1981's ALL NIGHT LONG was supposedly done as a favor for Streisand's agent/friend Sue Mengers, whose husband (Jean-Claude Tramont) was the director of the film. Barbra replaced actress Lisa Eichhorn in the role of Cheryl after she was let go by the production team.

ALL NIGHT LONG centers on Gene Hackman's character (George), who, after a nervous breakdown, is demoted to night manager of a store. When he meets his son's married girlfriend (Streisand) George falls in love with her and must choose between his normal life or a new life with her.

Streisand was both praised and criticized for her portrayal of Cheryl. Dressed in middle-class, suburban-chic clothes and blond wig, Barbra used a Marilyn Monroe voice and demeanor for Cheryl. The nay-sayers said "Brooklyn Barbra" was absent; the appreciators said Barbra took a stab at a character role and succeeded.

ALL NIGHT LONG's advertising sold the film as a zany Streisand comedy in the mode of FOR PETE'S SAKE, which was a little misleading. After all, it was Hackman's film.

Not one of Streisand's successes, ALL NIGHT LONG, nonetheless, deserves a second look, especially for the risks Barbra took as an actress.

(Above 8 Frames) A scene which was cut from the theatrical release of "All Night Long". After escaping from her husband, Cheryl moves in with George.

( Screen captures courtesy of Mark Boyce)

People Magazine 1981 story >>

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