative story about frustrated lives, where every character wish to have a different existence, is surprisingly engaging since there are no costumes or scenarios, but excellent direction and performances. The beginning is a little boring, I agree, but give a chance to this movie and you will certainly have a great (favorable) surprise. My vote is seven,

Title (Brazil): "Tio Vanya em Nova York" ("Uncle Vanya in New York")