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Drama musical

A Chorus Line (1985): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

A Chorus Line (1985) movie poster

A Chorus Line is a 1985 drama musical directed by Richard Attenborough, starring Michael Douglas and Terrence Mann. It runs 1 hour 53 minutes and earned $14.2 million worldwide. It was nominated for 3 Oscars. Critics gave it 48% on Rotten Tomatoes and 46 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.2/10.

IMDb rating
6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes
48%
worldwide gross
$14.2M
award nominations
7
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A Chorus Line (1985) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 53m (113 min)
Genres
Drama , Comedy , Musical
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is A Chorus Line About?

The premise of A Chorus Line without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

A group of Broadway dancers anxiously prepares for an audition where only a few coveted spots are available. The demanding director, Zach, and his assistant meticulously evaluate the hopeful performers, narrowing the field down to sixteen. As the dancers share their individual stories, they reveal the struggles and triumphs that fueled their dedication to dance, from childhood dreams to painful setbacks. The competition intensifies with the arrival of Cassie, a talented but troubled dancer with a history with Zach, forcing him to confront his own past and choose the ideal cast for his new production.

A Chorus Line Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • audition
  • based on stage musical
  • nervousness
  • gay character
  • dancer
  • discipline
  • stretching
  • stage fright
  • ballet school
  • job interview
  • new york city
  • manhattan new york city
+38 more
  • stage show
  • dance
  • choreographer
  • american culture
  • based on broadway musical
  • production assistant
  • stage musical
  • rehearsal
  • jazz music
  • popular music
  • dancing
  • theatrical director
  • acting class
  • actress
  • teaching acting
  • actor
  • ambition
  • casting director
  • entertainer
  • love affair
  • broken romance
  • fame
  • song
  • theater stage
  • ex boyfriend ex girlfriend relationship
  • finalist
  • childhood sexual abuse
  • cross dressing
  • injured knee
  • end credits roll call
  • unemployment
  • asking for a favor
  • relationship history
  • choreographed dance
  • backstage drama
  • singer
  • tuxedo
  • gold tuxedo
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Cast & crew

A Chorus Line Cast

Michael Douglas leads the cast, with Terrence Mann. Directed by Richard Attenborough.

From the director

More from Richard Attenborough

More films directed by Richard Attenborough, best-rated first: Gandhi, A Bridge Too Far, Cry Freedom and Magic.

Full filmography
Ratings

A Chorus Line Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave A Chorus Line 48% on Rotten Tomatoes and 46 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.2/10.

Plot

A Chorus Line Plot Summary

What happens in A Chorus Line from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Behind the velvet curtain of a Broadway theater, director Zach (Michael Douglas) finds himself enveloped in shadow as he observes a multitude of aspiring dancers auditioning on stage. The initial selection narrows down to a talented group of sixteen hopefuls, each eager to catch Zach’s discerning eye. The tension builds when a latecomer disrupts the proceedings: Cassie, a former lead dancer with a complex romantic history linked to Zach, steps forward. Her lengthy absence from the spotlight fuels her desperation for a comeback, and she is determined to secure her place in the chorus line at any cost.

Full summary

The whole story of A Chorus Line, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

A Chorus Line Box Office

A Chorus Line grossed $14.2 million worldwide.

1985 box office

Worldwide gross

$14.2M

US & Canada
$14.2M
Awards

A Chorus Line Awards & Nominations

A Chorus Line was nominated for 3 Oscars. The 7 nominations come from 3 ceremonies, the most at the Oscars 1986.

7 nominations3 ceremonies

Videos

A Chorus Line Trailers & Videos

The trailer of A Chorus Line.

A Chorus Line (1985) Original Trailer [HD]
Quiz

How Well Do You Know A Chorus Line?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who is the director overseeing the auditions in 'A Chorus Line'?

Cars

Cars in A Chorus Line

8 cars on screen, including the 1974 Checker Taxicab and the 1984 Audi 4000 B2.

All 8 cars
  • 1974 Checker Taxicab in A Chorus Line 1974 Checker Taxicab Important role
  • 1984 Audi 4000 B2 in A Chorus Line 1984 Audi 4000 B2 Background role
  • 1980 Chevrolet Chevy Van in A Chorus Line 1980 Chevrolet Chevy Van Background role
  • 1980 Ford LTD-S in A Chorus Line 1980 Ford LTD-S Background role
Details

A Chorus Line Also Known As

13 alternative titles, including “Кордебалет” and “Chorus Line - Em Busca da Fama”.

Also known as
  • Кордебалет
  • Chorus Line - Em Busca da Fama
  • 合唱班
  • 歌舞线上
  • Κόρους Λάιν
  • שורת המקהלה
  • Кастингът
  • A tánckar
  • Chór
  • コーラスライン
  • 코러스 라인, კორდებალეტი
  • Dans Tutkunları
+1 more
  • 歌舞線上

Seen A Chorus Line?

FAQ

A Chorus Line FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of A Chorus Line, each answered in a sentence.

How long is A Chorus Line?

A Chorus Line runs 1 hour 53 minutes (113 minutes).

When was A Chorus Line released?

A Chorus Line was released on December 9, 1985.

Who directed A Chorus Line?

A Chorus Line was directed by Richard Attenborough.

More films by Richard Attenborough

Who is in the cast of A Chorus Line?

A Chorus Line stars Michael Douglas and Terrence Mann.

How much did A Chorus Line make at the box office?

A Chorus Line grossed $14.2 million worldwide.

How is A Chorus Line rated?

A Chorus Line has 6.2/10 on IMDb, 48% on Rotten Tomatoes, 46 on Metacritic and 62% on TMDB.

Was A Chorus Line nominated for any awards?

A Chorus Line received 7 nominations across 3 ceremonies.

Does A Chorus Line have a post-credit scene?

No. A Chorus Line has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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