QUEEN OF THE STARDUST BALLROOM

US, 1975, 100 minutes, Colour.
Maureen Stapleton, Charles Durning, Michael Brandon.
Directed by Sam O'Steen.

Queen of the Stardust Ballroom is a gentle telemovie of the mid-'70s. It is an excellent star vehicle for Maureen Stapleton. A young Charles Durning is good in support - illustrating his skills as a dancer (which he was before turning to acting).

The film has a New York flavour (contrasting with California). It is a story of a widow, middle to old age, the opportunity for a new life. However, the relationship between Bea and Al is complicated by the fact that he is married (and is not resolved except by the surprise ending).

There is a gentleness about the film, a deep humanity (with the comic American style and its extraverted nature). There is a special device whereby Bea and eventually Al sing, or speak words to song melody, giving the film a poignancy with its stylised communication. The film was directed by Sam O'Steen, who has acted mainly as an editor for many films and telemovies.

1. Entertaining telemovie? For American audiences? Universal audiences?

2. New York City, the Bronx, the contrast with California? The neighbourhoods? The Stardust Ballroom? The musical score?

3. The device of the songs, the lyrics? Stylised within the naturalistic presentation? The effect on revealing character and themes?

4. The title, the focus on Bea, on the Stardust Ballroom and its impact on its clientele? Her achievement?

5. The portrait of Bea and Maureen Stapleton's screen presence and style? Waiting in the hospital, the death of her husband, the reaction of her children? The collage of scenes of her at home? The lyrics and her song? Devotion to her husband? The reaction of her children, the visits? Her decision to set up a business, the junk? Diane and her primness, wanting her to live with them? David as genial, supporting her ideas, moving to California? Her work in the shop, generous towards the clients and giving them cheaper prices? Her friendships - and being persuaded to go to the Stardust Ballroom? Awkward, the dancing partners? The queen? Meeting Al, resisting him? Deciding to dance, the friendship? Helen and her scolding of her sister, the Chinese meal, busybody, taking her to task for going out, the phone call to Diane? Bea's decision to go out, dye her hair, the yellow dress, going out with Al? Dancing, in love, the affair? The reaction of Diane - but mellowing and the meal together? The visit to California and the support of David and his wife? The return, the bond with Al? The complication of his marriage? Going to the ballroom, the dance, preparing for the competition, being named Queen? The return home - and the quietness of her death?

6. Al, the mailman, married but not telling Bea? Lonely, the ballroom, the dancing? Going home with Bea, the continued dancing, at home, the coffee? The lyrics of his songs? The affair? Separation in California and his eagerness on her return? The competition? The sadness of finding her dead?

7. The friends, the middle-aged women, the Stardust Ballroom as a refuge, joy? The Queen and her morale-boosting? Helping others? The dancers, competition?

8. Diane and her husband, the prim family, looking after Bea? The contrast with David, more open? California, the professorship, his wife pregnant?

9. The portrait of people in middle age, audiences identifying with the characters, the experiences? The new life during widowhood?