Turning Point (1977)

Mikhail Baryshnikov made his film debut in this lightweight but entertaining drama about the relationship between a renowned ballerina (Anne Bancroft) and the woman (Shirley MacLaine) who had trained with her but had given up dance to become a wife, mother, and teacher. Between MacLaine's envy over her friend's career and the attention her own ballerina daughter (Leslie Browne) is getting, MacLaine's character goes through a complicated crisis. The two actresses carry the story very well and probably camouflage its thinness; they even make a somewhat condescending climax involving a catfight seem like a good idea. A subplot involving a developing romance between the virginal Browne and Baryshnikov's womanizer makes for pretty window dressing. More memorable are dance sequences featuring each in splendid performance. Baryshnikov's leaps are something to behold. --Tom Keogh Amazon.com essential video

A Storm of Vulgar Language and Vulgar Emotions

I am very surprised that this movie had this high ratings. I may agree with others on the right casting, but this was not my genre. I mean, I love watching ballet but I hated to see ballet connected with divorce, alcohol, sexual relationships before marriage, jealous, mean words and actions, and swearing words. It was a very ugly movie with a beautiful ballet. The dance was exquisite but I didn't enjoy it at all because I didn't like the characters at all. When my daughter covered her ears, I had to turn it off. The peace came back as soon as it was shut off. I picked this movie because it was on the government's pick list, but I don't think my Heavenly Father wants me to watch this again. October 15, 2008

spp

I love this movie!! It didn't get the credit it deserved!! The fight scene between Shirley MacLaine and Anne Bancroft is hilarious! October 14, 2008

Great Tender Movie

I hadn't seen this movie in over 10 years, but even though there were some slow scenes, I'll still watch this movie again and again. The dancing was wonderful, and Leslie Brown's dancing sparkled. Youthful, Mikhail Baryshnikov was fantastic, as usual. I also loved the rest of the cast. I'm very happy with my purchase. May 15, 2008

Catfights On Tiptoe

This is another one of those movies you will not forget, and probably hold dearly because it attaches itself to our own subconscious levels of doubts, fears, regrets, and high ambitions. What better way to display and exploit those human frailties than by a modern tale of two close friends bond together for life in the face of roads torn apart. The plot need not be discussed here because it is the stars Shirley Maclaine and Anne Bancroft that illuminate this vehicle. The supporting cast shine around them both, and the setting of the ballet ciruit is the lively backdrop for these two actress pros to wallow. Just sit back, and expect to giggle at what could be the best lesson in bitter rivalry among the best of friends. Top notch! April 27, 2008

Ballet and more

Wonderful movie shows consequences of choices and why we should not second guess them afterward. Shirley Mc Laine and Anne Bancroft portrayed their characters very well. And as always Mikael Barishnokov was fantastic. love to watch him move, what a wonderful dancer. April 18, 2008

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