As shown in all the promo ads for this MOW, the focus of the show was on the whole Suzanne Somers debacle. The show becomes a hit, tapping into a nerve of the country post Sexual Revolution and pre-plague where the idea of a gay man is still considered relatively harmless and nancyingly funny. Everyone is happy. Then Somers' star power is doubly fueled by her greedy husband and the misshapen and ultimately fruitless desire to be the next Farrah Fawcett (note where both are today). Fights ensue on and off the set and then we are treated to the only real moment of drama in the film. When Somers arrives and is escorted to a backstage set where she tapes the infamous "phone call from sick mother's" house. I can totally remember watching those scenes as a youngster and thinking, Why is Chrissy there?
This was one of my favorite shows growing up, but watching this movie, you wouldn't understand why anyone ever watched it. We are treated to one scene of the show with one of the famous misunderstandings which were such a staple. Although, the emphasis was on Somers, I felt that there could have been more of an explanation of why this show was so popular. It was toted as a behind-the-scenes look at the show, but felt more like Somers life story 1977-1983. I was interested to learn, however, that Somers wanted to play Jack's fiancee in the spin-off. Can you imagine how interesting that would have been? That Vicki was so incredibly boring. I can remember at least one storyline from "The Ropers". "Three's a Crowd" does not ring the faintest bell.
Poor Priscilla Barnes gets no more than one minute. And where were Larry, Lana, an ever-so-small glimpse of The Regal Beagle? And did anyone else get the feeling that Jud Taylor looked almost too much like Gwyneth Paltrow? During the movie I was thinking she should play her next. But who would play Brad Pitt?
The Joyce DeWitt narration bookends were wholly unnecessary and further testament to the fact that she really did get the short end of that whole deal. I liked the woman that played her. She achieved a very fine balance between wanting to maintain the equilibrium of the show and the jealousy she must have been feeling toward Somers and, later, Ritter. The Ritter casting was remarkable. For me, he was always the real star, next to the remarkable Audra Lindley.
Overall, enjoyable, especially for fans of the show. But for a much better treatment of the subject, watch the E! True Hollywood story. It's one of their best.
7/10
