Beaches (1988)
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29% of critics liked it
(24 reviews) -
84% of users liked it
(70,317 ratings)
Based on a novel by Iris Rainer Dart, Beaches traces the 30-year oil-and-water friendship between free-spirited Bronx Jew CC Bloom (Bette Midler) and uptight San Francisco WASP Hillary Essex (Barbara Hershey). The two meet as children in Atlantic City (played by Mayim Bialik and Marcie Leeds) and… More Based on a novel by Iris Rainer Dart, Beaches traces the 30-year oil-and-water friendship between free-spirited Bronx Jew CC Bloom (Bette Midler) and uptight San Francisco WASP Hillary Essex (Barbara Hershey). The two meet as children in Atlantic City (played by Mayim Bialik and Marcie Leeds) and are reunited in the 1960s, when CC is a struggling singer and Hillary is trying to break free from her staid upbringing by becoming an activist. The two ladies room together, then fall out when both are attracted to off-Broadway producer John Pierce (John Heard). CC wins John, but she quickly outgrows him as she matriculates into a bawdy performer. The recently patched-up friendship between CC and Hillary is torn asunder again when Hillary and her new husband express distaste for CC's performing style. Comes the 1970s, and CC and Hillary are reunited after shedding their respective spouses. Broke again, they once more become Manhattan roommates. Their bond strengthens, but there is tragedy in store for the duo. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Directed By
- Garry Marshall
- Genres
- Drama, Musical & Performing Arts, Comedy
PG-13,
- In Theaters
- Dec 21, 1988 Wide
- Studio
- Disney
Critic Reviews
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Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
The film's oily overdefinition of various class and cultural categories is strident enough to betray a condescending attitude toward the audience.
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Sarah Wenk, Common Sense Media
Make some popcorn and get out the Kleenex.
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Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Garry Marhsall's unbearabaly schmaltzy and stereotyical medlodrama contrasts a brassy Jewish singer with an elegant WASPy socialite that even actresses like Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey cannot elevate or rescue.
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Steve Crum, Dispatch-Tribune Newspapers
Maudlin & weepy with tender performances by Midler and Hershey.
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David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
...it seems obvious that certain audiences will get a whole lot more out of it than others.
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)
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Cast
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Bette Midler
as CC Bloom
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Barbara Hershey
as Hillary Whitney Essex
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John Heard
as John Pierce
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Spalding Gray
as Dr. Richard Milstein
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Lainie Kazan
as Leona Bloom
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James Read
as Michael Essex
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Grace Johnston
as Victoria Essex
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Mayim Bialik
as C.C. Age 11
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Marcie Leeds
as Hillary Age 11
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Mariann Aalda
as Ticket Seller
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Bill Applebaum
as Actor 2
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Judith Baldwin
as Screaming Woman
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Anne Betancourt
as Miss Valdez
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Nicky Blair
as Tavern on the Green Maitre d'
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Frank Buxton
as Doctor
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Karin Calabro
as Actor 4
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Frank Campanella
as Frank the Doorman
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Lucinda Crosby
as TV Interviewer
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Jane Dulo
as Hillary's Neighbor
- Susan Forristal
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Diane Frazen
as Marjorie
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Michael Bryan French
as Head Waiter
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Ken Gibbel
as Cowboy Actor
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Lynda Goodfriend
as Mrs. Myandowski
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Joe Grifasi
as Otto Titsling
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Harvey Keenan
as Man in Bagels
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Allan Kent
as Mr. Melman
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Phil Leeds
as Sammy Pinkers
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Mona Lyden
as Actor 1
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Steven Majewicz
as Phillipe De Brassiere
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Barbara Marshall
as I.C.U. Nurse #2
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Kathi Marshall
as Delivery Room Nurse #1
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Lori Marshall
as Tavern on the Green Patron
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Arnold McCuller
as Hollywood Bowl Backup Singer
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Keith Henry McDaniel
as Actor 5
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Charles McGowan
as Peasant
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Eddie Mekka
as Actor 3
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Ken Miller
as Peasant
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Julie Paris
as Delivery Room Nurse #2
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Tracy Reiner
as Dept. Store Clerk
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Steve Restivo
as Pink Palm Bartender
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Patrick Richwood
as T. Kuhn
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Bo Sabato
as Hollywood Bowl Stage Manager
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Lisa Savage
as Michael's Mistress
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Zachary Weintraub
as ACLU Worker
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Carol Williard
as Aunt Vesta
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Robert Ball
as Harry
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Michael Elias
as Seedy Bar Patron
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Carla Earle
as Hollywood Bowl Backup Singer
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Doris Hess
as Maura
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Scott Marshall
as Car Rental Agent
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Harvey Miller
as Movie Director
- Sam Denoff
