MovieChat Forums > Peggy Sue Got Married (1986) Discussion > The scene on the stairs after Peggy spea...

The scene on the stairs after Peggy speaks with her Grandma on the phone

posted 11 years ago by tobedobedo
26 replies | jump to latest

Both Kathleen Turner and Barbara Harris are so incredible in the whole film but this scene in particular is so beautiful. Peggy is devastated after speaking to her beloved grandma, who has been dead for years, and her mother is only concerned about sex. Both these women deserved Oscars just for this scene alone. I love this film except for Nicholas Cage who was terrible as Charlie. But, he is Francis Ford Coppola's nephew! The music - it truly is John Barry's best score.

Just thinking out loud...

[–] BurgGurl 11 years ago

That scene has always been the one that stood out the most for me... having lost my mother and grandmother I can appreciate the emotions conveyed by Peggy Sue. "I forgot." -- two very powerful words.

Barbara Harris is equally stellar as Peggy's mother.

"Everything they do is so dramatic and flamboyant. It just makes me want to set myself on fire!"

[–] tobedobedo 11 years ago

I appreciate your comments on my thoughts on this film. I throw things out there not expecting to hear anything back but do expect to hear someone ripping on my comments. I have also lost my parents and would do anything to connect with them again. These days I truly appreciate things of beauty and this movie is a beautiful experience. Kathleen Turner's performance as Peggy Sue is one of the best I have ever seen. She breaks my heart. I saw it in the 80's when it came out but I was busy raising my kids and didn't appreciate it. I actually have John Barry's "Best of" music on my Ipod so I will always love his music, but this film will always be a favorite. I cry like a baby every time I see it.
Just thinking out loud...

[–] Elynne 9 years ago

I'm watching it right now for the umpteenth time, and it makes me cry every time. I forget about it until it comes on, and then I remember that it really is one of my favorite films. I was in high school in the early '60s, and the music just brings me back to those years and I remember the good times like it was yesterday. Yes, movies can help the mind "time-travel," and then the whole story is so meaningful.

[–] 9 years ago

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[–] Kriller1 11 years ago

Love this scene too. Also the part when she first sees her Mom after going back in time... "Chanel number 5, always reminded me of home" I can't imagine going back in time and seeing your mom young again.

I have to disagree about Nic Cage though. Am I the only one who loves him in this movie? I think he's hilarious as Charlie.

[–] patimarsters1934 11 years ago

No. You're not the only one that loved Nic Cage in this film. Totally agree with the comments on that scene. It was heart-breakingly poignant.

[–] mchnive 10 years ago

I also agree- loved this film and everyone in it, including Nicolas.

[–] FranLovesBetteD 11 years ago

I couldn't agree more: that's one incredibly powerful, moving, heartbreaking scene. You can feel the mixture of emotions that Peggy experienced after listening to her grandma's voice once more. And then, when she visits her grandparents, that's one magical scene, especially if you love classic movies and know well who Maureen O'Sullivan and Leon Ames were.

And totally agree about Cage: he looks and acts horribly in this.

Animal crackers in my soup
Monkeys and rabbits loop the loop

[–] sirjeremy 11 years ago

Wonderfully realised by all. This scene taps into something so universal of course that we've all thought of; that is, how would we feel if somehow we got one more chance to speak to a loved one who's passed over. And that's why it works.

Love Barry's score, especially in this part of the film.

[–] daughterofolaf 11 years ago

Ha! I was coming to the board to specifically discuss this scene as well! I actually teared up in this scene, it was so well done and so relatable. Well, perhaps not "relatable" as I have never time traveled ;) but I just mean I can imagine the emotions one would have if they experienced this. For me though it would be about seeing my mom, not grandma.

Anyway, amazingly well done scene.

"It wasn't me who was murdered, was it?"

[–] mmitsos-1 11 years ago

I agree with all that this was a beautiful and powerful scene. In fact, I state on another thread that it's probably my favorite one, followed by the one where she sees her mother for the first time in 1960...."Chanel No. 5".

[–] mmitsos-1 11 years ago

Also, I remember Roger Ebert discussing this scene with Gene Siskel the year the film came out, on their show "Sneak Preview " or "At the Movies"....whichever one was on during the '80's, and Ebert was astounded at Turners face, saying she changed from a 17-year-old to a 42 - year - old in seconds, using just her facial expressions. He loved her work in this film and, particularly, in this scene.

[–] daughterofolaf 11 years ago

Thanks for sharing! I agree with that--she really DID go from one age to the next with her acting alone--I mean I realize there is at least a little lighting, wardrobe and makeup involved but very little and she did GREAT!

"It wasn't me who was murdered, was it?"

[–] 11 years ago

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[–] MissMargoChanning 11 years ago

Like all the others, I love this film and especially that scene. I have often thought it would be so wonderful to have the chance to speak with my loved ones who have passed away over the years. That scene always makes me feel the way we do in an elevator. Imagine the mixture of emotions. I'm always about to tear up until good ole Mom brings up the dreaded penis and then I can't help laughing. What a wonderful scene..... one of many in this movie!

"Fasten your seat belts!
It's going to be a bumpy night!"

[–] wendytunison 11 years ago

I was only around 20 when I saw this movie right after it came out. I merely thought it was okay at the time, but this particular scene had me nearly crying out loud in the theater. I've never forgotten it. I had just lost my Grandma when I saw the movie and I couldn't imagine how I would feel hearing her voice on the phone again. Thanks for posting, tobedobed. I need to watch this film again.

[–] Obnoxiously-Adorable 8 years ago

I think you hit the nail on the head-the older you get, the more complicated your life gets, the more cherished family members you lose, the more this beautifully written and acted scene hits home. What I wouldn't give to do this same thing with my grandparents. As for the rest-meh. I mean would I make different choices if I could? If I did I wouldn't have what I have now. What if it would have been better? But what if it had been worse. I guess I'd rather live my life again knowing what will happen than risk the unknown. Some may feel differently. Wow, that was a tangent. Lol.

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