BroadcastChic Excellent, a Must See

RipDelight This is a tender, generous movie that likes its characters and presents them as real people, full of flaws and strengths.

Glucedee It's hard to see any effort in the film. There's no comedy to speak of, no real drama and, worst of all.

Humaira Grant It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

moonspinner55 Maureen Stapleton plays a middle-aged widow in the Bronx who gets invited out for an evening with the girls to a local ballroom for elderly hoofers; there, she meets portly, starry-eyed Charles Durning, whose adoration makes her feel good about herself for the first time since her husband was alive. Acclaimed TV-movie approaches some interesting subjects (a sister's jealousy, an overprotective daughter's anger, a romance blooming in the autumn of a woman's years), and yet the plastic coating over this production is so thick that little of it rings true. The ballroom itself, filled to capacity with wily men eager to get out there and strut there stuff, may be a metaphor for the lives of its graying dancers--Last Chance For Happiness--but the collection of colorful characters Stapleton meets there are a romanticized group. Writer Jerome Kass even throws in the gambit of sung lyrics used as innermost thoughts, when what his teleplay really needs is some casual, natural interaction (there's really only one sequence which achieves this, a scene between Stapleton and son Michael Brandon doing the dishes). Although the people are phonied-up, the performances are generally likable, particularly Durning's. But who can take that ending seriously? Not after 90 minutes of sonnets, soliloquies and stardust!

Lechuguilla Maureen Stapleton gives a fine performance in this simple and straightforward story of an older woman trying to get on with her life after her husband dies.Stapleton's performance aside, the film has the look and feel of a typical 1970's made-for-TV movie of the week. In addition to period costumes and props, the visuals are very dark. And the background music is annoyingly nondescript. Further, I did not care for the plot device wherein Stapleton's character suddenly bursts into non-melodic song, at odd moments. It seemed unnatural and intrusive.A big part of the plot takes place at the ballroom. Here, the filmmaker could have included well-known songs from the big band era, songs that viewers could identify with. But, for whatever reason, the filmmaker passed up this opportunity, and chose instead more nondescript music that quickly becomes tiresome.Although this film is not bad, it was a disappointment to me. But other viewers may find interest in it, especially if they're looking for a low-key, sentimental story, or a film with a fine performance from Maureen Stapleton.

nlaw123 The very fact that I remembered the exact title of this made for TV film after 36 years, says it all for me.It was the first time I had ever seen Charles Durning or Maureen Stapleton as actors in any production, whether movie or television.Their acting was superb -- understated and classy.I was in my 20's when I saw this film and only now am I of a certain age where I can truly appreciate the feelings and emotions represented by these actors -- most of all it is Maureen Stapleton that made an impact on me.A week ago, Maureen Stapleton died and right away, I said, "Queen of the Stardust Ballroom" -- such a good, warm thought to have upon hearing of someone's passing.I would recommend this film to anyone!

LuvSopr The pacing is overly rapid in certain places, Bea's sister and daughter are painted with a cartoonish brush, but the film manages to be genuinely moving and poignant throughout.We are never asked to condone every change Bea makes; only to understand. Maureen Stapleton's human, subtly-keyed performance is the perfect centerpiece. Charles Durning is also wonderful in a role many actors would coast through. Once you see him here you'll never think of him in quite the same way again. These characters are so real, so everyday, that we can feel their joy and sorrow in ways cardboard types can't transmit.The singing is jarring at first, but their shaky voices add to the realistic undertone of the fantasy.Bea's unapologetic stance in her relationship with Al typifies the 70's and the 70's willingness to shake off conventions; I'm not sure if this tv-film would be made today with the same viewpoint.I loved the atmosphere of the Stardust Ballroom, the different relationships and the nostalgia for days gone by. Bea comes alive in a room where most are trying to relive their past glories.Flawless it may not be, but if you want to believe in love, in having a second chance at life no matter what your age is, this is the film to see.