Customer Reviews

Queen of the Stardust Ballroom [VHS]

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I just saw this movie last night for the first time and I absolutely loved it. I bought the DVD because it seemed like a very good movie with a terrific cast and I couldn't agree more. Maureen Stapleton is excellent in this film and she plays Bea Asher, the recently widowed wife with great warmth and sincerity. She even sings in this movie and she does it very well I think. She is also a wonderful dancer who makes ballroom dancing very interesting to watch and learn. Charles Durning is also great in this fantastic movie and they both have great chemistry together. QUEEN OF THE STARDUST BALLROOM, is a magical film and the acting of both Stapleton and Durning is superb. I couldn't help feeling a little sad in the end (I won't tell you so I won't spoil the movie for you). However this is a wonderful movie and it shows that you're never too old to fall in love and follow your heart. They certainly don't make movies like this anymore.

This film was written when the screenwriter discovered that his widowed mother had a secret life when she passed away. He found out she was a ballroom dancer at Roseland. The story was later converted to a Broadway play titled "Ballroom."

It is interesting to watch a movie when you are young and compare the difference to your reaction 30 years later. I was all of 20 when I watched this movie when it appeared as a made-for-TV film back in 1974-75. I loved the dancing, and in fact, some 13 years later, my husband and I took up ballroom dancing. The ending was sad and left me rather disappointed, even back then.

At age 51, I find this film harder to watch, because I now strongly identify with the main character, definitely more than at age 20. I've also experienced life more. Although Bea is probably 10-15 years older, the events that happen to her are not too far off for me. It is especially difficult to watch the beginning, when Bea's husband dies, because I've been in that situation already where you are sitting in the hospital, waiting for your loved one to pass on. The ending is also difficult, because you grow to care for Bea and want the best for her, especially after she fought so hard with family members to keep this new life she created for herself. Although a romance, this film leaves you feeling slightly sad and let down after watching it. That's a sign of an excellent film --it makes an impact, evokes emotions, no matter if you're 20 or 51.

One small nitpick: Maureen Stapleton cannot sing--her offkey singing is a little jarring. I wonder why her voice wasn't dubbed. Durning does a better job, but he's no Michael Buble. However, the two actors have a nice chemistry on screen and do a good job with the dancing. This is a wonderful, timeless film and features some great dance music.

I bought this film thinking it would be a concert of the rock band queen, of course it wasn't. When I saw it I got very into the story. It is a very intriguing film to enjoy with all the family, buy it you wont regret it.

This one will tug at your heart strings for it proves that love is not always for the young. Maureen Stapleton and Charles Durning give wonderful performances...Mr. Durning dances like a dream, so smooth and full of rhythm. Ms. Stapleton sensitively portrays there IS life after widowhood.

I loved this movie. I was able to relate to Bea and what she was going through and dancing is so much fun. She is a very strong woman even though her children think she isn't able to run her own life. Children have a lot to learn when it comes to their widow mother. And it is a wonderful movie. Jean Stapleton is wonderful in it. After her husband has been gone for over a year
she desided to stop being a plain looking woman & colors her gray hair and starts to wear makeup which she never did before.
And Charles During was wonderful as her dance partner & friend. Very enjoyable movie.

This is a wonderful romance. Stapleton loses her husband and instead of hibernating buys a\ resale shop and begins to go out dancing. She meets Charles Durning, falls in love, dyes her hair and both of them sing. No great shakes as singers but they deliver the songs better than professionals would. Great dance sequences probably filmed at Roseland and 40s singer Martha Tilton sings a song. For incurably romantics this is the best thing you will ever see. I am glad that the DVD is now available because with a quick push of the button you can edit out the final scene if you wish. You can't go wrong with this one. \

A film that proves older adults CAN fall in love again. It's never too late!

This is a beautiful movie. Not only is the acting superb, but this is a very nostalgic film. I wish I could purchase this movie on DVD but it is impossible to get. I wonder why such a treasure can't be available for purchase for others to enjoy, too. Maureen Stapleton and Charles Durnig? are so engaging -- I could never tire of watching it. I love this movie!!

I watched this movie when it was new and the leading characters were my parents age. I loved it then.

I love it now, though, suddenly, the characters are my age, which I found disconcerting, but I still love the movie.

As to the complaints about MS's singing, she is playing a normal woman, like most of us, and is not necessarily supposed to be a good singer. It is very realistic that she has an average voice. I loved the very first song she sang when she was newly widowed, something, like "who told you that you could leave"?

This is a movie I love to watch alone, with a cup of cocoa, and just enjoy.

I"m watching it at this moment. I'm about 1/2 way through and I find it interesting, heartwarming, and fulfilling.

My mother was a widow in 1956 and went dancing. I didn't see what fun it was for her, though I had little to say about it.

Watching the movie is like seeing why mother loved it so.

They don't make movies like this anymore. I'd say its one of the sweetest films I've seen in many years.