Stepping Out

I've never been a big fan of Liza Minelli.  Love her mom, but Liza herself is just a little too much for me.  So I was pleasantly surprised by a picture of hers I saw recently called "Stepping Out".  Based on a stage play and released in 1991, apparently it never did much in theaters.  And that's really too bad, because it's a gem.  Simply put - it's the story of a tap dance instructor and the members of her class as they deal with their individual challenges while preparing for a charity show.  It's both sweet and funny, and it's got a terrific sound track, with songs by Kander and Ebb, among others and plenty of tap dancing.  It also has a cast that is to die for - Ellen Green, Bill Irwin, Jane Krakowski, Andrea Martin, Julie Walters, and Shelley Winters.  And of course there's Liza.  It's a great performance, both restrained and determined.  And there's a special number at the end where she and the rest of her squad really let loose.  A fabulous and joyful movie.  I highly recommend.