Out on a Limb

Two-part miniseries for television starring Shirley MacLaine is an extremely talky dramatization of her late-1970s spiritual awakening chronicled in her 1983 autobiography "Out on a Limb" (in essence, it's Shirley recreating the past while playing herself). While having an affair with a married British socialist in line to become the next Prime Minister of England, Shirley--always one to question the universe and her place in it--delves into the Indian philosophy of karma and reincarnation. Meeting a mysterious young artist (for the second time, as it turns out) in Malibu, MacLaine eventually finds herself high above Peru in the Andes, where her companion has seen a 'flying disc" and believes his spirit guide is an alien female who has instructed him to relay all his metaphysical knowledge to Shirley MacLaine "because she writes". Actors know it's very difficult to play yourself on-screen, but MacLaine does a pretty good job of it here; she's perhaps more unaffected about her life and career than an actress of her caliber would be, but she's likably open-minded with a spontaneous-seeming personality. This well-made, globe-trotting production, directed by Robert Butler and adapted by MacLaine and Colin Higgins (who also co-produced), opens with the affair, which is the weakest part of Shirley's story (she tells us early on that this relationship would act as a connection to the following events which take place; however, since her lover is a non-believer, he just seems like a very rude abstraction). MacLaine's high-powered persona is often sugarcoated, sometimes for an unintentionally amusing, noodle-headed affect (when she's told at one point that happiness lies in her own backyard, Shirley takes the metaphor literally and laments, "My backyard is the Pacific Ocean!"). Her journey is a heartfelt one, and the mediums, psychics and channelers she encounters along the way are often interesting, but it's doubtful many lives will be changed by Shirley's incredible adventure. It's a very personal jaunt--as self-awareness stories usually are--but, as MacLaine claims, she's "not a teacher", she's "a learner", and what the actress has to tell us is only about the Self. The rest of us are gawkers at the gate. Three Emmy nominations: Outstanding Special, also for editing and sound mixing. **1/2 from ****

Shirley MacLaine in 1987 had the skill and courage to both write and star in a supposed autobiographical miniseries delineating her spiritual journey.

Such topics as guides, reincarnation, and self discovery are plunged into with abandon by MacLaine. Having read her book upon which this script is based, I appreciate her creativity, imagination, and tenacity to bring this challenging project to fruition.

What I don't readily grasp is the volume of unique metaphysical occurrences that the heroine is alleged to have had. For one example: an extended car ride in the dead of night at top speed, down a narrow forest trail while dodging trees right and left--with none but "spirit" operating the vehicle.

While it makes for dramatic tv, it does stimulate wonder as to where actual facts leave off and creative writing begins. As for many profound questionings tackled, these touch us all and are part of the human spiritual quest.

Many viewers, however, may lack an intense interest in this subject to stick with it throughout its lengthy two-part running time. Those who do may well be rewarded with an intriguing introduction into New Age philosophy.

This film and Ms. MacLaine's humanitarian concerns were (at the risk of being ridiculed) an attempt to empower and enlighten us from the 20th century. To save us from ourselves and to remind us of our connections to one another. A true pioneer in an era lost to greed and capitalism. Philosophers as early as 300 BC understood the force of God in all of us. That goodness and love can overcome bad and evil. This film inspired me to look beyond the injustices I incurred as child. To look at the big picture and to understand that everything we do must be for the good of future generations. That mankind's journey and survival depends on a openness of mind and the foresight to stand together as one against all diversity even at the risk of being ridiculed and dangling "out on a limb".

Dear Charles,

I sure hope you were well-paid for this toe-curlingly awful vanity project. Not yours, of course. No man could possibly be vain and appear in dreck like this.

Your performance was perfect, of course. You convincingly embodied the romantic intellectual. You made it very easy to believe in Gerry's fascination with Shirley.

I've got to give you lots of respect: clearly, as an artist you're willing to take on risk. You've done (what must be unpleasant) work in order to fulfill your responsibilities as a husband and father. You've consistently delivered top-quality performances in the most unworthy projects. And in addition to all that, I've never seen or heard you even once complain or disparage anyone.

But Charles, even my love isn't enough to withstand watching "Out on a Limb." Taking most excellent advice from another of your pictures,* I decided to leave off watching after fifteen minutes. It is better to preserve my love for you than immolate it in service of checking off another item on your c.v.

Yours affectionately,

Oloiatao

*Dorothy: I believe in love. Not just getting it, but giving it. I think that if you're able to love someone, even if they don't know it, even if they can't love you back, then it's worth it. (Gosford Park)

Not bad docudrama of a very pretty Shirley MacLaine describing her path of awareness.

Some strained romantic interludes - which most women will no doubt find alluring - are included in the movie, but the film is literally interesting once Shirley embarks on her 'journey' to find the meaning of life and all that. I still could never detach myself from the possibility that Shirley is just some bored rich chick who needed something to do, thus she began her little self-discovery thing. Having said that, the flick is okay, save the frustration of her character (herself) tolerating that spooky married British guy (Charlie Dance) when she had a more promising prospect in the enlightened beach bum (John Heard). Anne Jackson tags along as an over-bearing matza ball.

Check it out. There are some clips of Shirley performing on Broadway.