Forget this film existed---I don't recall it even getting that much attention when it came out---and what little it did was mainly because Sammy Davis and a lot of classic old-school tap dancers were in it. Most importantly, it was able to preserve their performances (and the art of tap itself) on film, which is great.
shareSo many great dancers in this movie.
I knew Gregory Hines a tiny bit, so I paid a lot attention to this movie when it came out. He was very famous in Hollywood, and much loved... which is why although his heart belonged to tap & Broadway, he did many non-dancing roles that were huge hits. His movies with Gene Wilder made lots of money. I often wondered how he & Whitney got along in "Waiting to Exhale". That movie also made a huge amount of money, but it slipped under the radar at awards time.
I guess dancing movies had limited audiences. Fortunately Gregory had so much talent and charisma, his acting seemed to come naturally to him. He was also an excellent singer! The guy was truly amazing.
The powers-that-be tried to build him up as a star. Remember the movie with Gregory & Baryshnikov called "White Night"? I guess they figured with two of the greatest dancers on the planet they had an automatic hit. All the political stuff was rather boring though, and Mikhail never was much of an actor. The dance sequences are awesome though.
Anyway, "Tap" is great for the showcase of not only Gregory & Savion, but the older dancers like Harold Nicholas & Sandman Sims. Wow. This movie is history.
Savion Glover is about 14 or 15 years old in this movie? Another genius.
Gonna have to buy this movie so I can speed thru the dialogue and just watch the dance bits. Gregory is always incredible, but so is everyone else in this movie. Awesome stuff.
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I cannot believe more people have not commented on this movie. It's really sad.
Sammy Davis Jr. and Etta James!! I'm not a fan of dance in general, but I am a fan of art of any variety if it's done well, and with spirit. This movie sure schooled me in dance, and that it's not all a flamboyant, costume laden charade.
shareOn that channel on June 25. Enjoying.
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