Cecilia is a waitress in New Jersey, living a dreary life during the Great Depression. Her only escape from her mundane reality is the movie theatre. After losing her job, Cecilia goes to see 'The Purple Rose of Cairo' in hopes of raising her spirits, where she watches dashing archaeologist Tom Baxter time and again.

Mia Farrow
as Cecilia

Jeff Daniels
as Tom Baxter / Gil Shepherd

Danny Aiello
as Monk

Irving Metzman
as Theater Manager

Stephanie Farrow
as Cecilia's Sister

Edward Herrmann
as Henry

John Wood
as Jason

Deborah Rush
as Rita

Van Johnson
as Larry

Zoe Caldwell
as The Countess
CinemaSerf
Initially, this reminded me a little of the scenario for “King Kong” as the impressionable young “Cecilia” (Mia Farrow) manages, not unreasonably it has to be said, to get fired from her waitressing job in 1930s New York. Despondent, she heads to the cinema to see the “The Purple Rose of Cairo” only...