For the Boys

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For the Boys ★★ 1991 (R)

Midler stars as Dixie Leonard, a gutsy singer-comedian who hooks up with Eddie Sparks (Caan) to become one of America's favorite USO singing, dancing, and comedy teams. The movie spans 50 years and three wars—including Korea and Vietnam—and raises such issues as the blacklist and the role of politics in showbiz. Glitzy Hollywood entertainment falters despite Midler's strong performance. ♫Billy-A-Dick; Come Rain or Come Shine; In My Life; Stuff Like That There. 120m/C VHS, DVD . Bette Midler, James Caan, George Segal, Patrick O'Neal, Christopher Rydell, Arye Gross, Norman Fell, Rosemary Murphy, Dori Brenner, Bud Yorkin, Jack Sheldon, Melissa Manchester, Brandon Call, Arliss Howard; D: Mark Rydell; W: Marshall Brickman, Neal Jimenez, Lindy Laub; C: Stephen Goldblatt; M: Dave Grusin. Golden Globes ‘92: Actress—Mus./Comedy (Midler).