Sydney Pollack’s Tootsie is one of the most beloved comedies of the 1980s, blending humor, romance, and social commentary in a way that still feels fresh today. Starring Dustin Hoffman in one of his most iconic roles, the film explores identity, gender roles, and the pursuit of truth, all wrapped up in a hilarious yet heartfelt story.
Detailed Summary
Michael Dorsey’s Struggles
Michael Dorsey (Dustin Hoffman) is a talented but notoriously difficult actor in New York. He’s unemployed, broke, and living with his playwright roommate Jeff (Bill Murray). Directors and producers avoid him because of his reputation for being stubborn. His agent bluntly tells him that no one will hire him.
The Birth of Dorothy Michaels
Desperate to prove his worth and earn money, Michael disguises himself as a woman named Dorothy Michaels and auditions for a role in a daytime soap opera. Dorothy lands the job almost immediately, bringing Michael unexpected fame and financial security.
Dorothy Becomes a Feminist Icon
As Dorothy, Michael channels his frustrations with the industry into standing up for women on the set. Her fiery, no-nonsense personality shocks the soap’s producers but also wins fans nationwide. Dorothy soon becomes a symbol of empowerment, even though she’s secretly just Michael in disguise.
Complications in Love
Things get tricky when Michael, as Dorothy, befriends his co-star Julie Nichols (Jessica Lange). He falls in love with her, but she only knows him as Dorothy. Matters get more complicated when Julie’s father (Charles Durning) develops romantic feelings for Dorothy, and another co-star, John Van Horn (George Gaynes), also pursues her.
The Lies Begin to Unravel
Michael’s double life becomes increasingly hard to manage. He struggles to keep Dorothy’s identity a secret from Julie, his roommate Jeff, and his agent. The tension builds as Michael realizes he can’t continue living in disguise without hurting everyone around him.
Movie Ending
The climax takes place during a live taping of the soap opera. Instead of following the script, Dorothy goes off-script and delivers an improvised monologue revealing the truth. In front of the cast, crew, and a live TV audience, Dorothy rips off her wig and announces that she is actually a man.
The studio is stunned, the audience is shocked, and his career seems ruined—but the truth finally sets Michael free.
After the fallout, Michael apologizes to Julie for deceiving her. At first, she’s furious, feeling deeply betrayed. However, in the final scene, Michael approaches her again, no disguises this time, and admits his mistakes. He tells her: “I was a better man with you as a woman than I ever was with a woman as a man.” Julie softens, and the movie ends with the possibility of a new, honest relationship between them.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No. Tootsie does not include any post-credits scenes. Once the final credits roll, the story is complete.
Type of Movie
Tootsie is a romantic comedy-drama with strong elements of satire. It critiques gender stereotypes, workplace sexism, and the entertainment industry, all while keeping the audience laughing.
Cast
- Dustin Hoffman as Michael Dorsey / Dorothy Michaels
- Jessica Lange as Julie Nichols
- Teri Garr as Sandy Lester
- Bill Murray as Jeff Slater
- Charles Durning as Les Nichols
- George Gaynes as John Van Horn
- Dabney Coleman as Ron Carlisle
- Sydney Pollack as George Fields (Michael’s agent)
Film Music and Composer
The film’s score was composed by Dave Grusin, known for his jazzy, upbeat style that perfectly fits the tone of Tootsie. The soundtrack also includes Stephen Bishop’s Oscar-nominated song “It Might Be You,” which became a memorable romantic ballad associated with the film.
Filming Locations
- New York City: The bulk of the film was shot in Manhattan, including recognizable locations like Central Park and various brownstone apartments, grounding the film in a distinctly urban, theatrical world.
- Hurley Mountain Inn (New York State): Used for scenes in Julie’s hometown, giving a contrasting small-town vibe to the otherwise city-focused film.
The contrast between Manhattan’s chaos and the warmth of Julie’s hometown reinforces Michael’s struggle between his fabricated life and his authentic self.
Awards and Nominations
- Academy Awards (1983):
- Won: Best Supporting Actress (Jessica Lange)
- Nominated: Best Picture, Best Director (Sydney Pollack), Best Actor (Dustin Hoffman), Best Supporting Actress (Teri Garr), Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Song (It Might Be You), and more.
- The film received 10 Oscar nominations in total, cementing its status as one of the best comedies of its era.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Dustin Hoffman was initially hesitant but later described the role as transformative, saying it changed the way he viewed women in society.
- Jessica Lange’s performance was so well-received that she also won a Golden Globe in addition to the Oscar.
- Bill Murray’s role as Jeff was partially improvised; his dry humor added another layer of comedy.
- Director Sydney Pollack originally didn’t want to act in the film, but Hoffman convinced him to play the agent. Their real-life arguments mirrored their on-screen dynamic.
Inspirations and References
The story was loosely inspired by real experiences of actors struggling to find work in Hollywood. The central theme—an actor disguising himself as a woman—was developed by screenwriters Larry Gelbart and Murray Schisgal.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
Some early drafts had Michael not revealing himself on live TV but instead confessing privately. Test audiences responded more strongly to the live reveal, so the final version was changed to be more dramatic and comedic.
Book Adaptations and Differences
There is no original novel adaptation for Tootsie. However, the screenplay has since been adapted into a stage musical (2018), which adds songs and updates certain themes for modern audiences.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Dorothy’s audition where she shocks the casting directors.
- The first time Dorothy appears live on the soap opera set.
- Michael as Dorothy giving impassioned feminist speeches to male producers.
- The climactic live reveal on the soap opera.
Iconic Quotes
- Michael (as Dorothy): “That is one nutty hospital.”
- Julie: “I miss Dorothy.”
- Michael: “I was a better man with you as a woman than I ever was with a woman as a man.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Sydney Pollack’s cameo as Michael’s agent wasn’t just an acting choice—he actually argued with Hoffman in real life, inspiring their scenes.
- Some dialogue from Bill Murray was ad-libbed and wasn’t in the script, left in because it fit so naturally.
Trivia
- Dustin Hoffman reportedly tested his disguise in public before filming; he fooled strangers but was shocked when people ignored “Dorothy” rather than engaging with her.
- Jessica Lange was pregnant during filming, something the production had to work around.
- The film is considered one of the greatest comedies of all time by the American Film Institute.
Why Watch?
Tootsie isn’t just a comedy—it’s a sharp satire that questions gender roles, celebrates honesty, and showcases career-defining performances. It manages to be hilarious while also deeply human, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Director’s Other Movies
- Out of Africa (1985)
- They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? (1969)
- Absence of Malice (1981)
- The Firm (1993)
- Three Days of the Condor (1975)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
- Some Like It Hot (1959)
- Working Girl (1988)
- 9 to 5 (1980)
- Broadcast News (1987)
