A Chorus Line (1985)
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38% of critics liked it
(16 reviews) -
62% of users liked it
(10,048 ratings)
Broadway's celebratory musical about rejection makes it to the screen in a fizzless adaptation by Richard Attenborough that misses the whole point of the Broadway show -- i.e. the dancing and the dancers. Instead, the dancers become a limp Greek chorus for the dead love affair between a… More Broadway's celebratory musical about rejection makes it to the screen in a fizzless adaptation by Richard Attenborough that misses the whole point of the Broadway show -- i.e. the dancing and the dancers. Instead, the dancers become a limp Greek chorus for the dead love affair between a choreographer, Zach (a pre-Gordon Gekko Michael Douglas) and his old flame, Cassie (Alyson Reed) the star dancer. Zach is holding try-outs for a new Broadway musical and, as armies of dancers are brought on stage to audition for Zach, he sits in the darkened recesses of the theater, puffing on a cigarette, as he winnows out hopeful dancers who want to become part of the chorus line for Zach's new show. Finally, Zach has reduced the dancers to 16 men and women, and he asks each of them to step to the footlights and tell him about their lives and their dreams. But backstage, while the dancers are confessing their pasts to Zach, Zach's past walks through the stage door. Cassie, Zach's ex-lover, whom Zach met, courted and broke up with in the theatrical environs, has returned. Once a big star, Cassie has returned to the theater -- not to see Zach but to audition for Zach's musical. She needs the work. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi
- Directed By
- Richard Attenborough
- Genres
- Drama, Musical & Performing Arts, Comedy
PG-13,
- In Theaters
- Dec 10, 1985 Wide
- On DVD
- Apr 15, 2003
- Studio
- Columbia Pictures
Critic Reviews
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Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Misconceived and poorly executed by director Richard (Gandhi) Attenborough, who turns the Broadway smash hit musical into a total bore.
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S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media
Sexy Broadway classic gets disappointing 1980s remake.
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Sarah Chauncey, Reel.com
They should've just left it on Broadway
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Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
A Chorus Line vividly conveys the anxiety and hopefulness of dancers trying out for a Broadway musical
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Bill Chambers, Film Freak Central
You'll be crying "uncle" long before those gams are flashed.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Featured Audience Ratings
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Cast
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Michael Douglas
as Zach
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Terrence Mann
as Larry
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Alyson Reed
as Cassie
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Cameron English
as Paul
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Vicki Frederick
as Shiela
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Audrey Landers
as Val
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Michael Blevins
as Mark
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Yamil Borges
as Morales
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Sharon Brown
as Kim
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Gregg Burge
as Richie
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Tony Dean Fields
as Al
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Nicole Fosse
as Kristine
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Jan Gan Boyd
as Connie
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Michelle Johnston
as Bebe
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Janet Jones
as Judy
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Pam Klinger
as Maggie
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Charles McGowan
as Mike
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Justin Ross
as Greg
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Blane Savage
as Don
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Matt West
as Bobby
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John Hammil
as Advertising Executive
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J. Patrick McNamara
as Robbie
- Barry Moss
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Mansoor Najeeullah
as Cab Driver
- Brooke Smith
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Sammy Smith
as Doorman
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Jeffrey Cornell
as Reject Dancer
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Richard de Fabees
as Reject Dancer
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Gregg Huffman
as Misfit Boy Dancer
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Bambi Jordan
as Girl in Yellow Trunks
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Jennifer Kent
as Reject Dancer
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Jack Lehnert
as Posterman
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Gloria Lynch
as Taxi Passenger
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Karen Prunczik
as Reject Dancer
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Melissa Randel
as Reject Dancer
- Julie Hughes
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Timothy Scott
as Boy with Headband
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Peter Fitzgerald
as Dancer with Gum
