For 31 years it’s been just the Fabulous Baker Boys… but times change. -Tagline for the movie

This movie (free on YT in HD quality) focuses on a Seattle piano lounge act performing jazz versions of famous pop songs. The older brother, Frank (Beau Bridges), is married w/ 2 kids and the business manager, front man, and programmer of the playlist. The younger brother, Jack (Jeff Bridges), is carefree w/o commitments; he has one-night stands (mainly w/ cocktail waitresses). Jack has an old black Lab dog (Eddie) and a pre-teen upstairs neighbor (Nina) who lives w/ her single mom (busy dating various men). The Baker Boys’ act is becoming stale; they’re losing the ability to hold onto what gigs they had. Dave Grusin recorded the songs for the soundtrack, BUT Beau and Jeff both learned to play all the songs. To make their playing look realistic, they watched videos of Grusin’s hands playing the music.

Frank comes up w/ the idea of hiring a female singer. After 37 bad auditions, they finally hire Susie Diamond (Michelle Pfeiffer- who sings all her songs); she is rough around the edges and a former escort. Despite Susie having no formal singing experience, she has good enough vocals and can sell a song. She turns off her tough girl attitude when performing; she becomes vulnerable. Soon, they begin getting better gigs and earning more money. Frank thinks the biggest threat is the sexual tension (real or imagined) btwn Jack and Susie. However, the main threat is how Susie is able to expose the (existing) rifts btwn the brothers; Frank’s goal is to provide for his family, while Jack wants to pursue his own musical dreams.

They just don’t make films like this anymore (for the big screen)! It’s a 3-person character drama, NOT unlike what you’d see onstage. The writer (also 1st time director), Steve Kloves, had shown the script to (IRL friend) Pfeiffer 3 yrs. before it was made. Kloves mainly worked as a screenwriter afterwards; he did a fine job here. The film was released in SEPT 1989 in only 800 theaters; it sold out in NYC, Chicago and LA (thanks to word of mouth). There was NOT much money spent by the studio (Fox) on advertising.

I love them- both the Bridges brothers! -Michelle Pfeiffer on Inside the Actors Studio

Some critics (of ALL genders) commented: “This is Jeff Bridges looking his hottest.” Most of the time, Jack (an anti-hero) is wearing a black tux open at the collar. Susie has a variety of dresses, ranging from trashy to elegant. They BOTH have great hair, too! The audience is anxious for them to get together, BUT they need time (as they are guarded emotionally). The Fabulous Baker Boys is a must-see film w/ intelligent dialogue, great acting, and sparkling chemistry. There is a sense of authenticity; the settings are NOT always glam and the characters are multi-layered.