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      Stage Beauty

      R Released Oct 8, 2004 1 hr. 50 min. History Drama List
      64% 127 Reviews Tomatometer 78% 10,000+ Ratings Audience Score Humble Maria (Claire Danes), who outfits top London theater star Ned Kynaston (Billy Crudup), takes none of the credit for the male actor's success at playing women. And because this is the 17th century, Maria, like other females, is prohibited from pursuing her dream of acting. But when powerful people support her, King Charles II (Rupert Everett) lifts the ban on female stage performers. And just as Maria aided Ned, she needs his help to learn her new profession. Read More Read Less Watch on Fandango at Home Premiered Mar 17 Buy Now

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      Stage Beauty

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      Critics Consensus

      Uneven but enjoyable, Stage Beauty uses historical events as the springboard for a well-acted romance with a charming Shakespearean spin.

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      Audience Reviews

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      Mich T A gem of a movie and even better the second time round. Very entertaining and with incredible performances from all, particularly Billy Crudup who shines throughout. Loved it! Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 06/23/23 Full Review Steve D Fun and well acted. Strong cast. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/12/23 Full Review Audience Member An awe-inspiring performance from Billy Crudup..This movie shows the sheer talent of this actor playing a man (Kynston) who is adored by the public for playing women's parts. Billy shines most when his character is desperately injured and abandoned by his former friends. His Othello is raging and breath-stopping as he kills his wife. Claire Danes puts in a magnificent performance as a mousey dresser turned actress, and her Desdemona is deservedly a show-stopper. But, side by side with Billy, his light outshines hers, and his mastery of the smallest details throughout this piece make his character richer and more complex than hers. Still, If I could give this movie six stars, I would. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/12/23 Full Review Frances H Not a flawless film, but with good acting and an engrossing story, it keeps you wanting to watch. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/14/17 Full Review Audience Member Somewhat predictable, even with the film's unique subject matter. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/27/23 Full Review Audience Member Near perfection. The chemistry between Danes and Crudup is out of this world. I could feel the odds each character was up against and the struggle they both had / felt. Outstanding movie!! Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/17/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

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      Critics Reviews

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      Sheila Johnston London Evening Standard Stage Beauty... has a lot going for it. Richard Eyre's spritely direction helps hide the holes in the plot, creating a vivid, raucous, underworld London of transvestites, whores and pickpockets, some played by a terrific supporting cast. Jan 10, 2018 Full Review Owen Gleiberman Entertainment Weekly Rated: C+ Sep 7, 2011 Full Review David Ansen Newsweek It's a marvelous premise, and Crudup's serpentine performance has a venomous grace. But Jeffrey Hatcher's screenplay too often sacrifices psychological insight for bogus theatricality. Nov 1, 2007 Full Review Eddie Harrison film-authority.com ...an unusually literate drama which has a cool take on the war between the sexes...' Rated: 4/5 Aug 6, 2021 Full Review Wesley Lovell Cinema Sight "Stage Beauty" has the grace and charm of a great play. It has its acts, its drama and its comedy. Rated: 4/4 Apr 17, 2005 Full Review Lawrence Toppman Charlotte Observer A vapid confection. Rated: 2/4 Mar 11, 2005 Full Review Read all reviews

      Movie Info

      Synopsis Humble Maria (Claire Danes), who outfits top London theater star Ned Kynaston (Billy Crudup), takes none of the credit for the male actor's success at playing women. And because this is the 17th century, Maria, like other females, is prohibited from pursuing her dream of acting. But when powerful people support her, King Charles II (Rupert Everett) lifts the ban on female stage performers. And just as Maria aided Ned, she needs his help to learn her new profession.
      Director
      Richard Eyre
      Executive Producer
      Michael Kuhn
      Screenwriter
      Jeffrey Hatcher
      Distributor
      Lionsgate/Artisan
      Production Co
      Returning Productions
      Rating
      R (Sexual Content|Language)
      Genre
      History, Drama
      Original Language
      English
      Release Date (Theaters)
      Oct 8, 2004, Original
      Release Date (Streaming)
      Aug 14, 2012
      Box Office (Gross USA)
      $776.7K
      Sound Mix
      Surround, Dolby SR
      Aspect Ratio
      Scope (2.35:1)
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