In this ambitious musical saga, unknown USO singer Dixie Leonard (Bette Midler) is teamed up with one of America's beloved song-and-dance men--Eddie Sparks (James Caan)--in England during World War II, beginning a 50-year partnership of music, laughter, and tears. Eddie is a seductive comedian and singer as notorious for his roving eye as he is for his jokes, while Dixie is a feisty but vulnerable and incredibly talented entertainer. Through three wars, a Golden Era television show, the McCarthy trials, and, in later years, an awards ceremony, FOR THE BOYS chronicles the relationship of this perfect onstage, tumultuous offstage couple as it's highlighted by historic events. George Segal adds further complexities to the couple's relationship as Dixie's showbiz uncle who is interrogated during the McCarthy era. With this nostalgic film, director Mark Rydell creates--in the spirit of old MGM musicals laced with a serious, modern look at war--a highly entertaining and touching film. The heroic cinematography, authentic period costumes and sets, and wonderful musical numbers all enhance this gripping melodrama.
In director Mark Rydell's FOR THE BOYS, a USO singer captivates troops and civilians alike. She teams up with one of America's beloved song-and-dance men, and the whole world becomes their stage through three wars and 50 years of music and memories.
Director Mark Rydell had previously directed Bette Midler in the hit film THE ROSE.
Rydell's son, Christopher, plays Bette Midler's son in the film.
Screenwriter Neal Jimenez wrote the screenplay for THE RIVER'S EDGE as well as writing and directing WATERDANCE.
Martha Raye sued the filmmakers of FOR THE BOYS for allegedly basing the film on her life, the story of which she herself had been trying to pitch to Hollywood studios.
Jill Rockow and Michele Burke were the key aging makeup artists. Bob Mills was the makeup artist for Bette Midler. Chuck Hood was the aerial coordinator. Anthony Goldschmidt and Pacific Title did the title design and title opticals.
The soundtrack features a previously unrecorded Hoagy Carmichael/Paul Francis Webster tune called "Billy A-Dick," as well as songs by Midler.
DVD Features:
Region 1
Keep Case
Anamorphic Widescreen - 1.85
Letterbox - 1.85
Audio:
Dolby Digital 4.1 - English
Dolby Digital Mono 2.0 - French
Dolby Surround - English
Additional Release Material:
Trailers:
1. Original Theatrical Trailers (2)
2. TV Spots (4)
3. Previews - Fox Flix
Interactive Features:
Interactive Menus
Scene Selection
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Review 1:
"...A custom-tailored showcase for [Midler's] talents....Midler has wisely taken the bull by the horns..."
Source: New York Times
p.C12 11/22/1991
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