A Chorus Line

A Chorus Line

Year: 1985

Runtime: 113 min

Language: English

Director: Richard Attenborough

DramaComedyMusical

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.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – A Chorus Line (1985)

Trace every key event in A Chorus Line (1985) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Auditions Begin

Director Zach watches as a diverse group of aspiring dancers audition for a coveted position in his new production. Tension fills the air as each dancer showcases their talents, hoping to impress him and secure a spot among the sixteen selected.

Broadway Theater
2

Cassie's Arrival

Cassie, a former lead dancer and a latecomer to the auditions, stirs up emotions when she steps forward. Her determination to reclaim her place on stage is palpable, showing her desperation for a comeback after a long absence from the spotlight.

Broadway Theater
3

Dancer's Personal Stories

As the audition proceeds, Zach takes the time to explore each dancer's personal journey. These heartfelt narratives reveal not only their passion for dance but also their struggles with family challenges and the sacrifices made for their art.

Broadway Theater
4

Cassie's Turn

When it comes time for Cassie to perform, Zach is initially unimpressed and dismissive of her capabilities. However, he recognizes her potential and allows her to join the other dancers in a choreographic training session.

Broadway Theater
5

Paul's Revelation

During the auditions, Paul bravely shares his traumatic past, shedding light on the difficulties he faces in reconciling his identity with his passion for dance. Zach's empathetic response offers a rare moment of warmth amid the otherwise competitive atmosphere.

Broadway Theater
6

An Invigorating Tap Routine

Larry leads the group in an energetic tap routine, reenergizing the atmosphere on stage. Despite the excitement, Cassie struggles to connect with her fellow dancers, highlighting the ongoing tension with Zach due to their complicated history.

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7

Paul's Injury

The audition takes a serious turn when Paul suffers an injury, prompting immediate medical attention. This incident forces Zach to confront the harsh realities that his dancers might face as they pursue their dreams.

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8

A Profound Question

In the wake of Paul's injury, Zach challenges the remaining dancers with a thought-provoking question about their futures. This introspection leads Diana to express a desire to simply be remembered as someone who danced, resonating deeply with everyone present.

Broadway Theater
9

Final Selections

Inspired by the dancers’ reflections, Zach finalizes his choices for the new chorus line. He selects Val, Cassie, Bebe, Diana, Mike, Mark, Richie, and Bobby, forming the core of the ensemble for his production.

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10

Curtain Rises

With the curtain rising, the newly formed chorus line takes the stage for the iconic performance of 'One.' Dressed uniformly, the dancers demonstrate their collective spirit as they prepare to showcase their talents.

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11

The Power of Unity

As the performance progresses, the energy builds and dancers who initially faced rejection join in with the main group. The stage transforms into a vibrant spectacle, showcasing not just their skills but their unified passion for dance.

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12

Triumphant Conclusion

The performance culminates in dazzling kicklines that leave the audience captivated. The rhythm and synchronization of the dancers create a memorable experience that highlights their journeys and shared dreams.

Broadway Theater

Last Updated: November 19, 2024 at 18:07

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A high-stakes audition reveals the personal stories and fierce dedication of performers.If you liked the competitive yet personal atmosphere of A Chorus Line, this list features movies like it that explore the world of auditions. Discover similar stories about dancers, actors, and musicians where the pressure to perform reveals character and drive.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a group of individuals vying for a limited number of spots in a prestigious production. Through a series of eliminations and personal revelations, the story delves into each character's backstory, motivations, and sacrifices, building towards a final selection that is both triumphant and heartbreaking.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a structured narrative built around a high-pressure audition process. They blend competitive tension with intimate character portraits, creating a bittersweet tone that celebrates artistic passion while acknowledging the personal cost of ambition.

Bittersweet ensemble stories with a triumphant ending like A Chorus Line

A group of underdogs finds glory, but not without personal cost and sacrifice.Fans of A Chorus Line who enjoyed its mix of personal struggle and group triumph will find similar movies here. These films feature ensembles of characters working towards a common goal, resulting in a finale that is both joyful and melancholic.

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Narrative Summary

An ensemble of characters, each with their own distinct struggles and backgrounds, comes together to achieve a shared objective. The journey is marked by collaboration and conflict, vulnerability and resilience, culminating in a successful performance or outcome that unites them, yet the victory is shadowed by the sacrifices made along the way.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their bittersweet emotional core and ensemble structure. They balance medium emotional weight with a steady pace, focusing on how collective effort leads to a triumph that feels earned yet is tinged with melancholy for what was lost individually.

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A Chorus Line Summary

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A Chorus Line Spoiler-Free Summary

More About A Chorus Line

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