A Chorus Line

Name: A Chorus Line
Genre: Drama, Comedy, Musical
Released: December 9, 1985
Duration: 113 min
Rating: 46
Cast: Michael Douglas, Terrence Mann

1985

METASCORE

Mixed or average reviews based on 13 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 13 Ratings

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6.8

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6.8	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 13 Ratings

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A Chorus Line

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Movie Details & Credits

Columbia Pictures | Release Date: December 9, 1985 | PG-13

Starring: Michael Douglas, Terrence Mann

Summary: Based on the Tony Award winning play which also won the Pulitzer Prize. Auditionees for a Broadway chorus line reveal their innermost thoughts and emotions in song and dance before a hard-boiled director. (MGM)

Director: Richard Attenborough

Genre(s): Drama, Comedy, Musical

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 113 min

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Critic Reviews

Roger Ebert

This is one of the most intelligent and compelling movie musicals in a long time - and the most grown up. Read full review

Gene Siskel

A classic play has been reduced a decent movie. It's a shame it couldn't be as good as the play; it's a small pleasure that it's as entertaining as it is. [20 Dec 1985]

Staff (Not Credited)

Chorus often seems static and confined, rarely venturing beyond the immediate. Attenborough merely films the stage show as best he could. Read full review

TV Guide Magazine Staff (Not Credited)

Director Attenborough's film version has a couple of pleasant numbers which serve as oases amidst the dullness. Read full review

Richard Corliss

The film, though, lies dormant in its own decency. Read full review

Sheila Benson

In this stately and fairly slavish representation, directed by Richard Attenborough, what pokes through with the pain of a broken bone is how thin the material really is. [12 Dec 1985]

Julie Salamon

When director Richard Attenborough isn't mangling dance numbers, he's focusing on a love story expressed almost entirely by means of close-ups of moony faces and teary eyes. [12 Dec 1985]

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User Reviews

JamesH

Nov 16, 2009

I feel like I am the only person that really liked this movie. What's odd about that is I am usually someone who doesn't like musicals. I thought the dancing, choreography and acting was quite good. Fine casting, always entertaining.

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talisencrw

Apr 10, 2016

For what it is--a slice-of-life of a group of people, trying to make the big-time and at least be able to say that they were on Broadway--it's a fine work. I admit I haven't seen the stage play--which many sources say is far superior to this filmic adaptation.

I'm rather surprised that:For what it is--a slice-of-life of a group of people, trying to make the big-time and at least be able to say that they were on Broadway--it's a fine work. I admit I haven't seen the stage play--which many sources say is far superior to this filmic adaptation.

I'm rather surprised that: a) Michael Douglas gets star status here, or is even involved. He doesn't dance here. The film would have worked so much better if it showed his character showing some dance moves and getting across to the dancers what he wanted. Both his character would have connected better with the dancers, and he would have connected better with filmgoers; and b) that Lord Richard Attenborough got involved with this: It's definitely not his forte or cup of tea. Perhaps he wanted to expand his directorial palette, or that some of his influences were masters of the genre, such as Lubitsch or Minnelli. Personally, I wish I knew, for he has done much better work in his career.

Overall, not one of the better of contemporary (post-1970) musicals, but worth seeing once, if renting or seeing that it's coming on TV. Not a top purchase priority, unless you are a Douglas or Attenborough completest, and then prepare to be disappointed.… Expand

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