The Fabulous Baker Boys Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two piano-playing brothers hire a singer who’s way too hot for their lounge act, and suddenly everyone’s feelings get in the way of their ‘fabulous’ careers.

🍿 The Fabulous Baker Boys: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Stale Act of the Fabulous Baker Boys

Frank and Jack Baker, brothers and a piano duo, are struggling to keep their lounge act afloat in Seattle. Frank, the elder brother, is the responsible one, managing the business and clinging to their established, albeit outdated, repertoire. Jack, the younger and more talented musician, is restless and unfulfilled, yearning for more authentic jazz.

A Singer Enters the Scene: Susie Diamond

Facing dwindling gigs, Frank decides to add a singer to the act. After a series of disastrous auditions, Susie Diamond, a former escort with a raw talent and captivating stage presence, walks in. She brings a much-needed spark and sex appeal to the Fabulous Baker Boys, revitalizing their performances and attracting larger audiences.

Success and Growing Tensions

The trio’s success escalates, landing them bigger venues and more lucrative opportunities. However, Susie’s presence creates tension between the brothers. Frank worries about the potential romantic entanglement between Jack and Susie, while Susie’s honesty forces both brothers to confront their individual frustrations and stifled ambitions.

Romantic Entanglements and a Breaking Point

Despite initial resistance, Jack and Susie give in to their feelings and have a brief affair. The increased tension culminates in a heated argument after a demeaning telethon performance. Jack, finally fed up with the compromises and his brother’s controlling nature, lashes out, leading to a physical altercation and the dissolution of the Fabulous Baker Boys.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jack Baker (Jeff Bridges): A talented but restless jazz pianist stuck in a lounge act with his brother, yearning for artistic freedom.
• Frank Baker (Beau Bridges): The elder, responsible brother who manages the Baker Boys’ act and prioritizes financial stability for his family.
• Susie Diamond (Michelle Pfeiffer): A sultry and talented singer who joins the Baker Boys, shaking up their act and challenging their relationship.
• Nina (Ellie Raab): A lonely, adolescent girl living above Jack, who he cares for and gives piano lessons to.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Susie Diamond: “You look good. You look like shit.” – Susie’s bluntness is shown when greeting Jack, demonstrating her cynical personality.
• Susie Diamond: “Does anyone really want to hear ‘Feelings’ again?” – Expressing her frustration with the band’s stale repertoire and pushing for change.
• Jack Baker: “We’ve never been clowns before.” – Said to Frank, indicating the depth of his disappointment and the brothers’ compromise.
• Susie Diamond: “You know, I had you pegged as a loser the first time I saw you. But I was wrong, you’re worse, you’re a coward.” – Susie confronts Jack with his fear of pursuing his true musical aspirations.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $13,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $18,428,904
• Worldwide Gross: $18,428,904

💥 The Fabulous Baker Boys Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely fell in love with this movie. Michelle Pfeiffer is mesmerizing as Susie Diamond! Her performance of ‘Makin’ Whoopee’ atop the piano is iconic. The tension between the brothers felt so real, and I found myself completely invested in their story. The ending was bittersweet, but perfect. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who loves great music and compelling characters.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of jazz music”
  • “Viewers who enjoy character-driven dramas”
  • “Those who appreciate Michelle Pfeiffer’s performances”
  • “People interested in stories about sibling relationships and artistic pursuits”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Suggestive sexual situations”
  • “Smoking and alcohol use”
  • “Some strong language”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “Michelle Pfeiffer’s captivating performance elevates this otherwise predictable story of sibling rivalry and artistic ambition. Her rendition of ‘Makin’ Whoopee’ is legendary.
• Variety: “While the plot may be familiar, the excellent performances by Jeff and Beau Bridges, along with Pfeiffer’s alluring presence, make ‘The Fabulous Baker Boys’ a memorable and stylish drama.
• RogerEbert.com: “Roger Ebert praised the natural chemistry between the Bridges brothers, adding that this chemistry added to the believably of the movie.

Audience Reactions

Michelle Pfeiffer’s ‘Makin’ Whoopee’ performance is unforgettable!: Viewers consistently praise Michelle Pfeiffer’s captivating performance and the movie’s stylish atmosphere.

The chemistry between the Bridges brothers feels incredibly authentic.: Many appreciate the realistic portrayal of sibling rivalry and the struggles of working together.

Overall Consensus: ‘The Fabulous Baker Boys’ is a stylish and well-acted drama, celebrated for Michelle Pfeiffer’s breakout performance and its compelling exploration of family dynamics and artistic aspirations.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Cinematography)- 1990
2. Golden Globe Award (Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy)- 1990
3. BAFTA Award (Best Cinematography)- 1990

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Michelle Pfeiffer did all of her own singing in the film.”
• “Jeff and Beau Bridges, who play the Baker brothers, are real-life brothers.”
• “Director Steve Kloves is better known for writing the screenplay for several ‘Harry Potter’ movies. This was one of his few directorial efforts.”
• “The movie was filmed on location in Seattle, Washington, which adds to its authenticity.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Fabulous Baker Boys?

The Fabulous Baker Boys is available to rent or buy on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for availability on streaming services or cable providers. You can also purchase the DVD or Blu-ray for physical ownership.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Fabulous Baker Boys, you might like these similar films:

• Sweet and Lowdown (1999): Shares the theme of a talented jazz musician struggling with personal demons and the desire for artistic recognition.
• La La Land (2016): A modern musical drama exploring the challenges and sacrifices involved in pursuing artistic dreams, with a focus on jazz music.
• Coal Miner’s Daughter (1980): A musical biopic about Loretta Lynn that focuses on her rise to fame, her marriage, and struggles with the demands of her career.
• Bird (1988): A biographical film about jazz musician Charlie ‘Bird’ Parker, portraying his musical genius alongside his self-destructive tendencies.

🛒 The Fabulous Baker Boys Related Products

• The Fabulous Baker Boys [Blu-ray]: Experience the film in stunning high definition with this Blu-ray edition, featuring behind-the-scenes content and interviews.
• The Fabulous Baker Boys (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Enjoy the complete soundtrack featuring Michelle Pfeiffer’s iconic performances and Dave Grusin’s original score.
• Michelle Pfeiffer: Hollywood Legends Collection [DVD]: A DVD collection featuring some of Michelle Pfeiffer’s best and well know movies.
• Michelle Pfeiffer Signed Photo: A rare autographed picture of Michelle Pfeiffer. All autographs are genuine.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Makin’ Whoopee” – performed by Michelle Pfeiffer
• “My Funny Valentine” – performed by Michelle Pfeiffer
• “The Look of Love” – performed by Michelle Pfeiffer
• “More Than You Know” – performed by Michelle Pfeiffer
• “People” – performed by Dave Grusin & John F. Hammond
• “Ten Cents a Dance” – performed by Michelle Pfeiffer

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Fabulous Baker Boys (1989) – Ballroom Back Massage Scene (7/11) | Movieclips

Remember the iconic back massage scene? Michelle Pfeiffer and Jeff Bridges are amazing in this scene, I think it’s one of the best in the movie. Check it out!

Audition scene from The Fabulous Baker Boys

Curious about how Susie Diamond landed the gig? This audition scene is amazing, Michelle Pfeiffer really knocks it out of the park. A must see.

“Jack´s Theme” (D. Grusin) transcribed, arr. & perf. by Uwe Karcher

Did you know that one of the best tunes from the movie wasn’t even on the official soundtrack? This fan-made arrangement of ‘Jack’s Theme’ is hauntingly beautiful, you HAVE to hear it!

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