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Shirley Valentine
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Synopsis
Since its London and Broadway stage debut, playwright Willy Russell's Shirley Valentine has proven an excellent showcase for any number of talented actresses (Loretta Swit won the 1989 Sarah Siddons Award for her work in the Chicago production). In the film version of Shirley Valentine, Pauline Collins re-creates the role that had previously brought her theatrical fame and a Tony Award. Spending the bulk of the film speaking directly to the audience, the titular Shirley (Collins), a middle-aged Liverpool housewife, reveals her innermost thoughts and fears in a manner that is both insouciant and poignant. Once an incorrigible anti-establishment rebel, Shirley now chafes under the plodding insensitivity of her husband Joe (Bernard Hill). Her life enters a new and exciting phase when, after her best friend Jane (Alison Steadman) wins an all-expenses-paid vacation to Greece, Shirley is given the opportunity to travel to faraway places without her husband. Shirley Valentine represents the second felicitous collaboration between playwright Willy Russell and director Lewis Gilbert; the first was the equally marvelous Educating Rita (1983). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Cast

Tracie Bennett Milandra Bradshaw
Pauline Collins Shirley Valentine-Bradshaw
Tom Conti Costas Caldes
Catherine Duncan Young Marjorie
Bernard Hill Joe Bradshaw
Gareth Jefferson Brian Bradshaw
Gillian Kearney Young Shirley
Joanna Lumley Marjorie
Julia McKenzie Gillian
Sylvia Syms Headmistress
Alison Steadman Jane

Production Crew

Alan Hume Cinematographer
John Hadjinassios Composer (Music Score)
Marvin Hamlisch Composer (Music Score)
Willy Russell Composer (Music Score)
Candice Paterson Costume Designer
Lewis Gilbert Director
Lesley Walker Editor
John Dark Executive Producer
Basil Newall Makeup
Harry Rabinowitz Musical Direction/Supervision
Lewis Gilbert Producer
John Stoll Production Designer
Willy Russell Screenwriter
Amanda Ackland-Snow Set Designer
Year: 1989
Runtime: 108
Country: UK
MPAA Rating: R
Category: Feature


Produced by
Paramount

Release
August 30, 1989 (USA)
by Paramount

Awards
1989 - Best Film - British Academy Awards
1989 - Best Film (Musical or Comedy) - Golden Globe
1989 - Best Picture - British Academy of Film and Television
1989 - Best Picture - Musical or Comedy - Golden Globe
1989 - Best Picture - Musical or Comedy - Hollywood Foreign Press Association