Shirley Valentine (1989)
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67% of critics liked it
(12 reviews) -
84% of users liked it
(5,650 ratings)
Since its London and Broadway stage debut, playwright Willy Russell's Shirley Valentine has proven an excellent showcase for any number of talented actresses (Loretta Swit won the 1989 Sarah Siddons Award for her work in the Chicago production). In the film version of Shirley Valentine, Pauline… More Since its London and Broadway stage debut, playwright Willy Russell's Shirley Valentine has proven an excellent showcase for any number of talented actresses (Loretta Swit won the 1989 Sarah Siddons Award for her work in the Chicago production). In the film version of Shirley Valentine, Pauline Collins re-creates the role that had previously brought her theatrical fame and a Tony Award. Spending the bulk of the film speaking directly to the audience, the titular Shirley (Collins), a middle-aged Liverpool housewife, reveals her innermost thoughts and fears in a manner that is both insouciant and poignant. Once an incorrigible anti-establishment rebel, Shirley now chafes under the plodding insensitivity of her husband, Joe (Bernard Hill). Her life enters a new and exciting phase when, after her best friend, Jane (Alison Steadman), wins an all-expenses-paid vacation to Greece, Shirley is given the opportunity to travel to faraway places without her husband. Shirley Valentine represents the second felicitous collaboration between playwright Willy Russell and director Lewis Gilbert; the first was Educating Rita (1983). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Directed By
- Lewis Gilbert
- Genres
- Drama, Romance, Comedy
R,
- In Theaters
- Aug 30, 1989 Wide
- Studio
- Paramount Home Video
Critic Reviews
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David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
An obnoxious and thoroughly tedious piece of work...
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Don Willmott, Filmcritic.com
think of Shirley Valentine as "Educating Rita under the Tuscan Sun."
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Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Pleasantly quirky comedy-drama.
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Dan Lybarger, Lawrence Journal-World
Collins' terrific performance bouys this somewhat awkward adaption of the play.
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Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
This witty, buoyant comedy explores the wild strategy a middle-aged Liverpool matron comes up with to love just being herself.
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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Pauline Collins
as Shirley Valentine-Bradshaw
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Tom Conti
as Costas Caldes
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Alison Steadman
as Jane
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Julia McKenzie
as Gillian
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Joanna Lumley
as Marjorie
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Bernard Hill
as Joe Bradshaw
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Sylvia Syms
as Headmistress
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Gillian Kearney
as Young Shirley
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Catherine Duncan
as Young Marjorie
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Tracie Bennett
as Milandra Bradshaw
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Gareth Jefferson
as Brian Bradshaw
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George Costigan
as Dougie
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Karen Craig
as Thelma
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John Hartley
as German Tourist
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Anna Keaveney
as Jeannette
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Cardew Robinson
as Londoner
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Ken Sharrock
as Sydney
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Marc Zuber
as Renos
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Ray Armstrong
as Executive Type
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Sheila Aza
as Cooking Teacher
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Annee Blott
as Chambermaid
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Elaine Boisseau
as Woman in Taverna
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Honora Burke
as Londer's Wife
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Geraldine Griffiths
as Sally
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Matthew Long
as Teacher
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Ged McKenna
as Van Driver
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Marlene Morley
as German Tourist
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Sarah Nolan
as Maureen
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Ruth Russell
as Veronica
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Diane Whitley
as Liz
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Alex Wright
as Kid in Car
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Giorgos Xidakis
as Spiro
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Deborah Yhip
as Sharon-Louise
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Joanne Zorian
as Carol
- George Hatzinassios
