Copacabana (1985): Cast & Plot
Copacabana is a 1985 romantic comedy directed by Waris Hussein, starring Annette O'Toole as Lola Lamar, Barry Manilow and Joseph Bologna. It runs 1 hour 35 minutes.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 35m (95 min)
- Director
- Waris Hussein
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Stiletto Entertainment
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Copacabana About?
The premise of Copacabana without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Set in 1948, piano‑playing aspiring songwriter Tony meets hopeful star Lola at Manhattan’s Copacabana. Both chase fame, but Lola is whisked to Havana for a glittering nightclub act, only to become entangled with Rico, the club’s charismatic gangster owner, while Tony watches her dreams unravel.
Copacabana Themes & Keywords
· 18 tags- love triangle
- campy
- showgirl
- 1940s
- pianist
- dancer
- singer
- songwriter
- stardom
- nightclub
- gangster
- show business
+6 more Show fewer
- taxi dancer
- new york city
- havana cuba
- chorus girl
- tin pan alley
- based on song
Copacabana Cast & Characters
Annette O'Toole leads the cast as Lola Lamar, with Barry Manilow as Tony Starr and Joseph Bologna as Rico Castelli. Directed by Waris Hussein; 29 actors are credited in all.
- Director Waris Hussein
- Annette O'Toole as Lola Lamar
- Barry Manilow as Tony Starr
- Joseph Bologna as Rico Castelli
- Hamilton Camp as Nicky Richards
Also Starring in Copacabana
· 25 more- James T. Callahan Dennis Reilly
- Ernie Sabella Sam Gropper
- Estelle Getty Bella Stern
- Stanley Brock 2nd Publisher
- Cliff Osmond Angelo
- Clarence Felder Nick Panotis
- Dwier Brown Bibi Sutton
- Whitney Rydbeck Minister
- Silvana Gallardo Conchita Rivera
- Robert Broyles Bar Patron
- Lew Horn 2nd Patron
- Hugo Stanger Doorman
- Raf Mauro 1st Publisher
- John Petlock Man in Lounge
- Lonnie Burr Roscoe, Nightclub Owner
- James Martinez Reporter
Show all 29 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Andra Akers Pamela Devereaux
- Hartley Silver Husband
- Richard Kuller Radio Announcer
- Ralph M. Clift Customer
- Brad Logan Rico's Henchman
- Dickson Hughes Lounge Pianist
- Artie Butler Nigthclub Piano Player
- Carole Meyers Wedding Guest
- James Gillian Orchestra Leader
More from Waris Hussein
More films directed by Waris Hussein: Her Best Friend’s Husband, Sixth Happiness, A Child’s Wish and The Face on the Milk Carton.
Copacabana Plot Summary
What happens in Copacabana from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 1-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
The film unfolds through flashbacks that move between 1978, 1948, and back again, weaving memory with present sensations. In 1978, Lola Lamar sits at the Copacabana lounge in Manhattan, where the venue has transformed into a discotheque. Dressed in clothes revived from the late 1940s and nursing a heavy drink, she drifts into recollections of a much younger self and a different time.
In 1948, the young singer meets an aspiring songwriter, Tony Starr, when they both compete on a radio program. Tony is instantly drawn to Lola and quietly becomes her ally, helping her push into show business. The pair begin to rise as the Copacabana becomes a showcase for their talents, and their shared ambition hints at big dreams on the horizon.
Full summary
The whole story of Copacabana, scene by scene
How Well Do You Know Copacabana?
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
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is the name of the famous Manhattan nightclub at the heart of the story?
Copacabana Also Known As
Also known as “Barry Manilow's Copacabana”.
- Also known as
-
- Barry Manilow's Copacabana
Seen Copacabana?
Movies Like Copacabana
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Copacabana, Copacabana Palace and Copacabana Fools Me.
Copacabana FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of Copacabana, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Copacabana?
Copacabana runs 1 hour 35 minutes (95 minutes).
When was Copacabana released?
Copacabana was released on December 3, 1985.
Who directed Copacabana?
Copacabana was directed by Waris Hussein.
More films by Waris Hussein Who is in the cast of Copacabana?
Copacabana stars Annette O'Toole as Lola Lamar, Barry Manilow as Tony Starr and Joseph Bologna as Rico Castelli, among 29 credited actors.
Does Copacabana have a post-credit scene?
No. Copacabana has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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