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A Chorus Line
Richard Attenborough
(1985)
117min
PG Certificate
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Review
Our Score
by
Tony Sloman
The highly successful Broadway show on which this is based was so relentlessly theatrical in all senses - the auditions that comprise the narrative took place on the stage itself, with the director located at the back of the stalls - that it was generally considered impossible, and certainly imprudent, to film. In fact, numerous directors, including the show's brilliant originator Michael Bennett, failed to find a way to transfer its dynamic intensity to the big screen. Richard Attenborough had already succeeded with a similar work,
Oh! What a Lovely War
, creating a truly cinematic musical from a resolutely theatrical piece. Unfortunately,
A Chorus Line
resisted him. The strength of the show remains, but, by incorporating flashbacks and, crucially, substituting songs and choreography, the original is undermined, not enhanced. Nevertheless, since this is effectively a record of one of the greatest works of musical theatre, there is much of merit, especially Alyson Reed, who's touching as key dancer Cassie, and ex-
Dallas
regular Audrey Landers, who does well by one of the great showstoppers. Particularly noteworthy, too, is the talented contribution of British editor John Bloom, while Michael Douglas puts in a sharp performance as the show's producer.
Cast & Crew
Zach
Michael Douglas (1)
Cassie
Alyson Reed
Larry
Terrence Mann
Mark
Michael Blevins
Morales
Yamil Borges
Sheila
Vicki Frederick
Val
Audrey Landers
Connie
Jan Gan Boyd
Kim
Sharon Brown
Richie
Gregg Burge
Paul
Cameron English
Al
Tony Fields
Kristine
Nicole Fosse
Bebe
Michelle Johnston
Maggie
Pam Klinger
Judy
Janet Jones
Director
Richard Attenborough
see more
Other Information
Language:
English
Colour
Theatrical distributor:
Rank Film Dists Ltd
Guidance:
Contains some swearing.
Available on:
video, DVD and Blu-ray
Full Episode Guide
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