The Turning Point
(1997)
Anne's Niche: Actress
Character: Emma Jacklin
Cast and Crew
My Too Cents: Fabulous movie. There are a couple things that could have been left out and don't go along with Shirley MacLain's character. It not only is a good and interesting story about life choices and family vs. career, but it is very reflective of it's time. Youth in the 70's is what I mean. There are some really funny parts, too. Like for example when MacLain's daughter is drunk and has to still perform and Anne is putting her on when it is needed and pulling her off to go throw up.
Synopsis:
___The American Ballet Theatre
is touring the US and makes a stop in Oklahoma City. The company's star is
Bancroft, painfully thin, dedicated to dance, and having very little life away
from her work. Living in DC is her former associate, MacLaine, who opted for
love and marriage 20 years before when they were rivals for the prima ballerina
role in the company. MacLaine is married to Skerritt; they have three children
and a successful ballet school. MacLaine goes to the performance and is bothered
by her choice in life. Had she stayed with the ABT and continued, would that
prima ballerina on the stage be her and not Bancroft? MacLaine introduces
19-year-old daughter Browne to Bancroft, who recognizes herself and MacLaine
in the ambitious girl. Bancroft arranges an audition for Browne, and she is
accepted. As the new season approaches, Browne bids farewell to her parents and
goes to New York to prepare for her work in the ABT. Bancroft has been a star
for many years, and the time has come for her to hang up her tutu. The leading
roles are being given to younger ballerinas, and Bancroft realizes that the
moment is near when she will begin to teach more than dance. This is depressing
for Bancroft, and she wonders if MacLaine didn't make the right decision by
marrying Skerritt way back then. Browne is comfortably ensconced in New York by
now and has been joined by MacLaine, apparently as a chaperone. But the truth is
that MacLaine wants to see if she did right by leaving the ballet. Browne is the
lever between the women as they both coach her in various regimens while keeping
an eye on each other.
(TV Guide)
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