The year is 1951.  Young Arte Shoemaker (Tom Hulce), who is failing his pre-Med college courses, takes a job working backstage in Cleveland’s outdoor summer stock theater.  While there, he is befriended by the company’s leading man, Harry Crystal (Frank Langella), an “import” from New York, and he falls in love with Ramona (Glynnis O’Connor), a dancer from the “Big Apple”.

In this coming-of-age story, Arte becomes enchanted with the theatre, yet by summer’s end, he is forced to face the realities of life.

CRITIQUE

Those Lips, Those Eyes is possibly the most honest movie ever made about life in “the theatre”.

The story, presumably inspired by the early life of its screenwriter, David Shaber, is not set in New York, but takes place in Cleveland during a season of summer stock.

Anyone who has ever worked in community theatre or with a theatrical stock company, either backstage or in front of the footlights, should be able to identify with this story and recognize the people who populate it.

Frank Langella is brilliant as Harry Crystal, the talented New York actor, waiting for the “big break” that will finally bring him to Broadway and stardom, but for now he’s been “exiled” to Cleveland for ten weeks to star at the local theater in four classic operettas ( i.e. The Red Mill, The Desert Song, Rose Marie, The Vagabond King).  Harry has an anger simmering deep inside of him that is ready to explode.  He, like so many actors of his ilk, is angry that the world has not recognized his great talent and given him his just due.

“They pay three dollars to see a show here in Cleveland,” he explains.  “They pay six dollars a seat in New York.  I’m a six dollar actor.”

[Remember, we’re talking 1951 ticket prices here.]

Ms. O’Connor is also fine as the dancer, Ramona.  She is, essentially, a lost soul with no particular ambition.  She simply trying to survive. 

Though billed third, Tom Hulce is really the central character in this story, and he brings just the right amount of naiveté to the role of the young man who grows up and changes his life’s direction during one magical summer.

Filmed in Cleveland under the astute direction of Michael Pressman, Those Lips, Those Eyes is enhanced by some nice musical numbers from the four previously listed operettas.

This entertaining film should be required viewing for anybody considering a professional career in the theatre.  Watch and learn.

THE VIDEO

As part of MGM’s “Limited Edition Collection,” this is a “burned,” as opposed to a “pressed” DVD, and is manufactured from the best elements available.

The widescreen picture has no significant problems.

THE AUDIO

The Dolby Digital Sound is a bit low during the first reel or two, but then it becomes crisp and clear.

THE EXTRAS

No extras are included.

FINAL THOUGHT

If you love the theatre, you will love this movie.