for the boy might just be a good midler film today and in a period of another middle east war and albeit a more tragic and unpopular one with a far more critical and on go medium focus than the first 1991 war . this exceptionally well make musical drama and make for about $ 70 million in 1991 and really a protest musical parable and do not reach the intend at the time and the first iraq war be over before this film have a chance to make an impact . see in 2006 and now be actually the right time for this film . we be also quite a while from other bette midler film of the 80 and a a result ftb have a strong solo spotlight . have appreciate this film in that light and i believe it be possibly one of the last great semi musical of the 20th century and be help immeasurably by a very pungent script . at time it be not unlike new york new york both in look and romantic combat . cann and midler work so well against and with each other and underlined by george segal in a role that be actually substantial for him . apparently this be loosely base on the life of martha raye and who complain bitterly upon release that this fact be not recognize . for the boy be a major musical film but taper off tune wise in the last 40 minute while the starling and harrowing ( but slightly illogical ) vietnam war scene be play out . midler be front and center star at all time and the production value show the huge budget well spend on screen . if reissue today might get a good reception give the iraq war to play against and therefore have more impact . it a good film and serious and with excellent music and comedy in the first hour especially .