For the Boys

38% of critics liked it

67% of users liked it

Bette Midler, James Caan
In theaters Nov 22, 1991
R, 2 hr.

Movie Info

Cast: Bette Midler, James Caan, George Segal, Patrick O'Neal, Chris Rydell, Brandon Call, Arye Gross, Thom Adcox, Xander Berkeley, Andrew Bilgore
Director: Mark Rydell
Rated: R
Running Time: 2 hr.
Genre: Drama, Comedy
Theater Release: Nov 22, 1991
DVD Release: Apr 17, 2001
Synopsis: Bette Midler stars as a Martha Raye-type entertainer during the World War II era in this big-budget nostalgia piece. Midler plays big-band singer Dixie Leonard, who is chosen to perform at an overseas USO Christmas show by her uncle Art Silver (George Segal), a comedy writer for famed comedian Eddie Sparks (James Caan). Dixie is shuttled to London, where she is thrown on-stage with Eddie, who takes an immediate dislike to her. But her performance is a sensation, and the audience can't stop

Critic Reviews

  • Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
    Never a subtle director, Rydell goes for the obvious and sentimental. Starring Bette Midler and James Caan. his musical chronicle is not so much nostalgic as it is banal, reducing major events in American history to the level of personal feuds. More...
  • Carol Cling, Las Vegas Review-Journal
    Hokey and sentimental, but Midler's divine. More...
  • Clint Morris, Moviehole
    A very enaging, ultimately satisfying drama with two knockout performances More...
  • Andrew Howe, eFilmCritic.com
    There are moments when you might find yourself moved beyond reasonable expectation. More...
  • Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly
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  • Janet Maslin, New York Times
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