Lechuguilla Maureen Stapleton gives a fine performance in this simple and straightforward story of an older woman trying to get on with her life after her husband dies.Stapleton's performance aside, the film has the look and feel of a typical 1970's made-for-TV movie of the week. In addition to period costumes and props, the visuals are very dark. And the background music is annoyingly nondescript. Further, I did not care for the plot device wherein Stapleton's character suddenly bursts into non-melodic song, at odd moments. It seemed unnatural and intrusive.A big part of the plot takes place at the ballroom. Here, the filmmaker could have included well-known songs from the big band era, songs that viewers could identify with. But, for whatever reason, the filmmaker passed up this opportunity, and chose instead more nondescript music that quickly becomes tiresome.Although this film is not bad, it was a disappointment to me. But other viewers may find interest in it, especially if they're looking for a low-key, sentimental story, or a film with a fine performance from Maureen Stapleton.

tforbes-2 This low-key, unassuming movie is clearly a true gem from the mid-1970s! It is remarkable such a movie could be produced at a time when rock music prevailed. Indeed, the scene when Maureen Stapleton's character is criticised by her daughter for her appearance (coloured hair, makeup) points up to the unreasonable expectations of age.And indeed, we see the effort Ms. Stapleton's character makes in being her own woman. It mirrors what teens were going through then and now.This movie would hit home for me in another way, in that I am reminded of older relatives who would tune in to see "The Lawrence Welk Show." The dance hall scenes look much like the show, though this setting is in New York City. The big band music works very well here, and is well done.And the singing! Ms. Stapleton does a decent job, and Charles Durning is fantastic! You might indeed wonder if Lawrence Welk himself might have wanted Mr. Durning as one of his singers! No matter what, this is one of the best movies to come out in 1975!

Poseidon-3 Love in the autumn years is examined in this tender, yet matter-of-fact, TV-movie that is presented as a quasi-musical. Stapleton plays a widow, used to catering to her husband's needs instead of her own, who begins to blossom under the mirror ball of a local dance hall, The Stardust. Reluctant at first to take part in the festivities, she is approached by sweet-natured mailman Durning and coerced into dancing. Soon, she has revitalized her life and herself, sometimes to the consternation of her sister Rae and her two grown children Sanders and Brandon. She and Durning strike up a late in life relationship that includes an unforeseen challenge or two. Stapleton, an actress who can say more than a lot of other ones with merely a glance or a faraway stare, does an excellent job throughout. The nature of the teleplay forces her to speak-sing a couple of numbers and this takes some getting used to, but once that conceit is adjusted to, it becomes less jarring. Durning, who is excellent as well in an atypical role for him, also has to do an internalized number and, like Stapleton, overcomes the obvious lack of a truly strong musical theatre voice. They make a charming and believable pair worth rooting for. Brandon, in a smallish role as Stapleton's long-haired, caring son, establishes a nice rapport with her. Sanders and Rae are on hand to offer some mild antagonism. The ballroom offers a wide array of amusing types, mostly past-their-prime folks who take pleasure in gussying up and tripping the light fantastic with one another. The dancing sequences (which aren't particularly elaborate, but are appropriate) were staged by no less than Marge Champion! In late 1978, this material was reworked a little (most of the songs replaced and new ones added, including the stunning "Fifty Percent") into the one-act Broadway musical "Ballroom", which starred Dorothy Loudon and Vincent Gardenia and was helmed by Michael Bennett. Compared to the smashing success of Bennett's prior "A Chorus Line", the show was deemed a disappointment and closed after 116 performances.

edwagreen True to life. Durning and Stapleton, the chemistry is perfect. Durning and Stapleton are phenomenal. A story for our times. Such comments are more than adequate for this fine story.Bea Asher is widowed at middle age. She sings of her loneliness and the deprivation brought about by her husband's passing.Bea is about to settle down to a grim widowhood, when a waitress, in a restaurant, tells her that you start living once your husband has died.Though this statement is shocking, Bea goes with the woman to the Stardust Ballroom, a carefree lounge where couples dance to their pleasure. While there, Bea meets postman Al Green and the two are a match made up in heaven. Bea dances up a storm, changes that gray hair to bright red and becomes a live-wire not quite almost as Stapleton depicted in Woody Allen's "Interiors." Life has more meaning now, despite the anger conveyed by her pristine daughter and sister, Helen, shown in a memorable scene by Charlotte Rae.The ending may be considered a downer but the author really had nowhere else to go. Available on DVD, see this film. It will warm your heart and get those shoes out for some fine dancing!