Little Voice

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Little Voice ★★★ 1998 (R)

Little Voice (Horrocks) misses her dead father so much that she withdraws from the world, communicating only by singing along with the records Dad loved. Whether it's Judy Garland, Shirley Bassey, or Edith Piaf, “LV” can match the voice exactly. When her mom's (Blethyn) sleazy talentagent boyfriend (Caine) hears her, he knows she's the ticket to fame and fortune. Little Voice has no desire to be a star, so she clams up whenever there's an audience. Club owner and weasel Mr. Boo (Broadbent) books her for several shows, including one with a London talent scout on hand, and everyone wonders if she'll sing. Caine and Broadbent do their best to outslime each other and deliver most of the comedy. Horrocks gives a showcase performance, recreating her role from the stage play “The Rise and Fall of Little Voice.” The play was written specifically to take advantage of her spectacular impersonation talents. 97m/C VHS, DVD . GB Jane Horrocks, Michael Caine, Ewan McGregor, Brenda Blethyn, Jim Broadbent, Annette Badland, Philip Jackson; D: Mark Herman; W: Mark Herman; C: Andy Collins; M: John Altman. Golden Globes ‘99: Actor—Mus./Comedy (Caine).