Ragtime

Director Milos Foreman spun E.L. Doctorow's semi-fictional novel of 1900s Americana into a richly detailed period piece, as the fates of the era’s famous and infamous intertwined with those of a well-off New Rochelle family, Harlem pianist Coalhouse Walker (Howard E. Rollins, Jr.), and Jewish immigrant Tateh (Mandy Patinkin). Exceptional ensemble cast also features Mary Steenburgen, Brad Dourif, Elizabeth McGovern, Debbie Allen, and--after a 20-year screen hiatus--James Cagney. 155 min. Widescreen; Soundtrack: English.