There’s a certain generation of women who still laugh when they hear “toe pick.” Then they begin dreaming about a certain swoon-worthy character in the memorable scene when that line was first employed, and wonder why aren’t romantic leads like that now? Why can’t they all be like D.B. Sweeney’s Doug Dorsey: athletic, virile, funny, easygoing, ambitious, and more emotionally open than those traits might suggest?
The Cutting Edge (1992) never received the credit it deserved, but I hear the occasional reference to it in films and TV episodes, echoing the devoted following it obtained then and still now for its engaging sports narrative, its funny tone, and the sizzling chemistry between Sweeney and Moira Kelly.
In the story, Doug’s dreams of hockey stardom have been destroyed by an injury to his eye at the Olympics. Kate Moseley’s (Kelly’s) Olympic dreams have been dashed by a particularly ugly drop by her figure skating partner. The next Olympics is coming up, and no one wants to partner with the notoriously chilly Kate. Meanwhile, Doug has lost his scholarship and any chance at even a minor league hockey career. Then one day, Kate’s coach approaches Doug with some figure skates, and despite his (and her) hilariously expressed doubts, an unlikely professional pairing begins to form. Before long, Doug starts to realize he has feelings for her, and she, in spite of her engagement to another, begins to realize she is attracted to him too.
There are many differences between the two characters: he’s a stereotypical guy in many ways, and she’s a reserved, uptight, very wealthy and very feminine woman.
But you see the attraction too, especially their hyper-competitiveness and dedication. What I love so much about their union is that BOTH of them grow due to the influence of the other. It’s not just the punishment of the type A personality woman we so often see (though Kate is definitely–and deservedly–taken down a peg or two). (Actually, their dynamic is so similar to the one in It Happened One Night that I wrote about it in one of my earliest blog posts.)
My own love for Doug Dorsey was quite fervent. He was EVERYTHING I wanted in a partner in my late teens: Smart, relaxed, charismatic with an incredibly sexy smile. Confident but open, willing to admit mistakes. Promiscuous when he wasn’t in love, but when he was, not willing to go for Kate if she was still engaged or had too much to drink. Proud but mature enough to leave the pride behind when he had to. Ultimately willing to prioritize her even above his dreams. And, of course, there was his tolerance of her heinous (but enthusiastic) dance skills, which bore a strong resemblance to mine. His ability to throw a paper wad into a trashcan and make it. His skill with the cutting line, and reluctance to read Great Expectations (close to my least favorite book at the time).
My love for Doug Dorsey led me to seek D.B. Sweeney’s other work over the years, and believe me, it hasn’t been easy: Eight Men Out, a Leverage episode. Why his fully embodied, sensual, funny performance didn’t lead to stardom, I don’t know. But although he and I have aged, my opinion of Sweeney’s character hasn’t. What I realize now is that he was also what a teen’s heartthrob character so rarely is: an adult (with, admittedly, some rough edges). That’s why I can still enjoy the film now, when other teen loves have lost their allure. And besides all that? The Cutting Edge is such a fun sports film (another favorite genre of mine), and it’s full of comedy, especially when Doug confesses he’s become a figure skater to his working class, uber-masculine brother (and hometown).
When I heard Font and Frock & Silver Screenings were hosting a Reel Infatuation blogathon celebrating character crushes, I thought of others: obviously Nick of The Thin Man, Cary Grant’s hilarious The Awful Truth husband. But suddenly, D. B. Sweeney popped in my head, reminding me of Doug and the long-ago, but never-dead crush, and I figured some of the rest of you hadn’t had the joy of encountering him yet, and others would love the reminder. Hope if you haven’t seen the film yet, you’ll soon enjoy toe picks as much as I do.
For others’ wonderful posts on their film crushes, click here.
I saw this film waaay back in the days of VHS tapes, and thought it was terrific. I instantly developed a crush on D.B. Sweeney’s character. How could you not?
You’re right about the chemistry between Sweeney and Moira Kelly. (Whatever happened to her?) You also pointed out how both characters changed during the course of the film, which made it more memorable.
I’m going to stream this movie soon – you’ve got me anxious to see it and see if I like it as much as I did back in the VHS Days. Thanks for that, and thanks for joining the blogathon!
Moira Kelly had more recognizable successes–she played characters on The West Wing and yes, One Tree Hill:) Always fun to see her. So glad to find another fan!! Thank you for such a fun stroll down memory lane with this blogathon! (not to mention a slew of future crushes….)
I enjoyed this very much. I’ve never heard of the film, but I admire both the leads. Your affection for the character is genuinely and beautifully expressed.
Thank you, Patricia! You really should check it out. It’s so good.
I love everything about The Cutting Edge. It remains one of my favorite rom coms. (I also wanted Doug to be my boyfriend.) I even love all the skating montages.
I know! The montages are fun. I think I remember hearing he had been an athlete and did more of the skating than you’d guess–making me love Sweeney more, of course.
This was one of my favorite films as a teenager and I made my best friend watch it with me many times. Poor Doug really had his work cut out for him switching to a new sport, dealing with Kate and swallowing his pride. I love how this film showed how two opposites can not only attract each other, but also how it is possible for them to become better people for it.
You did that friend a favor:))
I haven’t thought of this film since my teen years. Thanks for bringing it all back to me, and thank you for joining our blogathon!
Thank you! It’s such a fun one; love this blogathon.