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Woody AllenJerry Kupcinet - photographer, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Purple Rose of Cairo

This article is part from The 10 best Woody Allen films

Table of contents

 

10 curiosities and facts

  1. The film was partially inspired by Woody Allen's love of movies

    "The Purple Rose of Cairo" was partially inspired by Woody Allen's love of movies and the way in which they can transport people to different worlds and offer a temporary escape from reality.

  2. The film was shot in just six weeks

    "The Purple Rose of Cairo" was shot in just six weeks, with a budget of around $15 million.

  3. The film features a unique blend of comedy and drama

    "The Purple Rose of Cairo" features a unique blend of comedy and drama with elements of both romance and fantasy.

  4. The film's lead actress was not originally Mia Farrow

    The lead role of Cecilia, which was ultimately played by Mia Farrow, was originally intended for Ellen Barkin. However, Barkin had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts.

  5. The film was nominated for an Academy Award

    "The Purple Rose of Cairo" was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, which was written by Woody Allen.

  6. The film was shot on location in New Jersey

    "The Purple Rose of Cairo" was shot on location in Union City New Jersey, which served as a stand-in for the fictional town of Cecilia's world.

  7. The film's plot centers around a movie character coming to life

    The plot of "The Purple Rose of Cairo" centers around a movie character named Tom Baxter who steps off the screen and into the real world much to the confusion and delight of a theater-goer named Cecilia.

  8. The film was praised for its performances

    "The Purple Rose of Cairo" was praised for its performances, particularly those of Mia Farrow and Jeff Daniels, who played Tom Baxter.

  9. The film features music by composer Dick Hyman

    The music for "The Purple Rose of Cairo" was composed by Dick Hyman, who has collaborated with Woody Allen on several other films, including "Zelig" and "Bullets Over Broadway".

  10. The film was dedicated to the memory of Orson Welles

    "The Purple Rose of Cairo" was dedicated to the memory of Orson Welles, who was a friend and mentor to Woody Allen. Welles passed away during the production of the film.

About the movie

"The Purple Rose of Cairo" is a magical and romantic comedy that blurs the line between reality and fantasy. The film follows a Depression-era waitress named Cecilia (Mia Farrow) who becomes obsessed with a dashing adventurer (Jeff Daniels) on the silver screen only to have him step out of the movie and into her life. The film's exploration of the power of cinema and the desire for escape make it one of Allen's most poignant and enchanting works.

If I had to choose one moment in the film, it would probably be the scene when Tom takes Cecilia on a romantic date to a local amusement park. The scene is beautifully shot and captures the magic of falling in love for the first time. It's also a poignant reminder that even in the midst of difficult circumstances there can be moments of joy and wonder.

"The Purple Rose of Cairo" is that it was partly inspired by Allen's own love of movies. As a child, he would often skip school to go to the movies and he credits them with shaping his worldview and inspiring his creativity. When the movie premiered in 1985 it was met with critical acclaim and also was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

A timeless masterpiece "The Purple Rose of Cairo" is a beautiful and poignant love letter to the magic of movies and a reminder that sometimes the things that bring us the most joy can also be the most fleeting. Don't miss it.

 

Film sheet

  • Director: Woody Allen
  • Year: 1985
  • Cast: Mia Farrow, Jeff Daniels, Danny Aiello, Dianne Wiest, Van Johnson John Wood, Edward Herrmann, etc.
  • Awards: Nominated for 1 Academy Award (Best Writing Original Screenplay) Won 1 BAFTA Film Award (Best Original Screenplay)
 

Film Reviews

  • "The Purple Rose of Cairo is a sweet and funny film that showcases Woody Allen's unique brand of humor. The performances are all top-notch especially Mia Farrow in the lead role, and the film's premise is both clever and charming." - Janet Maslin, The New York Times
  • "With The Purple Rose of Cairo, Woody Allen has created a magical and whimsical world that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy. Mia Farrow gives a standout performance as the lovelorn Cecilia, and the film's witty script and playful tone make it a joy to watch." - Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
  • "The Purple Rose of Cairo is a witty and charming film that explores the power of escapism through the lens of classic Hollywood cinema. Mia Farrow is a revelation in the lead role and the film's blend of comedy and drama is masterfully handled by Allen." - Leonard Maltin Entertainment Tonight
  • "The Purple Rose of Cairo is a beautiful and poignant film that showcases Woody Allen's talent for blending comedy and drama. Mia Farrow delivers a captivating performance as the lovelorn Cecilia, and the film's exploration of the power of cinema is both thought-provoking and heartwarming." - Gene Siskel, Chicago Tribune