Stepping Out (1991) User Reviews

Song and dance

[Prismark10 · 6/10 · 27 August 2015]

Stepping Out is a gentle feel good musical comedy with plenty of dance numbers. It was supposed to mark a return to form for Liza Minnelli after years of drink and drugs issues.

Minnelli plays Mavis a one time professional dancer in a chorus line in New York who has moved to Buffalo. She starts a dance studio for beginners and ends up getting invited to put on a show for charity.

Her dance class are mainly female with just one guy (Bill Irwin) and range widely in age. Julie Walters plays a hygiene obsessed housewife, Shelly Winters is the temperamental pianist. Everyone has some side issues or problem but will these no hopers get their dance act together in time for the show is the essence of the story.

This is a sweet and enjoyable enough film. Its unpretentious fun, Minnelli does enough to show that in essence she has squandered her talent since her Oscar winning turn as Sally Bowles and there are enough familiar faces in the film to keep your feet tapping along.

Obviously, I saw a different movie.

[movibuf1962 · 7/10 · 2 March 2007]

I loved "Stepping Out." If you chose not to, you're more than entitled (as people who hate so much around these websites are wont to say), but for God's sakes, get the facts right. The company of dancers in question does not "put on a show" in this movie. That's something that star Liza Minnelli's mother did in films over sixty-seven years ago. (Gosh, people's obvious prejudices against musical films is so sadly obvious here.) The company of working class, small community tappers PARTICIPATE in a benefit show already established by a haughty committee muckety-muck who makes her bias against Mavis Turner's awkward, beginning dance class painfully apparent. And there's your heartbeat of this very small, unassuming film. Shot on Canadian locations disguised to simulate upstate New York, STO is actually more in tune with the plot of A CHORUS LINE than any Mickey-Judy film. The obvious difference is that the dancers are not professional. They tap in a church hall after hours, after their regular jobs and family matters. It's their single emotional release, and the thing that makes them feel like kings. And while the film does not literally delve into the life of each dancer individually, it paints enough of an ensemble portrait to make you realize that these folks support each other, lean on each other, and love one another unconditionally, almost like a second family. I suppose the sentimental nature of that premise is too much for a lot of modern cynics to take, but there it is. Minnelli's plucky Mavis is the only real professional amongst them; she almost became a star, but didn't quite make it. Minnelli, in fact, has one lovely, CHORUS LINE-like moment in the film where she dances a solo to the title number (spotlight, mirrors, and all), then has to explain to a single eavesdropper how she briefly touched dance stardom before quietly, somewhat brokenly, retiring to Buffalo. But she truly believes in her dancers and is the perfect cheerleader and counselor to them in the end. And there is a fine, somewhat surprising epilogue which formally shows off the dance family- wonderfully represented by Ellen Greene, Andrea Martin, Bill Irwin, Julie Walters, Carol Woods, Jane Krakowski, Sheila McCarthy, and Robyn Stevan. It truly is a feel-good movie. In fact, it's a feel terrific movie.

"Stepping Out" is my kind of movie

[ecp30 · 7/10 · 19 April 2005]

Someone wrote that "Stepping Out" was mostly forgettable. I beg to differ. It is not really "mostly forgettable", just formulaic. BUT that is what I like about it. I like the old "Let's find a barn and put on a show" plots -- that's what I liked watching when I was growing up. So,"Stepping Out" is a great example of the genre. Liza shines -- good music, great dancing and seeing the incomparable Shelly Winters was a plus. Some of the supporting cast have moved up the ladder -- Jane Krakowski, Julie Walters, Bill Erwin, Sheila McCarthy, Andrea Martin, Robyn Stevan, Ellen Greene, Carol woods, Luke Reilly. I see their name in the credits and I remember what fun it is to watch "Stepping Out" again. It reminds me of the small dance studios all over the country. I should know -- I took a tap class at one.

The power of dance

[AndrewPhillips · 7/10 · 9 February 2006]

This is a gentle feel good film. There are some great performances especially Julie Walters who manages to keep us laughing through the film, then when you least expect it pulls at our heart strings with a very moving scene talking about her daughter.

Liza Minnelli is engaging in the lead role, though this is another one of those films that does not rely on the central performance. The late Shelly Winters is great as the grumpy piano player.

The class provides each of the group with something that their lives are missing and the story of these people is handled well by the director. The final stage number is in the tradition of an old Hollywood musical, all glitz and glamour and it works well.

I remember at the time the film was not well received, which is a shame. It will I am sure stand the test of time and rank as one of Liza Minnelli's better outings on film.

Better than you think

[raypdaley182 · 7/10 · 30 March 2008]

I know this went to video in the UK VERY quickly. Why? Because I must have rented it more than 50 times from my local video store when I was in the RAF.

Initially I was renting it as a Julie Walters fan (of stuff like Personal Services, Just Like A WOman) and I enjoyed it. Probably a lot more than I should have done.

But then again tell me it's got women in tight shiny Lycra and heck I'll watch it. Julie gives a brilliant performance and does look very nice. Most of the ladies do in fact.

Liza looks amazing (I told you I was probably watching it for all the wrong reasons!) and plays her role predictably enough. Shelley Winters brings a lot to a role that hasn't got much to do.

I adore Maxine (and then I found out she was Audrey in "Little Shop Of Horrors" and that was why, I loved her in that too!). Canada makes a pretty convincing New York and the film is not too sappy in it's feel good role to be over sweet.

Liza has her horrible guy, but then everyone in the group seems to have some problem or another in their lives so there's going to be at least one of them you can sort of relate to.

Obviously it all works out well in the end and it's more than good enough to hold up to several viewings. It's amazing that it's never been released on DVD (I'd buy it in a heartbeat) and I'm watching it again today as they showed on UK TV.

Generally its a very good movie that so many haven't heard of and it gets overlooked when it really shouldn't. You don't need to be a dance fan to enjoy this film. Heck, I'm a straight guy who isn't much for dancing but I love it and enjoy it every time I watch it.

Well worth a look if you haven't seen it before.

Liza's lovely, but film is minor and cartoonish

[moonspinner55 · 6/10 · 30 January 2003]

Every now and then, "Stepping Out" touches down on some heartfelt emotions that most viewers will relate to; whether it's Liza Minnelli's jerk of a boyfriend, her loyalty to her tap dance students or the anxieties within the group, the script is surprisingly evocative once it gets down to the heart of the matter (after cutting through the crap). There's a lot of dross filtering through here, too many stumble-bums and pratfalls that I assume are there to get laughs, but Liza is solid (as usual) and does a good job at keeping the picture on some form of realistic ground. The dancers are colorful and interesting, but Shelley Winters as the pianist on social security has a tough time portraying a ridiculous warhorse in silly hats. **1/2 from ****

Two Left Feet

[rpvanderlinden · 5/10 · 10 May 2011]

I wanted to like "Stepping Out" for its heart and to cheer for the underdogs in the story, members of a Buffalo, N.Y. tap-dancing class who are catapulted onto the stage as part of a big charity event, along with other acts featuring professional dancers. A cursory search reveals that the original play was a hit in London's West End, but a flop on Broadway. The original took place in London. This kind of film has been done before, usually in a sports setting, in films such as the superb "Hoosiers" and "Breaking Away".

I'd watch Liza Minnelli in anything, but she doesn't convince me that she's a washed-up Broadway hoofer giving tap classes in a rundown church hall and, with her voice and charisma, a blue-collar bar crooner performing sets with her guitar-playing boy friend. Anyway, niggling aside, here she is, so she's given a couple of musical numbers, one a solo spot in the empty church hall with the stained-glass windows ablaze with colour and a spotlight shining down on her from above. There are two films here. One is a Liza Minnelli showcase. The other is the underdog story: a group of amateur dancers with two left feet get their big chance to strut their stuff, and in the process, learn something about themselves. The problem, for me, is that everyone's a "type". There's Ms. Obssessive Compulsive who will prove that she's just folks, after all; there's Mr. Clumsy Nerd, the only male in the class, picked on by the women, who will finally prove that he's a man; there's Ms. Mouse, and so on. Liza, I must say, is game in this ensemble cast. There's a scene stealer at work, here, and that's Shelley Winters, who is both hilarious and touching as the group's long-suffering piano-player. The long-awaited Big Night performance by the troupe itself is fun and strikes the right balance between being quite good and endearingly goofy.

Heartwarming, gently funny, well written, and wonderfully performed

[Sheila-12 · 8/10 · 17 January 1999]

Often incorrectly classified as a musical, "Stepping Out" is actually a delightful comedy-drama with an excellent ensemble cast. British playwright Richard Harris has Americanized his script and added more detailed plot developments for this film version. It's suitable for the whole family, and definitely worth renting (some night when you don't feel like "Stepping Out"). Everyone is bound to have a favorite in the cast, whether it's Liza herself, veteran actress Shelley Winters, comedian Bill Irwin, or "Ally McBeal's" Jane Krakowski. All turn in hilariously touching performances -- and yes, there is a song-and-dance number at the end, for all you Liza fans! Once you've watched, you'll want everyone to see "Stepping Out"!

My favorite feel-good movie.

[p-d-hawthorne · 7/10 · 15 November 2005]

This movie wasn't meant to have deep meaning, it was meant to be enjoyed. This is the movie I plug in whenever I need a lift. Liza is thoroughly enjoyable. I never tire of watching her dance, and her voice is unbeatable, not to mention that she's a wonderful actress. The finale is great fun and shows Liza's unique style and pizazz -- there will always be only ONE Liza. I would recommend this movie to anyone who watches movies for the enjoyment of them, rather than expecting a movie to divulge the meaning of life.

I was privileged to see Liza perform in person just a few days ago, and although she no longer dances, she still has the quality and power in her voice that never fails to thrill me. She was truly delightful with her humor, professionalism and graciousness.

I love you Liza!!

An embarrassment for all concerned

[klc-16 · 3/10 · 4 May 2010]

I honestly have to say that this is just about the worst movie I've ever seen. Oh, I suppose there was a B-level horror flick that MIGHT have been more awful...but at least THOSE films don't try and coast to oblivion on the wings of people of Minelli and Winters' status.

There is not a single person in this film that you believe or care abut for a second, specifically since they are cardboard clichés from every good film ever made. Totally predictable, lacking in charm, verve, innovation, wit or originality ... it doesn't even have the sense to be a parody.

I can't imagine how anyone on this site could have given it more than 3...the fact that there are only about 400 people who voted for it and around 18 people who bothered to make a comment shows you just how much of a flop this film is. Out of respect for those who wrote something nice here, I can only suppose that they are all related in some way or another to people who made or acted in this truly awful film. Someone called this "a bit of fluff"; more like a hairball...

enthusiastic heart-warming fun

[rollo_tomaso · 9/10 · 20 February 2001]

Lewis Gilbert finds more magic with Julie Walters who is brilliant in her bit. Liza Minelli is terrific and everybody is having a grand old time in one of the best movies nobody's ever heard of. This is by no means a great or important film, but it is marvelously enjoyable entertainment from beginning to end in a true ensemble piece. If you are in the video store and just want to feel good, rent this film.

Stepping Out movie review

[andy1066 · 6/10 · 22 February 2006]

I gave this little movie a 6 out 10 possible points as it does have some great tapping dancing and there are some interesting moments when the plot comes together but unfortunately this doesn't happen enough nor can the dancing alone carry this picture completely. I would recommend watching Stepping Out at least once maybe even twice. Liza Minnelli is good, her supporting cast is fair, the usual assortment of different characters that have their ups and downs with each other and Liza. I liked the ending, which I won't give away but I'll bet you will be able to guess after the first 15 minutes of the film. Try watching this film it worth that if not a little more. It is hard to buy, not on DVD and I bought a used VHS, must be out of print.

Andy

One of the Worst Movies EVER

[childrenoftherevolution2000 · 1/10 · 27 October 2006]

Without doubt, one of the worst films ever made. Sluggish and without structure, tension or story, the film coasts on the thin premise of "putting together a show". Conflicts are resolved within two or three seconds of their inception and dialogue is random and incidental. Everything is put together in a slapdash order and often "Stepping Out" feels more like a deleted scenes reel than an actual movie. The film seems to exist merely as a showcase for gaudy and totally random Liza musical numbers. Shelly Winters can be seen in the far superior octo-epic "Tentacles", and the REAL Liza can be found in the Showtime release of "Queer Duck: The Movie".

I Could go on Dancing 'till the Cows Come Home!

[mark.waltz · 7/10 · 19 January 2014]

Liza Minnelli's Maevis has shuffled off to Buffalo from Broadway where she once stood right next to Bob Fosse. If that in-joke may be off-putting for people aware of Minnelli's real-life connection with her "Cabaret" director (who she worked with on more than one occasion), it is only because they can't separate the real Minnelli from the character she plays. Yes, Liza has the practically the same hair-do she had in "Arthur", and when you are as famous as she is, it is difficult to separate her from the legend. But take that away, and you have a "Let's put on a show!" comedy with songs that is as fresh and far from the style of films made the same year and very similar to the great musicals of the golden age of Hollywood.

She is a dance teacher who specializes in training novices, and here, she has some of the greatest theater talents around. Jane Krakowski, Andrea Martin, Ellen Greene, Bill Irwin, Julie Walters, Carol Woods, Sheila McCarthy among them, not to mention the great Shelley Winters as the very cantankerous piano player. It is her ambition to get these clumsy tappers ready for a big show she's been asked to participate in, and if the results are somewhat predictable, it certainly is a lot of fun.

Yes, Liza's talent is way too big just to be a dance teacher in Buffalo, but why deny Liza's billion fans the chance to see her in her first big movie in years. Unfortunately, the big wigs at Paramount were very leery of this movie's chance at success, and it only had minimal release, mostly in big cities where they knew they'd at least get the gay audience to rush to see her. She builds the dancers from the ground up and the results are triumphant for her and the pupils as the big day nears. Of course, the first show they do still shows them as awkward but there's a lavish finale where top hats, canes and sequins take over and Liza gets to sing, too! So put aside your cynicism, break out your own tap shoes, and you too will be steppin' out with Judy's baby.

A film you always want to watch again

[mathewowen · 10/10 · 7 December 1999]

Stepping Out isn't commonly spoken of nowadays, which is a shame as the film is a brilliant combination of Shelley Winters' comedy, Liza Minnelli's stamina and voice and superb performances by the 'Mavis Turner Tappers'. The story is inspiring as a group of amateur tap dancers try to make it to the top, and I watch it whenever I feel depressed - It raises your spirits and confidence.

Steps out in terrific style! A most wonderful film, both for its dancing and for its story, Minnelli is sensational!

[inkblot11 · 9/10 · 8 September 2007]

Mavis (Liza Minnelli) was a chorus line dancer on Broadway. Just as she was on the verge of getting more prominent roles, she fell in love. Her full-of-himself boyfriend moved them to Buffalo, far from the theater scene. As a musician, he plays with a band in the local clubs, often with the very talented Mavis singing at his elbow. But, they are just two bit players, mostly because of his total lack of ambition. On the side, Mavis runs a dance studio for ordinary folks. In her classes, among others, are a lovely nurse, a librarian, a lady with an overbearing husband, a lady with an unemployed son, a bossy middle aged housewife (Julie Walters) and a lone, divorced, very shy male. The studio pianist is a strong-willed senior (Shelley Winters). One day, a woman who operates a more prominent dance school in Buffalo invites Mavis and her class to perform a number in a charity dance recital. Mavis accepts. But, as total amateurs, will Mavis' class look ridiculous in front of the other, younger groups? And, can Mavis weather a serious personal crisis, just as the class is working hard to get ready for the show? This is a wonderful film for several reasons. To begin, of course, the movie stars the very gifted Minnelli, who is a bonafide triple threat. She can sing, she can dance, and she can act, all in a glorious fashion. She makes Mavis a very memorable and wistful character. Next, the rest of the cast is outstanding, too, and not just Walters and Winters. Most of the dance class members are folks with no name recognition but who play their parts admirably. Then, too, the characters in the film are very human and sympathetic, making the audience cheer and weep for them as the events unfold. Also, the dance numbers are exciting, the costumes are very nice, and the setting in Buffalo quite charming, making for a fine looking film. If you love dancing and singing, this movie has the goods for you. But, even if you can't cut a rug, this film's story will warm your heart with its lovely, vibrant, and very touching tale.

So sweet and great fun

[HotToastyRag · 8/10 · 29 January 2023]

Unless you're a huge Liza Minnelli fan, you might not be drawn to a movie whose synopsis is "Liza teaches a dance class to a group of beginners and they all learn about life." But take my unbiased recommendation: This movie is heartwarming, inspiring, and extremely fun. If you really hate dancing, then yes, shy away from it. But even if Cabaret isn't your favorite movie ever, there's a really good chance you'll love this one.

Based off a highly successful British play, the opening scene is a textbook "give everyone their entrance" scene which you can totally imagine on the stage. Meek Sheila McCarthy is extremely internal and clearly needs to "step out". Ellen Greene doesn't have much character development, but her fantastic figure is distracting enough to make the audience forget she even has a character. Andrea Martin is over-the-top in everything, even her sneezes. Bill Irwin is the only guy in the class, and he feels a bit awkward "stepping out" of his comfort zone, but he also enjoys getting a bit embarrassed. Jane Krakowski is a young nurse who's more sensitive than she lets on. Robyn Stevan wears great 1991 fashions, and she chews gum and flirts with every man in sight - despite having a husband. Carol Woods is frazzled and frumpy, but her enthusiasm makes up for her skills. Finally, there's a new student: Julie Walters. She is so adorable! I had no idea she could dance, but I also had no idea that she had such a fantastic figure when she was younger! In nearly every scene, she wears skintight bodysuits and prances around with her perfectly coiffed hair and sweet expressions. What an absolute doll! If you just think of her as Mrs. Weasley (like the rest of the under-40 crowd), you'll be shocked to see her in this.

A very enjoyable part of the movie is to see the journey of the students' talent. They start off the movie (and spend a great deal of it) as very backwards dancers. Their timing is off, they can't remember the steps, and one of them can't spin around in a circle without falling over. As you see from later on in the movie, they're all very accomplished dancers (or if you recognize names from the cast like Jane Krakowski and Ellen Greene, you already know they're dancers) so it's very cute to see them dummy-down their skills. And you can imagine how much fun they had pretending they couldn't dance!

Now for the teacher: Liza Minnelli really pulls out all the stops in this movie. You can see the many layers of emotion she feels while teaching beginners' tap when she was once a Broadway hopeful. She has dramatic acting when her personal life crumbles, and inspirational pizazz when getting her students prepared for a performance. Plus, she has a big solo number that really shows off her dancing talent!

Liza's faithful sidekick is the piano accompanist who is more than just a piano player (incidentally, sometimes she nods off during class). They have each other's backs and really care about each other outside of class. She's an older, frumpy, overweight lady whom I didn't even recognize until she started talking - but then again, I'm in the minority. Most people think of Shelley Winters as the frumpy frump in The Poseidon Adventure. I think of her as younger, slimmer, and far cuter, like in Frenchie and Playgirl. However, when you're a fan of someone, you're a fan no matter how old they get or how much weight they put on. I like Shelley, and I always will.

So, gather up a group of your girlfriends (and bring in one fellow for fun) and pop in Stepping Out for movie night. It's very enjoyable, and really makes you feel good. I'm looking forward to watching it time after time.

Highly entertaining fluff

[Capboy · 10/10 · 22 September 1999]

Paramount didn't know how to market this breezily enjoyable mixture of "Rocky" and "A Chorus Line," and it remains Liza Minnelli's last feature (to date--hope springs enternal). She's terrific as a never-was hoofer whipping a (mostly hilarious) group of would-be tap dancers into shape for a charity show. Nora Dunn steals her scenes as a haughty society dame, while there's also good moments from Andrea Martin, Ellen Greene and the show-stopping Julie Walters ("Canes to me, please, canes to me...."). Liza has a great production number at the end.

Stepping Out Steps Lively ****

[edwagreen · 10/10 · 11 May 2011]

A real shame that Paramount Films discarded this film during its 1991 release. It is excellent and sports worthy performances by Liza Minnelli, a lady who leads a group of people who are unsure about themselves to a dancing class. Then, their opportunity strikes-they are asked to perform for a Children's Benefit Performance. It is at this time that all their personal problems become known.

As stated the supporting performances are terrific. Jane Krakowski lights up the screen in her scene when she tells Minnelli that she sees her first patient die and the horrible comment made by a doctor that we needed the bed anyway.

Bill Irwin is refreshing as the only guy in the ensemble whose wife left him. A loner and quiet man, he seeks solace in the dance group. Julie Walters is absolutely hysterical as the British lady, a cleanliness nut, who hides her tale of woe as well. Even Minnelli has her own story to tell. It's as if the dance floor provides an outlet for these people.

Of course, we have a frumpy,but energetic Shelley Winters at the piano. After all, she was the only one to answer Minnelli's request for a piano player. Temperamental, she reminds Minnelli that between social security and her pension, she doesn't need this.

All comes together in a fabulous ending-dance routine. You'll want to get up and cheer for the cast. This picture needed much more notoriety, it deserved it. It's really a winner.

"STEPPING OUT" revisited

[brookwriter · 10/10 · 29 January 2011]

There are movies they you just love.

This is one of them, for me.

Stupidly and ineptly "released" by Paramount Pictures in October 1991, "Stepping Out" is a movie that should have been a profound critical and commercial success. I'm not saying this film is anything more than it is. But "Rocky" and "Saturday Night Fever" mined this mother-lode with similar results. Alas, for "Stepping Out," the boxing and disco dancing flicks had savvy PR guys, and "Stepping Out" had--I dunno.

"Feel good" movie beyond completely applies to "Stepping Out."

This film, properly marketed, would have rejuvenated Liza Minnelli's film career.

And we would have had a wonderful Liza movie every few years or so, instead of--well, sequels.

Anyone reading this thread, who was or is still working for Paramount and could explain how they dropped the ball on this film's release? I'd love details.

UPDATE: I just stumbled upon an article about a theatre in Des Moines, the Varsity, that ran "Stepping Out" for a jaw-dropping TEN WEEKS. It was their Christmas release in 1991. The legendary theater owner, Bev Mahon, was undeterred about the unsuccessful platform release in October, and booked the movie anyway. He rewrote his own ad campaign (apparently he did this a LOT when he championed a movie underdog), and the movie was a big hit at this theatre. It would have run indefinitely (he ran "Doctor Zhivago" for 50 weeks in 1965), but Paramount wanted the theatre's print returned for another engagement. Since only 8 prints had been made of this film (what confidence, Paramount!), Bev Mahon had to comply, but since "Stepping Out" had been a bonafide smash at his theatre, Paramount did allow him to announce a final 2-week engagement. Nice story. Kind of vindicates Liza and her film and makes Paramount look even stupider than I thought they were back in 1991.

this movie really made me luv liza

[marymorrissey · 10/10 · 3 March 2005]

of course 'Cabaret' can do the same

but anyway I really really liked this film a lot and it made me admire Liza because of its subversive message, its exhortation to the folks in the audience to get off of their arses and do something why don't you. Even though there is a big scene that goes to show that there is only one Liza - that amateurs will never replace professionals - yet the film demonstrates in an affecting way how amateur artists frequently bring something quite special to what they do - that sometimes at a most essential level the distinction between a "real" artist and someone just making art or trying to, if you want, is quite irrelevant.

I haven't really seen any of the old "let's put on a show" movies. I once remember seeing part of "strike up the band" and thought it was rather dada and anyway it didn't appear to be about amateurism, it appeared to be totally about Judy and Mickey, period. "Stepping Out" is not 2 young virtuosos hopped up on amphetamines on parade!

I just loved Liza's performance in this film, every little move she made, Liza, you touched me! Yes, she seemed very genuine I would characterize the performance as "wise". Mavis/Liza. Mavis!!? What of it!

Reading other reviews I'm realizing I saw this film so long ago. Heck I'd forgotten about groovy gal Shelley Winters and the other performers. I only remembered that Bill Irwin was in it. Oh Liza, I think it's time for me to watch this one again.

I could believe Davis Gest might have extorted sex from the bodyguard who is suing Liza only the bodyguard is probably so dumb he thought DG was Liza! As Gilda said, "Disaster to the wench!" but let's at least have him show his face in the newspapers. I really wonder, who's the victim here!?

I'm glad some people gave this movie the maximum stars they could.

'Stepping Out' Is A Really Entertaining Movie.!!!

[carmenjulianna · 10/10 · 18 June 2019]

A Well Written Story and A Great Cast.! An enjoyable Fun Movie for All The Family to Watch, and the Cast are fabulous and entertaining! With Liza Minnelli, Shelley Winters and Julie Walters, you simply can't go wrong..they make the movie a whole lot of fun to watch! This is one of Liza's better roles and she looks Great.! A well written Storyline and Superbly acted👌 A Most Recommended Watch..!!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Out of its time

[jromanbaker · 9/10 · 30 October 2020]

The very professional Lewis Gilbert made quite a few very watchable films, but looking down the list most of them I do not think will last the test of time. ' Cosh Boy ' which caused so much English outrage stands out for its slightly Camp fun, but the plodding ' Carve Her Name with Pride ' and many others will not. ' Stepping Out ' was a good attempt to make a retro musical and thanks to Liza Minnelli and to her re-working of this genre this film should last. She too had the same professionalism as Lewis Gilbert, but she had that extra something that no actor or director can ever buy and that is a touch of genius. I think it a pity that the film was so out of its time in 1991 and that it harked back to the sort of film made in the late 1940's, early 50's. Judy Garland herself made a similar film in 1950 called ' Summer Stock ' and then again that touch of genius was wasted on inferior material. ' Stepping Out ' is better than that because Garland looked genuinely tired in ' Summer Stock ' and Minnelli does not. She is beautiful, looking way younger than her years and with that enduring freshness should have gone on to make many other and better films. The dated scenario should not have prevented her, but maybe it did. Quite simply it was the film that looked worn out and not her. And yet despite these observations it is for a lot of people a film that brings back a lot of nostalgia and no doubt for those who treasure not only her but films like ' Summer Stock '. The cast around her is charming and the only actors who jarred on me were Julie Walters and her mannerisms and Shelley Winters giving a very static and morose performance. But Liza Minnelli earns the 9 and the only thing that prevents a 10 is the painting by numbers and far too sentimental direction. Minnelli seems to direct herself, and if that is true she showed just how great she is, and was, surpassing all of the conventional professionalism around her.

Walk On By

[BumpyRide · 1 September 2004]

This must have been a left over script that Judy turned down, so they dusted it off and gave it to Liza instead. Typical Garland/Rooney story, where a dance troop decides to put on a show, in this case, for a charity. This movie isn't bad, but it gets off to a slow start, and finally becomes entertaining at the end. Of course there are a few dance numbers thrown in for Liza to demonstrate that she can still sing and dance in 1991! She looked too thin, and her complexion wasn't healthy looking. Knowing what we know now, you can probably guess what was up with her looks. The rest of the cast is okay, but I wouldn't want to spend any more time with them. The secondary players weren't that compelling, nor for that mater, was Liza's character.