The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985)

The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985)
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Woody Allen blurs the the boundaries between the real and unreal in this unique comic fantasy. The scene is a small town in the mid-1930s. Trapped in a dead-end job and an abusive marriage, Cecelia (Mia Farrow) regularly seeks refuge in the local movie house. She becomes so enraptured by the latest attraction, an RKO screwball comedy called The Purple Rose of Cairo, that she returns to the theatre day after day. During one of these visits, the film's main character Tom Baxter (Jeff Daniels), pauses in his dialogue, turns towards the audience, and says to Cecelia, "My God, how you must love this picture." Then he climbs out of the movie, much to the consternation of the rest of the audience and the other characters on screen. Liberated from his customary black-and-white environs, he accompanies Cecelia on a tour of the town, eventually falling in love with her. Meanwhile, the other Purple Rose characters, unable to proceed with the film, carry on a discussion with themselves. Desperately, the RKO executives seek out Gil Shepherd, the actor who played the hero of Purple Rose. Shepherd (also played by Daniels), is sent to Cecelia's hometown to see if he can repair the damage. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Starring:
Mia Farrow, Jeff Daniels, (more)
Director(s):
Woody Allen
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
PG
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of The Purple Rose of Cairo

Woody Allen blurs the the boundaries between the real and unreal in this unique comic fantasy. The scene is a small town in the mid-1930s. Trapped in a dead-end job and an abusive marriage, Cecelia (Mia Farrow) regularly seeks refuge in the local movie house. She becomes so enraptured by the latest attraction, an RKO screwball comedy called The Purple Rose of Cairo, that she returns to the theatre day after day. During one of these visits, the film's main character Tom Baxter (Jeff Daniels), pauses in his dialogue, turns towards the audience, and says to Cecelia, "My God, how you must love this picture." Then he climbs out of the movie, much to the consternation of the rest of the audience and the other characters on screen. Liberated from his customary black-and-white environs, he accompanies Cecelia on a tour of the town, eventually falling in love with her. Meanwhile, the other Purple Rose characters, unable to proceed with the film, carry on a discussion with themselves. Desperately, the RKO executives seek out Gil Shepherd, the actor who played the hero of Purple Rose. Shepherd (also played by Daniels), is sent to Cecelia's hometown to see if he can repair the damage. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
82 mins

Complete Cast of The Purple Rose of Cairo


Director(s):
Woody Allen
Writer(s):
Woody Allen
Producer(s):
Robert Greenhut
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
PG(Adult Situations)
Categories:
Romance, Comedy, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
The Purple Rose of Cairo Awards:
  • 1985 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Picture
  • 1985 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Original Screenplay
  • 1985 - French Academy of Cinema - Best Foreign Film
  • 1985 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Screenplay
  • 1985 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Screenplay
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    Susan D.

    This movie had a great concept, great actors, and a good pace to it. Though at parts it got a bit dull it was still great overall. A wonderful movie to watch once but not a movie to watch over and over again. And don't expect a happy ending, this isn't the movies, after all.

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    Keith G.

    An utterly sweet, inventive and charming film examining our love affair with the movies and our need to escape into fantasy. For me, it lacks some of the depth and complexity of my very favorite of Allen's films. It's a little too cute and simplistic in the middle, but the first and last third, and the uncompromised ending are terrific. It doesn't hold up (for me) on multiple viewings the way Annie Hall, or Crimes and Misdemeanors of Hannah and Her Sisters or Zelig do. But even 2nd tier Woody Allen is better than almost anything else out there. So, if you like Allen's work at all and you've never seen this, you owe yourself a look.

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    James H.

    Woody Allen never ceases to amaze me. His imagination and humor are so admirable. This film is so unusual and incredibly creative. Enthralling even. It never fails to fascinate and in many ways it is brilliant. My only gripe is the two leads. I think Mia Farrow and Jeff Daniels are too bland, better casting would have helped. The rest of the cast is terrific though, especially Zoe Caldwell.

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