Stepping Out (1991)

65% of users liked it
(331 ratings)

Stepping Out might be considered a textbook exercise in screenwriting cliche: take Mavis Turner (Liza Minnelli), a woman who "coulda been a contenda" had she pursued her dreams of appearing on Broadway; give her an evening job at a converted church teaching tap; mix in a motley crew of left-footed… More Stepping Out might be considered a textbook exercise in screenwriting cliche: take Mavis Turner (Liza Minnelli), a woman who "coulda been a contenda" had she pursued her dreams of appearing on Broadway; give her an evening job at a converted church teaching tap; mix in a motley crew of left-footed cardboard-cutouts too rhythmically challenged for her to train; add a charity performance organized by a snooty old ruler-of-the-world-type (Nora Dunn) who thinks they're too klutzy to participate; watch the motley crew turn into a well-oiled dance machine in time to steal the show, prove the snob wrong and overcome their personal problems along the way (not to mention Mavis')...and somehow, in spite of it all, it actually manages to be a rather entertaining film. The entire production is so cheesy and exaggeratedly "Broadway" that it provides more than its share of amusement, intentional or otherwise; the fact that Minnelli turns in an infectiously good-humored performance doesn't hurt, either. ~ Jeremy Beday, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 53 min.
Directed By: Lewis Gilbert
Genres: Musical & Performing Arts, Comedy

In Theaters: Sep 30, 1991 Wide
On DVD: Mar 26, 1992

No Critic Reviews Found…

Featured Audience Ratings

jay n

Very likable little comic drama gives Liza a nice showcase for her considerable dancing skills, her singing is a matter of opinion but she can belt a number across like few others. The supporting cast is a good one all with little quirks, Shelley Winters stands out with some truly… More
Very likable little comic drama gives Liza a nice showcase for her considerable dancing skills, her singing is a matter of opinion but she can belt a number across like few others. The supporting cast is a good one all with little quirks, Shelley Winters stands out with some truly affecting moments.
David S

An enjoyable 'let's do the show right here' film based on a play. Gilbert is mostly remembered for his Bond films and Alfie but in the 80's and 90's he did a few adapatations of plays to films, including 'Educating Rita' and 'Noises Off'.… More
An enjoyable 'let's do the show right here' film based on a play. Gilbert is mostly remembered for his Bond films and Alfie but in the 80's and 90's he did a few adapatations of plays to films, including 'Educating Rita' and 'Noises Off'. This has a great ensemble and you end up caring for them and hoping they do well. It also ends with some brilliant dance routines. However it is Minnelli who shines here. She is adorable as the teacher and you can't help but warm to her. If you like dance and comedy with real heart you can't go far wrong with this.

Cast

            Liza Minnelli as Mavis Turner

            Shelley Winters as Mrs. Fraser

            Ellen Greene as Maxine

            Julie Walters as Vera

            Sheila McCarthy as Andy

            Robyn Stevan as Sylvia

            Jane Krakowski as Lynne

            Andrea Martin as Dorothy

            Carol Woods as Rose

            Luke Reilly as Patrick

            Nora Dunn as Pam Leichner

            Eugene Robert Glazer as Frank

            Lesley Ballantyne as Dancer

            Kristi Breen as Dancer

            Lynda Champagne as Dancer

            Angelo Colavecchia as Electrician

            Michael DeSadeleer as Michael

            Lili Francks as Dancer

            Steve Girardi as Dancer

            Vanessa Harwood as Ballerina

            Charles Hayter as Priest

            Anne Hodgkinson as Dancer

            Candace Jennings as Dancer

            Janet Kloeble as Dancer

            Geza Kovacs as Jerry

            Brian Leonard as Bongo Player

            Dean McDermott as Young Man at Bar

            Bonnie Monaghan as Dancer

            Gladys O'Connor as 2nd Patient

            William Orlowski as Dancer

            Madeline Paul as Dancer

            Raymond Rickman as Alan

            Stella Sprowell as 1st Patient

            Tara Young as Dancer

            David Harvey as Stage Door Keeper

            William Irwin as Geoffrey

            Peter Howard as Master of Ceremonies
See full cast