The Fabulous Baker Boys

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The Fabulous Baker Boys

R

1989

1h 53m

Romance

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

97%

Tomatometer

30 Reviews

70%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

Frank and Jack Baker are brothers who have performed together in a small but successful piano act for years. However, their lack of ambition hurts them, they begin losing gigs, and are soon relegated to run-down venues. Attempting to infuse new life into their act, the brothers audition singers and choose the stunning Susie Diamond. The new lineup brings success, but a growing attraction between Susie and Jack threatens the trio's stability.

Critics Consensus

Its story is nothing special, but The Fabulous Baker Boys glows beneath luminous performances from its perfectly cast stars.

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Pauline Kael

The New Yorker

Writer-director Steve Kloves glides you through a romantic fantasy that has a forties-movie sultriness and an eighties movie-struck melancholy.

Sep 12, 2023

Full Review

Variety Staff

Variety

The fun part is seeing it all play out, thanks to a standout cast and first-time director Steve Kloves' skill in handling them.

Jul 28, 2008

Full Review

Geoff Andrew

Time Out

Much of the credit must go to the actors, with the Bridges brothers making a superb double act.

Jan 26, 2006

Full Review

Terry Francis

Southern Voice (Atlanta)

Technically and emotionally, The Fabulous Baker Boys is the work of a rich and surprising intellect.

Rated: 3.5/4

May 9, 2023

Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

All three stars are superb, but it's Pfeiffer's smart and sexy performance that quickly became a thing of legend.

Rated: 3/4

Feb 9, 2023

Full Review

Rene Jordan

El Nuevo Herald (Miami)

Almost the best movie of the year. [Full review in Spanish]

Jun 29, 2022

Full Review

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Dash R

Jeff Bridges is gorgeous. Michelle Pfeiffer Is a terrible singer and her acting is so overrated.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

07/27/25

Full Review

John G

Only three real characters in this movie and they are all well cast and give great performances. A very basic story, told with humor, drama and insight. The directing and editing is well paced and precise.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/20/25

Full Review

Shioka O

Worth watching just for Michelle Pfeiffer... the movie itself is nothing special but smoky stylish 80s.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/26/25

Full Review

shteebo

Realistic drama and sexual tension set amid the lives of small-time musicians.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/13/23

Full Review

Larry H

A slow burning sleeper perfect for a rainy afternoon.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/27/25

Full Review

D M

The movie reminds me of the guy back in High School who tried too hard. This film tries to be more than it is.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/02/23

Full Review

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Steve Kloves

Director

Jeff Bridges

Jack Baker

Michelle Pfeiffer

Susie Diamond

Beau Bridges

Frank Baker

Ellie Raab

Nina

Jennifer Tilly

Blanche 'Monica' Moran

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Synopsis

Frank and Jack Baker are brothers who have performed together in a small but successful piano act for years. However, their lack of ambition hurts them, they begin losing gigs, and are soon relegated to run-down venues. Attempting to infuse new life into their act, the brothers audition singers and choose the stunning Susie Diamond. The new lineup brings success, but a growing attraction between Susie and Jack threatens the trio's stability.

Director: Steve Kloves
Producer: Paula Weinstein, Courtney Silberberg, Mark Rosenberg
Screenwriter: Steve Kloves
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Production Co: Mirage Enterprises, Gladden Entertainment
Rating: R
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 13, 1989, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 30, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $18.1M
Runtime: 1h 53m
Sound Mix: Dolby, Surround
Aspect Ratio: 35mm