Headin' for Broadway (1980) User Reviews

Applicants of various backgrounds audition for a spot on Broadway

[Magman1 · 7/10 · 16 June 2005]

Singers and dancers from various parts of the country and with various backgrounds head to Broadway to audition for a spot in a show. Focusing on four dancers ranging from Los Angeles to Philadelphia, the film takes them through the whole process of trying out. While the acting isn't all that great, the dancing and music is top notch. Only one actor is recognizable; Lonnie Price,(Niel Kellerman from "Dirty Dancing") plays the role of an NYU student. "Headin For Broadway" also fairly illustrates the audition process, perhaps better than "A Chorus Line". While it is very rare film to find, out of print on VHS and not available on DVD, it is an enjoyable and entertaining movie. If you like good musicals and dance numbers, this is for you.

a nice try

[godspellgroupie · 7/10 · 17 February 2009]

This film is a less pretense than chorus line,but not as entertaining as Fame. It sets up and unfolds in sort of a predictable fashion as it presents a story of four wannabees trying out for Broadway-A country girl who is always the star of the local plays,a Los Angeles hot shot, a brooklyn street dancer and a poor girl from harlem.One makes it,one takes a secondary role,one doesn't make it but has something to fall back on,and one dosen't make it and loses something else in the process.

This film has its moments but never really reaches a climax. Still with so many people addicted to American Idol and Dancin with the stars,this film deserves at least another look

Not bad effort from Joseph Brooks

[Serpent-5 · 7 December 2000]

Many people pick on this film, but I didn't find this film to be that bad. Barely released film(Seattle is one of the city to get this film). Rex Smith, Paul Carafortes, Terri Treas play struggling broadway dancer/singer who goes through hard times trying to make it in a musical cattle call. Production problem shows in this film as we see many flashback in dream sequence, and choppy editing. Realistic acting as if this was sort of filmed in a documentary style. Rex Smith sings two catchy songs "woman" and "Headin' for Broadway". It a shame Brooks never made another film after this. 20th Century Fox release threw this film away. This film could've really made the three stars into major stars. Now we see Rex advertise infomercial, Paul missing, and Terri direct Roger Corman films. Recommended.

Worth it for the first five minutes

[jasonmcd · 1/10 · 25 July 2000]

I can't believe that as of this writing, this film rates 8 out of 10. This is the worst film about dancing ever made. It's so bad, it's good. The opening dance number between Paul Carafotes (Ralph Morelli) and Gary Glendell is as if it was written out of an SNL sketch on dance movies. This movie is so badly written, i could only be compounded by the stunningly bad choreography of Gene Foote, who also plays Jay Weston. Rent it for laughs at your next video screening.

An A b s o l u t e G e m

[hugafrickinroot · 9/10 · 23 June 2006]

One way to rate a movie is by how much of the film you remember after 26 years. Produced in 1980,. this being one of the hundred of thousands of films I have watched in all those year, that I remember vividly. It gives a wonderfully voyeuristic ( sort of a prehistoric "Survivor" type show ) view that lets you see and feel the struggles , trials and tribulations, the heartbreaks and ecstasies of auditioning for a Broadway show. But it goes further that that, it draws you deep into the lives of of each of the young adults and shows you a glimpse of their personal lives and hardships and sacrifices each has endured just to get where they are trying to get a job in the chorus line now. I changed my mind -- I was going to give this film a " 7 " but the more I type the more I think it deserves a " 9 1/2 ".. p.s. No film ever gets a 10 from me -- No Matter how good you think a film is, there's inevitability always another film that comes along that's better..

VERY GOOD, BETTER THAN THE CRITICS SAID IT WAS

[mntwister · 10/10 · 20 March 2003]

think this movie is much better than the credit it has been given. I saw it on HBO years ago and cannot find it on video or cable since, and have looked for a long time indeed. Rex Smith is an excellent actor with a great voice, the musical numbers are way above average, and the story, while told many times over in musicals about stars heading for the stage, is very well done. The excitement builds and the climax is a very good heart warming finale.

I LOVE THIS

[waloore · 10/10 · 15 November 2001]

This is one of the greatest movies I have ever seen about dancing, singing, performing, great movie for anyone. That has a dream, or for the pure enjoyment. I could watch this movie over and over again

Loved this movie, wish I could find it!

[lisa-schaffer · 9/10 · 22 June 2013]

I remember watching this movie every time I could when it was on TV back in the 1980's. It was very easy to connect with the characters, they were 'real people', ordinary, not overdone or overly complicated. I could imagine these characters in the real world. I have been looking for a copy of this movie, and I wish they would release it on DVD. While my fondness for Headin' For Broadway might be related to my youth, the real feel of the characters and the plot lines are definitely worth a viewing. What an amazing movie, down-to-earth, nothing real flashy from what I remember, but I loved some of the songs, and I would LOVE to see this again!

I've been looking for this movie forever.

[jdevlaminck · 12 October 2000]

Help. I've been trying to find this movie since the early 80's. I saw it on HBO and really liked it. Didn't own a VCR at the time and never taped it. Now I've been on this search forever. I actually look through the entire TV guide every sunday morning. I haven't found it on any video sites, this is the only place I've ever found mention of it. Where are people seeing it?

You are here... now you MUST watch it!

[bartidge · 9/10 · 28 September 2023]

This movie is an absolute gem. Think "Fame" but with a stripped-down, grittier style. The plot follows a handful of performers from across the country that descend on NYC in the late 70's for a casting tryout in an up-for-production Broadway show. You follow their trials and tribulations as the multi-day casting tryout intensifies with numerous cut rounds under the ultra-demanding choreographer, Ray Westin, a Bob Fosse-type played by Broadway dancing and choreography veteran, Gene Foote. The plot centers around Ralph Morelli (Paul Carafotes), a Philly street dancer and first-time Broadway trialist whose raw and gutsy dance style catapults him into the lead role of the show against all odds. Like "Fame", Headin' for Broadway features a star singer that sets the backdrop to the film with original soundtrack songs, including the film's namesake "Headin' for Broadway" theme song. Instead of Irene Cara (in "Fame"), we're treated to the wonderful musical stylings of Rex Smith (his scene performing his deep cut hit "Woman" is mesmerizing and worth the movie watch in and of itself.) All in all, Headin' for Broadway is an exceptional film depicting the grit and toughness of the Broadway show audition process through the eyes of diverse and likable set of performers and characters. A must-see for show buffs and anyone looking to take a chance on a wonderful and obscure movie that stands the test of time. "Johnny doesn't go yellow for no one!"