I wanted to like "Stepping Out" for its heart and to cheer for the underdogs in the story, members of a Buffalo, N.Y. tap-dancing class who are catapulted onto the stage as part of a big charity event, along with other acts featuring professional dancers. A cursory search reveals that the original play was a hit in London's West End, but a flop on Broadway. The original took place in London. This kind of film has been done before, usually in a sports setting, in films such as the superb "Hoosiers" and "Breaking Away".I'd watch Liza Minnelli in anything, but she doesn't convince me that she's a washed-up Broadway hoofer giving tap classes in a rundown church hall and, with her voice and charisma, a blue-collar bar crooner performing sets with her guitar-playing boy friend. Anyway, niggling aside, here she is, so she's given a couple of musical numbers, one a solo spot in the empty church hall with the stained-glass windows ablaze with colour and a spotlight shining down on her from above. There are two films here. One is a Liza Minnelli showcase. The other is the underdog story: a group of amateur dancers with two left feet get their big chance to strut their stuff, and in the process, learn something about themselves. The problem, for me, is that everyone's a "type". There's Ms. Obssessive Compulsive who will prove that she's just folks, after all; there's Mr. Clumsy Nerd, the only male in the class, picked on by the women, who will finally prove that he's a man; there's Ms. Mouse, and so on. Liza, I must say, is game in this ensemble cast. There's a scene stealer at work, here, and that's Shelley Winters, who is both hilarious and touching as the group's long-suffering piano-player. The long-awaited Big Night performance by the troupe itself is fun and strikes the right balance between being quite good and endearingly goofy.

of course 'Cabaret' can do the same but anyway I really really liked this film a lot and it made me admire Liza because of its subversive message, its exhortation to the folks in the audience to get off of their arses and do something why don't you. Even though there is a big scene that goes to show that there is only one Liza - that amateurs will never replace professionals - yet the film demonstrates in an affecting way how amateur artists frequently bring something quite special to what they do - that sometimes at a most essential level the distinction between a "real" artist and someone just making art or trying to, if you want, is quite irrelevant. I haven't really seen any of the old "let's put on a show" movies. I once remember seeing part of "strike up the band" and thought it was rather dada and anyway it didn't appear to be about amateurism, it appeared to be totally about Judy and Mickey, period. "Stepping Out" is not 2 young virtuosos hopped up on amphetamines on parade!I just loved Liza's performance in this film, every little move she made, Liza, you touched me! Yes, she seemed very genuine I would characterize the performance as "wise". Mavis/Liza. Mavis!!? What of it!Reading other reviews I'm realizing I saw this film so long ago. Heck I'd forgotten about groovy gal Shelley Winters and the other performers. I only remembered that Bill Irwin was in it. Oh Liza, I think it's time for me to watch this one again. I could believe Davis Gest might have extorted sex from the bodyguard who is suing Liza only the bodyguard is probably so dumb he thought DG was Liza! As Gilda said, "Disaster to the wench!" but let's at least have him show his face in the newspapers. I really wonder, who's the victim here!?I'm glad some people gave this movie the maximum stars they could.

This must have been a left over script that Judy turned down, so they dusted it off and gave it to Liza instead. Typical Garland/Rooney story, where a dance troop decides to put on a show, in this case, for a charity. This movie isn't bad, but it gets off to a slow start, and finally becomes entertaining at the end. Of course there are a few dance numbers thrown in for Liza to demonstrate that she can still sing and dance in 1991! She looked too thin, and her complexion wasn't healthy looking. Knowing what we know now, you can probably guess what was up with her looks. The rest of the cast is okay, but I wouldn't want to spend any more time with them. The secondary players weren't that compelling, nor for that mater, was Liza's character.

Often incorrectly classified as a musical, "Stepping Out" is actually a delightful comedy-drama with an excellent ensemble cast. British playwright Richard Harris has Americanized his script and added more detailed plot developments for this film version. It's suitable for the whole family, and definitely worth renting (some night when you don't feel like "Stepping Out"). Everyone is bound to have a favorite in the cast, whether it's Liza herself, veteran actress Shelley Winters, comedian Bill Irwin, or "Ally McBeal's" Jane Krakowski. All turn in hilariously touching performances -- and yes, there is a song-and-dance number at the end, for all you Liza fans! Once you've watched, you'll want everyone to see "Stepping Out"!