For the Boys Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two performers sing and bicker through every major American war, proving that even global conflict can’t kill a dysfunctional show biz partnership.

🍿 For the Boys: Detailed Plot Synopsis

World War II: The Beginning

Eddie Sparks, a popular but somewhat abrasive comedian, seeks a singer/dancer to join his USO tour during World War II. He reluctantly hires Dixie Leonard, a talented but relatively unknown performer. Their initial interactions are rocky, marked by clashing personalities and comedic styles, but they quickly find success as a duo, entertaining troops in North Africa and the Pacific.

Post-War Success and the Red Scare

Following WWII, Eddie and Dixie continue their partnership, achieving greater fame and success. However, their careers are threatened by the rise of McCarthyism. Eddie’s writer, Art Silver, Dixie’s uncle, is blacklisted for his political views, and Eddie makes the difficult decision to fire him to protect his own career. This causes a rift between Eddie and Dixie, leading to a temporary split in their partnership.

Vietnam and Tragedy

Years later, Eddie and Dixie reunite to entertain troops in Vietnam. During a performance, tragedy strikes when Dixie’s son, Danny, now a soldier, is killed in action. Blaming Eddie for influencing Danny to join the military, Dixie severs all ties with him. The film explores the devastating impact of war on personal relationships and the differing perspectives on patriotism.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Dixie Leonard (Bette Midler): A talented singer and dancer who becomes a USO entertainer and navigates a complex relationship with her comedy partner across several decades and wars.
• Eddie Sparks (James Caan): A popular but self-absorbed comedian who partners with Dixie Leonard for USO tours, struggling with personal and professional conflicts throughout his career.
• Art Silver (George Segal): Dixie’s uncle and Eddie’s writer, who gets caught up in the McCarthy era and faces professional repercussions.
• Danny Leonard (Christopher Rydell): Dixie’s son, who develops a close relationship with Eddie before enlisting in the military and tragically dying in Vietnam.
• Jeff Brooks (Arye Gross): A production assistant who seeks to convince Dixie Leonard to reunite with Eddie Sparks for a television special.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dixie: “Well… alone in the dark with thousands of men. There is a God after all!” – Dixie jokes with the troops during a power outage at one of their shows.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $40,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $17,860,280
• Worldwide Gross: $23,202,444

💥 For the Boys Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘For the Boys’ when I was younger and being completely captivated by Bette Midler’s portrayal of Dixie Leonard. The scenes where she sang for the troops were so powerful and emotional, especially ‘In My Life’. It made me appreciate the sacrifices made by entertainers who bring joy to soldiers in wartime. I found myself laughing and crying throughout the whole film. The ending, though bittersweet, left a lasting impression.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Bette Midler”
  • “Those interested in war dramas with musical elements”
  • “Viewers who appreciate stories about USO entertainers”
  • “Those interested in historical dramas covering WWII, Korea, and Vietnam”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “War violence”
  • “Death of a child”
  • “Mild language”
  • “Suggestive humor”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “For the Boys has moments that soar, driven by Midler’s powerful performance, but the script feels overstuffed, trying to tackle too many issues at once, resulting in a disjointed narrative. The film’s emotional impact is diluted by its ambition.
• New York Times: “While Bette Midler shines as the strong-willed Dixie Leonard, James Caan struggles to capture the comedic essence of Eddie Sparks. The movie is a heartfelt tribute to entertainers who serve, but the political commentary is heavy-handed.
• Los Angeles Times: “For the Boys delivers a familiar, if somewhat predictable, wartime drama with strong performances. Midler’s vocal performances add a poignant layer to the story, yet the film’s overall impact is lessened by its overly sentimental and simplistic approach to complex issues.

Audience Reactions

Bette Midler’s performance is phenomenal; she is able to show a wide range of emotions.: The movie’s strengths lie in its musical performances and emotional depth.

It’s a great exploration of the sacrifices made by those who entertain in war.: The film does a good job showing the realities of war.

Overall Consensus: For the Boys is a powerful war-time film that features musical performance and complex emotions.

Awards

1. Golden Globe Award (Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy)- 1992

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Many reviewers felt that James Caan was miscast as comedian Eddie Sparks and wondered why George Segal wasn’t cast in the role instead.”
• “The film spans several decades, requiring extensive makeup to age the characters, which was a notable challenge for the makeup department.”
• “Bette Midler’s performance earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress.”

🖥️ How to Watch For the Boys?

As of today, ‘For the Boys’ is available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your preferred streaming service for availability, as options may change.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed For the Boys, you might like these similar films:

• Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942): A classic musical biography about a patriotic entertainer, similar to the focus on show business and American spirit.
• White Christmas (1954): Features entertainers coming together to support veterans, echoing the USO themes of For the Boys.
• The Rose (1979): Another Bette Midler film exploring the life of a performer, with its triumphs and personal struggles.

🛒 For the Boys Related Products

• For the Boys [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]: The complete soundtrack features Bette Midler’s vocals. Experience the musical journey with classic songs from the WWII era to the Vietnam War. Includes a digital booklet.
• Bob Hope: Thanks for the Memories: A comprehensive look at the life and career of Bob Hope, exploring his work with the USO. Includes rare footage and interviews with fellow comedians.
• War Movies: 5-Film Collection (DVD): A curated collection of classic war films, offering a broader context to the wartime settings in ‘For the Boys.’
• Bette Midler – Experience The Divine: 20 Greatest Hits (CD): An awesome collection of hits spanning Bette Midler’s career, showcases her vocals and comedic skills.

🎧 Soundtrack

For the Boys features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Stuff Like That There” – performed by Bette Midler
• “P.S. I Love You” – performed by Bette Midler
• “Come Rain or Come Shine” – performed by Bette Midler
• “In My Life” – performed by Bette Midler

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

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