Still Kicking: The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies

Still Kicking: The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies is a 1997 documentary that sweeps viewers into the colorful, entertaining, and often unforgettable world of the historic Palm Springs Follies show. Directed by Andrea Blaugrund and Mel Damski, and starring the vivacious Riff Markowitz, who acts both as one of the film's guiding forces and one of the Follies' main producers; talented dancer Jerry Antes; and silver screen siren Joan Arline, this documentary immerses you in the enduring spirit and mesmerizing charm of the showbiz veterans of the long-running revue.

Set in Palm Springs, California, a desert oasis renowned for its plush resorts and vintage Hollywood glamour, the film uncovers the riotous spectacle that is the Palm Springs Follies. The show, which made its debut in 1990, features a cast made up entirely of performers aged 55 and older, an unusual feature that sets it apart from most showbiz revues. The Follies showcases a dazzling array of performances from vaudeville to swing to Broadway-style productions, all radiating the alluring sparkle of a bygone era.

Still Kicking showcases the details and behind-the-scenes views of what goes into making the Follies possible. Riff Markowitz, as the show's indomitable master of ceremonies, leads the film with his contagious energy and humor. His wit and charisma are unmistakable on stage and in the film, giving audiences a colorful insight into the zesty world of old-school entertainment.

Jerry Antes, who boasted an illustrious career as a dancer, choreographer, and artist in Hollywood and Broadway, faithfully represents the performers in the film. Giving glimpses into the demanding rehearsals and exhaustive performances they endure, Antes offers a showcase of enduring zest, energy, and passion that the senior performers bring to the stage, proving that age is not a factor when it comes to talent and spirit.

Joan Arline, known as the "Silver Queen of Burlesque," also shines in the film, embodying the glamour and mystery of her art form even in her later years. Arline's feature also helps shatter stereotypes about her profession. Her honesty, wit, and poise throughout the film reveal the truth about burlesque— it’s an art form requiring dedication and talent, not simply a display of form.

In essence, Still Kicking: The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies is a heartwarming tribute to the timeless allure of showbiz and a triumphant testament to ageing with grace, dignity, and an unabated passion for performing. The documentary details the extraordinary lives and careers of the senior performers, offering glimpses into their pasts, capturing their on-stage brilliance, and detailing their relentless drive to perfect their routines. More than just a chronicle of a unique show, it's a celebration of life's second act, an anthem of body positivity, and a resounding rejection of societal stereotypes about aging.

Infused throughout are touching insights into the personal lives and contrasting personalities of the performers: tales of love and loss, hurdles and triumphs, past glories and present challenges. These behind-the-scenes snapshots are rich tapestries woven with humor, determination, and emotion.

Accompanied by a toe-tapping selection of music that encapsulates the joyous sense of nostalgia that the Follies aims to evoke, the film also highlights the raw talent that pulses within each performer. The music and dance numbers are performed with precision and flamboyance, underscoring the enduring talents of the ensemble and their commitment to their craft.

Still Kicking: The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies allows us to bear witness to the performers' courage and resilience, the camaraderie they share, and the family they become, reinforcing the philosophy that age is just a number when it comes to living one's dreams. The documentary is a kaleidoscope of music, dance, history, personal stories, and more than anything, an ode to perseverance and the human spirit.

It's a journey that invites audiences to enjoy the glamour of the past while discovering the joys and challenges of growing older. Above all, it is an uplifting film that defies stereotypes, showcases talent, and presents an aspect of ageing that is not frequently portrayed on screen: growing older is a process of continuing maturation, not diminished capacity, and proof that life's third act can be just as thrilling and fulfilling as what came before it.