The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985)

Director:

Woody Allen

Writer:

Woody Allen (written by)

Release Date:

2 May 1985 (Australia)

Genre:

Fantasy | Comedy | Romance

Tagline:

She's finally met the man of her dreams. He's not real but you can't have everything. [Video]

Plot:

In 1930s New Jersey, a movie character walks off the screen and into the real world.

Plot Keywords:

Actor Meets Character | Surreal Romance | Unemployment | City Name In Title | Nostalgic

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar. Another 14 wins & 11 nominations

Cast

Mia Farrow	...	Cecilia
Jeff Daniels	...	Tom Baxter / Gil Shepherd
Danny Aiello	...	Monk
Irving Metzman	...	Theater Manager
Stephanie Farrow	...	Cecilia's Sister
David Kieserman	...	Diner Boss
Elaine Grollman	...	Diner Patron
Victoria Zussin	...	Diner Patron
Mark Hammond	...	Diner Patron
Wade Barnes	...	Diner Patron
Joseph G. Graham	...	Diner Patron
Don Quigley	...	Diner Patron
Maurice Brenner	...	Diner Patron
Paul Herman	...	Penny Pitcher
Rick Petrucelli	...	Penny Pitcher

Runtime:

82 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White | Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Iceland:L | Brazil:12 | Netherlands:AL | Argentina:Atp | Chile:TE | Finland:K-8 | France:U | Israel:PG | Singapore:PG | Spain:T | Sweden:Btl | UK:PG | USA:PG | West Germany:12

Filming Locations:

Bertrand Island Amusement Park, Mount Arlington, New Jersey, USA

Trivia:

Woody Allen has said more than once that this is his favorite of the movies he's made.

Goofs:

Crew or equipment visible: As Cecilia and Gil play and sing in the music store, the camera casts a shadow in the lower left that disappears as it pulls back to a wide angle shot.

Quotes:

Tom Baxter: It's so impulsive, but... I'll come. Why not? What's life without a little risk taking? Who knows?

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Saturday Night Live: Jason Alexander/Peter Gabriel (#18.17)" (1993)

Soundtrack:

Cheek to Cheek

A real gem

Cecelia (Mia Farrow) lives in a small factory town in New Jersey during the Great Depression. Her husband Monk (Danny Aiello) is an out-of-work, abusive, drunken lummox whom she supports by various working odd jobs and waiting tables. Her escape from the harsh realities of life is patronizing the local movie theater (due to her many visits, she is well known there). Until one film changes her outlook, "The Purple Rose of Cairo." After viewing the film several times, explorer Tom Baxter (Jeff Daniels), decides to confront Cecelia by walking off the screen! He is subsequently taken by her, and the wonders of the real world, but he struggles to adapt to the latter. Meanwhile, Hollywood, the film's star Gil Shepherd (also played by Daniels), and the characters of the film-within-a-film, are desperately trying to figure out what is going on and what to do as Cecelia and Tom roam new Jersey.

This is a film that succeeds on may levels. It is both lighthearted and bittersweet. It evokes the golden age of cinema and the power of films; as Cecelia stares in wonder at the celluloid images flashing on screen, so do we. Allen manages to tackle subjects like God, human relationships, fantasy, escapism, and the realities of life all in one film. All-in-all, it proves to be a satisfying emotional experience. Don't let this one slip away!