The Turning Point

Thanks to a great screenplay by gay director, playwright and screenwriter Arthur Laurents, and the performances of Shirley MacLaine, Anne Bancroft and future ballet legend Mikhail Baryshnikov (making his big-screen debut), Herbert Ross’s THE TURNING POINT received 11 Academy Award nominations in 1977 and became a cult classic amongst dancers and enthusiasts. But despite its reputation, THE TURNING POINT hasn’t been screened in New York theaters in years, which is why we’re so thrilled that our guest presenter, celebrated young New York dance artist niv Acosta has chosen it. In Ross’s acclaimed drama about the world of professional dance, MacLaine and Bancroft play two ballet dancers whose lives take dramatically different turns. Years ago, DeeDee (MacLaine) left the company to raise a family and open a dance studio, while Emma (Bancroft) became a world famous ballerina. When Emma arrives in Oklahoma City, the pair are reunited, but conflict arises when DeeDee’s daughter is accepted into Emma’s company, leading to major changes for both women. If you enjoyed our screening of FAME last fall, you know you won’t want to miss the chance to see an archival print of this classic dance film.