Friday Night at the Movies: Tootsie

What do you get when you cross a hopelessly straight starving actor with a dynamite red sequined dress? You get America's hottest new actress!

Come kick off the first Friday Night at the Movies for the year by revisiting a classic Academy winning dramadey from when they really knew how to make ‘em! On Friday, September 21st, we will be showing “Tootsie” (1982) starring Dustin Hoffman as Michael Dorsey AND Dorothy Michaels and Jessica Lange as his/her love interest. The film was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, winning only Best Supporting Actress for Lange, though it garnered other prestigious awards besides Oscar. The film is filled with wonderful roles by actors/actresses you know and love, often at the start of their careers, such as Bill Murray in a hilarious non-credited role, Teri Garr, Dabney Coleman, Geena Davis, and, of course, director Sydney Pollack in a great role as Michael’s agent.

If you haven’t seen “Tootsie,” you’re missing out on a great film; if you have seen it, it has probably been awhile so come view it afresh and participate in an after-film discussion led by Sue Thornquist, a film teacher at Downers Grove South.

Popcorn, soft drinks, dessert and coffee provided; $2 donation suggested. Film start time: 7:30p. See you at the movies!

Plot Summary (adapted from imdb.com)
Michael Dorsey is an unemployed actor with an impossible reputation. In order to find work and fund his friend's play he dresses as a woman, Dorothy Michaels, and lands the part in a daytime drama. Dorsey loses himself in this female role and essentially becomes Dorothy Michaels, understanding her struggles and captivating women all around the city. He/She becomes an inspiration to women to be independent and confident and not bullied by anyone, especially guys like the real Dorsey and many of the men who work on the soap opera. On the downside, however, this newfound role lands Dorsey in a hot spot between a female friend/ 'lover,' a female co-star he falls in love with, that co-star's father who falls in love with him, and a male co-star who yearns for his affection. Sound like a hot mess?—it is!, but the resolution of this hilarious story is both creative and satisfying!