The Fabulous Baker Boys is a 1989 American romantic comedy-drama musical film written and directed by Steve Kloves, and starring real-life brothers Jeff and Beau Bridges, along with Michelle Pfeiffer.
Two brothers, Jack (Jeff) and Frank (Beau), struggling to make a living as lounge jazz pianists in Seattle, hold auditions for a female singer to join the outfit, ending up with the beautiful but eccentric Susie Diamond (Pfeiffer), a former escort with unusual charisma and a sultry singing voice, who revitalizes their careers, causing the brothers to re-examine their relationship with each other and with their music.
This film features examples of:
- The Chanteuse: Glamorous, sultry-voiced Susie.
- Family Title: The Baker Boys of the title are a duo of brothers.
- Foolish Sibling, Responsible Sibling: Frank handles the business aspect of the duo and has a wife and family he adores; while Jack feels bored with the material they play, finding it hackneyed, and being single and attractive, his private life is a series of one-night stands.
- Ironic Echo: When Frank and Jack's act is on hard times, one bar owner they're trying to get a gig from says simply "we'll call you." After they add Susie and that turns their fortunes around, the same bar owner now comes to them asking if they can play his joint, to which they tell him "We'll call you."
- Sitting Sexy on a Piano: Susie frequently (and memorably) does this when performing with the Baker Boys, complete with red dress.
- Terrible Interviewees Montage: The Baker Boys have a long line of terrible singers audition for the act, and the brothers are about to give up, and then Susie shows up...
- Two Guys and a Girl: What the Baker Boys become after they add Susie. Sure enough, conflict emerges when Frank worries (correctly) that Jack will ruin their professional relationship by getting involved with Susie.
