Every time there’s trouble in the Middle East, I can’t help but think of Charles Durning. Such a classic performance, stole the show. It’s worth watching the whole movie just to see him.
I only just saw this movie for the first time and the Governor has the most wonderful characterization and he's barely in the movie. This song is priceless, the dance is adorable and the hat on sideways and then turning his head so it falls on correctly is one of those wonderful small details that makes the character so delightful.
@@jeremyjeconner5422 I love how the musical perfectly captured how politicians act only if it is beneficial to their careers or elections. The Governor waited until the polls showed him what the majority wanted then he made a decision, even though he has visited the Chicken Ranch himself.
Charles Durning was quite an accomplished dancer, great character actor, war hero and a good human being who said he wasn't a hero in the war. The soldiers who didn't come back were the heroic ones. How's that for humility. Rest in Peace Charlie!!
Having lived in Austin during this time, this is absolutely the funniest song ever about Texas politics. Unbelievable! I adore Charles Durning. He is a great dancer and this song lets him really strut his stuff.
I remember the governor we had here in Texas when this movie was being made. Even though this was a part in a movie, Charles Durning would've made a better sidestepping governor we had back then and even since then. R.I.P. Mr. Durning, a great American hero of WWII and tremendous actor.
this song is not only funny, well performed etc, but so bloody true for every politician in the world! from local Goverment, committees and councils right through to whoever runs the country your from
I have seen this movie about a million times and love every part of it, but this part has me laughing from beginning to end and Mr. Durning did so very good and I can not thing of a movie or show that he was on that he didn't do it well. This is a true and honest American Hero with a silver star and three purple hearts. He may not have bragged or talk about it much, but he was a Hero on every level. He will be missed.
@Gary Jackson It's also a classic bonehead comment from an American diplomat trying to negotiate an agreement in Jordan; the movie was referring to that.
So very sad this song was one of the first things that came to mind when I heard he passed :( RIP Charles you were a fine actor sadly they aren't made like you anymore...
Find and watch his performance on an episode of NCIS where he portrays a WW2 vet suffering PTSD and thinks he murdered a fellow soldier during the War; stunning! Tear-jerking....
Durning - just Great! This is one of my most favorite best-ever bits - Durning's 'Sidestep' is spectacular. From War hero (Silver Star and 3 Purple Hearts - among the first to land at Omaha Beach) to Movie Star - a great American - his 89 years weren't enough. R.I.P. Mr. Durning. You are missed.
That says it all. I'm just now seeing this performance, brought on by the recommendation of another commentator on the Twighlights Last Gleaming. I first saw him dance in an PBS American Playhouse episode in the early 1980's and then in True Confessions also from the early 80's
This movie has been sort of a 'guilty pleasure' of mine since it came out. Charles Durning was delightful. Romney should definitely use this as his campaign song.
His 'excellency'....? Is that how Texans address their politicians? :) LOVE this song...so true of all politicians. Durning is incredible - he was great in Tootsie too !
Think about it; these two men lived long lives, both rising from humble origins, served their country, and had long and distinguished careers almost working until their deaths. How many of us can say that? If anything, their lives should inspire us to live doing that what we love. Wouldn't you agree?
I had forgotten what an excellent performance (and I'm sorry, movie!) this was. I must have watched this 50 times when I was a kid and can still remember all the words of his song and dance. RIP Charles Durning - thanks for the smiles!
I seen this play preformed live twice. Both time the man who play the Governor steals the show with this song. And Charles Durning does the same in the movie.
JESUS what a GREAT, CLASSIC song-and-dance number JESUS this is what made Broadway great THANK YOU for posting this i had searched for this video excerpt years ago, it didnt exist then Thank you, KJM2672, for posting this And I am not only grateful as a Broadway Musical fan But also as a an American who is a follower of real-world American politics THIS IS WHO GOVERNS US Guys exactly like this PS IF YOU ARE AMERICAN AND YOU DONT KNOW THIS... PLEASE DO NOT VOTE!!
RIP, Charles. I just read that many were very surprised he was so 'nimble of foot' in this scene; but..he was a dance instructor when young and met his (first?) wife at the dance studio!! Great scene! Love this movie.
Everytime Governor Abbott does one of his grandstanding moves, this song comes to mind. Politicians aside, this was one of the best numbers in the film.
I'm just a poor boy Come to greatness Amnd so it follows, I cannot tell a lie! What a wonderful actor. As menacing as a thug or a crook as he was hysterical as a small town mayor or a snake-oil salesman. They don't make 'em like Charles Durning any more, dagnabbit.
One of my favorite movies ever. THE SIDESTEP From : "The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas" (Carol Hall) Charles Durning Fellow Texans, I am proudly standing here to humbly see. I assure you, and I mean it- Now, who says I don't speak out as plain as day? And, fellow Texans, I'm for progress and the flag- long may it fly. I'm a poor boy, come to greatness. So, it follows that I cannot tell a lie. Ooh I love to dance a little sidestep, now they see me now they don't- I've come and gone and, ooh I love to sweep around the wide step, cut a little swathe and lead the people on. Now my good friends, it behooves me to be solemn and declare, I'm for goodness and for profit and for living clean and saying daily prayer. And now, my good friends, you can sleep nights, I'll continue to stand tall. You can trust me, for I promise, I shall keep a watchful eye upon ya'll... Ooh I love to dance a little sidestep, now they see me now they don't- I've come and gone and, ooh I love to sweep around the wide step, cut a little swathe and lead the people on. Now, Miss Mona, I don't know her, though I've heard the name, oh yes. But, of course I've no close contact, so what she is doing I can only guess. And now, Miss Mona, she's a blemish on the face of that good town. I am taking certain steps here, someone somewhere's gonna have to close her down. Ooh I love to dance a little sidestep, now they see me now they don't- I've come and gone and, ooh I love to sweep around the wide step, cut a little swathe and lead the people on. Ooh I love to dance a little sidestep... And, ooh I love to sweep around the wide step... Cut a little swathe and lead the people on.
Durning was a professional dancer in his early career, even giving dance classes. And of course his great military service. He could play comedy and drama with equal brilliance.
The movie as a whole isn't that bad, its actually kind of good. Its just the subject matter that's very odd. But I have to say that after seeing this clip, then watching the whole movie, this song was stuck in my head all day long, and really didn't mind.
![Charles Durning performs "Sidestep" on Dolly Parton variety show [ABC, January 16, 1988]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/QWmZjdNvxRY/mqdefault.jpg)
Every time there’s trouble in the Middle East, I can’t help but think of Charles Durning. Such a classic performance, stole the show. It’s worth watching the whole movie just to see him.
I have to admit every time I hear a political speach - I find myself humming this song in my head!
Me too
Me too ! For 20+ years! Charles Durning is a GREAT underrated actor.
Especially when it's a democratic speech lol
Yep, either party the stories are same
I know, right?
No better secondary man in any film he was in than Charles Durning. Loved him in everything!
What a gift this performance is. it brings big smiles every time and never gets old. RIP, great man.
Flumensong I agree !!
truly a great American . . .
I only just saw this movie for the first time and the Governor has the most wonderful characterization and he's barely in the movie. This song is priceless, the dance is adorable and the hat on sideways and then turning his head so it falls on correctly is one of those wonderful small details that makes the character so delightful.
It's actually a true story and durnings character is modeled after the actual governor who tried to get it shut down Dolph Briscoe
@@jeremyjeconner5422 I love how the musical perfectly captured how politicians act only if it is beneficial to their careers or elections. The Governor waited until the polls showed him what the majority wanted then he made a decision, even though he has visited the Chicken Ranch himself.
@eryian agreed my cousin played in the movie told us the whole story when I was a kid way way back when lol
2:24-When he says "standing tall", and he moves that dude down off the step even with him!!!!!!!!! Lol.This was written and choreographed ingeniously!
This guy dances pretty good for someone with 3 Purple Hearts. RIP dear Sir.
Charles Durning was quite an accomplished dancer, great character actor, war hero and a good human being who said he wasn't a hero in the war. The soldiers who didn't come back were the heroic ones. How's that for humility. Rest in Peace Charlie!!
Having lived in Austin during this time, this is absolutely the funniest song ever about Texas politics. Unbelievable! I adore Charles Durning. He is a great dancer and this song lets him really strut his stuff.
Back in the 70s and 80s Texas was chic
This is every politician. No political alignment under attack here. Just politics in general.
This was such a fun movie. A classic. Dolly and Burt were hilarious.
And this song definitely fits every politician.
And yet the critics panned it when it came out. Go figure. I agree it really is a fun movie.
No Academy Award for this song. But it is a classic.
And it should gotten one
@@paulstroope6738It wasn't written for the film. It was from the Broadway show. To get an Oscar, it has to be original for the film.
I remember the governor we had here in Texas when this movie was being made. Even though this was a part in a movie, Charles Durning would've made a better sidestepping governor we had back then and even since then. R.I.P. Mr. Durning, a great American hero of WWII and tremendous actor.
I saw this film in the theater when it first came out. I knew this show stopping number would get him an Oscar nomination. Too bad he didn't win.
Best little song in the whole show
this song is not only funny, well performed etc, but so bloody true for every politician in the world! from local Goverment, committees and councils right through to whoever runs the country your from
Yup.... every single one of them. X
EVERY POLITICIAN, INCLUDING MR. T.
@@bird4birdhotmail Dementia Joe comes to mind
I have seen this movie about a million times and love every part of it, but this part has me laughing from beginning to end and Mr. Durning did so very good and I can not thing of a movie or show that he was on that he didn't do it well. This is a true and honest American Hero with a silver star and three purple hearts. He may not have bragged or talk about it much, but he was a Hero on every level. He will be missed.
This scene is the definition of a show stopper. He is wonderfull and brilliant in this. Mr. Durning will be missed.
I like how when he put on his hat side way, it turns right way, when he turn his head.
I love this WAY too much.
Charles Durning put the word "character" in character actor! All time greatest!!
I bought the movie just for this SONG!!!! The POLITICAL AWARD FOR ALL TIME.
Charles Durning, one of my favorite character actors. Who knew he could sing and dance so well? 😁
He was a WWII Hero, also.
3:07, that smile!!!
"It behooves both the Jews and the A-rabs to settle their differences in a Christian manner." Bwahaha
One of the greatest movie lines ever.
Hey, joke?? lighten up people!
As in ~these white neanderthals?? or thichk sliced bread?
@@dougearnest7590 That is not a "line in a movie". An American diplomat actually said that in a meeting of Jews and Muslims.
@Gary Jackson It's also a classic bonehead comment from an American diplomat trying to negotiate an agreement in Jordan; the movie was referring to that.
@Gary Jackson NWOR
So very sad this song was one of the first things that came to mind when I heard he passed :( RIP Charles you were a fine actor sadly they aren't made like you anymore...
I love Charles Durning.
Find and watch his performance on an episode of NCIS where he portrays a WW2 vet suffering PTSD and thinks he murdered a fellow soldier during the War; stunning! Tear-jerking....
What a life he had. Mr. Durning will be missed, but what a great body of work he left for us to enjoy.
Durning - just Great!
This is one of my most favorite best-ever bits - Durning's 'Sidestep' is spectacular.
From War hero (Silver Star and 3 Purple Hearts - among the first to land at Omaha Beach) to Movie Star - a great American - his 89 years weren't enough.
R.I.P. Mr. Durning. You are missed.
Yes RIP Charles...I always felt a film was worth watching and of some quality when I saw him in it.
this was an Oscar nominated performance! Mr. Durning couldn't have been better in this role!! It is a delight every time I watch it!!
ALL Politicians Theme Song
I never knew Charles Durning was so graceful a dancer!
Whoever thought Charles Durning could dance...RIP big guy!
Since he was at one time a
dance instructor,
probably quite a few.
I also love the part with Dom Deluise, another great talent who is sadly no longer with us.
THANKS, I WAS TRYING TO REMEMBER HIS NAME.
I read in his obit that he was a dance instructor when he was young, even met his first wife at the dance studio where they both worked!
That says it all.
I'm just now seeing this performance, brought on by the recommendation of another commentator on the Twighlights Last Gleaming.
I first saw him dance in an PBS American Playhouse episode in the early 1980's and then in True Confessions also from the early 80's
Highlight of the movie. And the stuff with the hat is priceless.
This movie has been sort of a 'guilty pleasure' of mine since it came out. Charles Durning was delightful. Romney should definitely use this as his campaign song.
What a great talent and a great man. RIP.
I love this video. Did not care for this movie but I laughed so hard when Mr. Durning did this. Rest peacefully.
"Is that a yes or a no??" "It's a possible maybe,"
My favorite song from this musical.
Salamon2 It always makes me laugh. Love it.
His 'excellency'....? Is that how Texans address their politicians? :)
LOVE this song...so true of all politicians. Durning is incredible - he was great in Tootsie too !
RIP Mr. Durning after living an honorable life and serving our country in WWII and then coming home and sharing your talent.
This song is even more relevant today. Thanks Charles. Before you rest in peace could you dance a little sidestep one more time?
LOVE this song, thanks for posting the full version and good sound quality, so many by others have been crap
I have a new respect for Charles durning I so use to see him in dramas and action
Hard to belive that same man was a D-Day veteran.
Great Song!!! Great Movie!!!
Think about it; these two men lived long lives, both rising from humble origins, served their country, and had long and distinguished careers almost working until their deaths. How many of us can say that? If anything, their lives should inspire us to live doing that what we love. Wouldn't you agree?
this is one of my favorite parts 🇺🇸🚓
So darn funny. I think about this song every time a politician is talking on the news.LOL
I have been to the capitol building. Quite a beautiful spot
Such talent!!
"What the hell did he say?" "Same as usual, nothing!"
"Why has the chicken ranch operation been so long ignored?" "We seem to be having some acoustic problems in here."
Too funny.
"...not a damn thing"
RIP Charles Durning, this is one of the finest comedy moments of all time
Every time I see politicians blah, blah blah, I think of this. Whoever wrote this song understood our government. Charles Durning was a treasure.
Words and music by Carol Hall
This is the second movie I've ever seen him in ( the first is Oh brother where art thou) and it absolutely great
My all time favorite truthful telling of most politicians....
Mr. Durning was a song and dance man going way back plus a decorated Marine
Liam Ryan - decorated US Army Veteran. Participated in Normandy invasion.
God if he was still alive, I would definitely vote for him a POTUS
I had forgotten what an excellent performance (and I'm sorry, movie!) this was. I must have watched this 50 times when I was a kid and can still remember all the words of his song and dance. RIP Charles Durning - thanks for the smiles!
RIP Mr Durning... what an unforgettable performance!
My Dad loved this song.
My Dad could sing and he would sing this song and do the dance.
I miss my Dad 😢
I seen this play preformed live twice. Both time the man who play the Governor steals the show with this song. And Charles Durning does the same in the movie.
One of favorite songs in this movie
This is the first performance I think of when I think of Charles Durning. But he gave us so many more.
You will be missed.
JESUS what a GREAT, CLASSIC song-and-dance number
JESUS this is what made Broadway great
THANK YOU for posting this
i had searched for this video excerpt years ago, it didnt exist then
Thank you, KJM2672, for posting this
And I am not only grateful as a Broadway Musical fan
But also as a an American who is a follower of real-world American politics
THIS IS WHO GOVERNS US
Guys exactly like this
PS
IF YOU ARE AMERICAN AND YOU DONT KNOW THIS... PLEASE DO NOT VOTE!!
What a wonderful scene from this movie! He was a great one.
The hat trick always gets me. Ha ha!
RIP, Charles. I just read that many were very surprised he was so 'nimble of foot' in this scene; but..he was a dance instructor when young and met his (first?) wife at the dance studio!! Great scene! Love this movie.
It pretty much covers all of them. It is what they do best, sidestepping.
Everytime Governor Abbott does one of his grandstanding moves, this song comes to mind. Politicians aside, this was one of the best numbers in the film.
I'm just a poor boy
Come to greatness
Amnd so it follows,
I cannot tell a lie!
What a wonderful actor. As menacing as a thug or a crook as he was hysterical as a small town mayor or a snake-oil salesman. They don't make 'em like Charles Durning any more, dagnabbit.
My god. The similarity between him and Abbott are amazing.
Durning. Legend.
Will miss him...a great actor !
True American hero. RIP sir.
How adorable can one be? He was a Gift to all who saw him.
RIP Charles, one of the greatest dance scenes ever.
This is one of my favorite songs from one of my favorite old movies. Thank you for this!
We've lost another great one, rest in peace Mr. Durning.
One of my favorite movies ever.
THE SIDESTEP
From : "The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas"
(Carol Hall)
Charles Durning
Fellow Texans, I am proudly standing here to humbly see.
I assure you, and I mean it- Now, who says I don't speak out as plain as day?
And, fellow Texans, I'm for progress and the flag- long may it fly.
I'm a poor boy, come to greatness. So, it follows that I cannot tell a lie.
Ooh I love to dance a little sidestep, now they see me now they don't-
I've come and gone and, ooh I love to sweep around the wide step,
cut a little swathe and lead the people on.
Now my good friends, it behooves me to be solemn and declare,
I'm for goodness and for profit and for living clean and saying daily prayer.
And now, my good friends, you can sleep nights, I'll continue to stand tall.
You can trust me, for I promise, I shall keep a watchful eye upon ya'll...
Ooh I love to dance a little sidestep, now they see me now they don't-
I've come and gone and, ooh I love to sweep around the wide step,
cut a little swathe and lead the people on.
Now, Miss Mona, I don't know her, though I've heard the name, oh yes.
But, of course I've no close contact, so what she is doing I can only guess.
And now, Miss Mona, she's a blemish on the face of that good town.
I am taking certain steps here, someone somewhere's gonna have to close her down.
Ooh I love to dance a little sidestep, now they see me now they don't-
I've come and gone and, ooh I love to sweep around the wide step,
cut a little swathe and lead the people on.
Ooh I love to dance a little sidestep...
And, ooh I love to sweep around the wide step...
Cut a little swathe and lead the people on.
I love his little dance moves.
Durning was a professional dancer in his early career, even giving dance classes. And of course his great military service. He could play comedy and drama with equal brilliance.
The movie as a whole isn't that bad, its actually kind of good. Its just the subject matter that's very odd. But I have to say that after seeing this clip, then watching the whole movie, this song was stuck in my head all day long, and really didn't mind.
cosmosblue772 not odd but controversial.
I'll vote for the 1st politician to use this song in a own campaign ad!
R.I.P. Charles. Thank you for the entertainment, it was great.
Thanks for having posted this. My favorite part of the movie. Loved his singing and that remarkable dancing. R.I.P. Mr Durning
This was funny back in the day but scarey real today. That said, it’s still funny to remember the movie.
Now that's what I call a show-stopper.
Amazing!
One of the best.
He didn't realize he was playing Governor Synder from Michigan 30 years prior. Brilliant!
Politics. Politicians.
Yep. Perfect video.
Good movie to. I recommend it to everyone over the age of 18.
the first time I saw Mr Durning, he was a sleezy bad guy
I'll miss both Charles Durning and Jack Klugman. Both were GREAT.
I can't stop watching it.
This man will be missed and my deepest prayers for his family.rest in peace,my friend.
A great actor and great American hero!
I love this song and the dance!!!!
This is how Mittens Romney answers questions. But I love this movie