Synopsis
An unsuccessful over-the-top actress becomes a successful over-the-top authoress in this biography of Jacqueline Susann, the famed writer of "The Valley of the Dolls" and other trashy novels. Facing a failing career, Susann meets a successful promoter who becomes her husband. After several failures to place her in commercials and a TV quiz show, he hits upon the idea for her to become a writer. In the pre-1960s, her books were looked upon as trash and non-printable. But then the sexual revolution hit and an audience was born for her books. The story shows the hidden behind-the-scenes story of Susann's life, including her autistic son and her continuing bout with cancer which she hid up until her death.
Your Movie Library
Cast
- Bette MidlerJacqueline Susann
- Nathan LaneIrving Mansfield
- Stockard ChanningFlorence Maybelle
- David Hyde PierceMichael Hastings
- John CleeseHenry Marcus
- John LarroquetteMaury Manning
- Amanda PeetDebbie
- Dina Spybey-WatersBambi Madison
- Paul BenedictProf. Brainiac
- Jeff RossShecky
Recommendations
- 75
New York Post
Isn't great, but it's an enjoyable if overly discreet and romanticized look at a long-vanished show-business world. - 70
Los Angeles Times
Ah, what glorious casting! - 70
Salon
A cupcake of a movie, a sweet and lightweight little thing that's all but served up in a ruffled paper cup. - 40
Rolling Stone
Just isn't enough. - 38
San Francisco Chronicle
Leaves an unintentional unpleasant aftertaste. - 38
Chicago Tribune
A flabbergasting waste of time and talent. - 30
The New York Times
If you're looking for laughs, give "Valley of the Dolls" another read instead. - 25
Miami Herald
Just plain bad. Really, really bad.
