Bootleg Betty
Saturday Matinee: Bette Midler In Isn’t She Great
By Mister D
January 18, 2025
“Isn’t She Great“ is a 2000 biographical comedy-drama film that presents a fictionalized biography of the life of author Jacqueline Susann, played by Bette Midler. The film, directed by Andrew Bergman, was adapted from a screenplay by Paul Rudnick based on a 1995 New Yorker profile by Michael Korda. Here’s a comprehensive overview:
Synopsis:
The movie follows Jacqueline Susann, an ambitious woman with limited acting talent, who eventually finds fame as the author of the best-selling novel “Valley of the Dolls.” Initially working as an actress, she struggles in a career that doesn’t take off. Her fortunes change when she marries Irving Mansfield (played by Nathan Lane), a former press agent who becomes her manager. Together, they navigate the highs and lows of show business and publishing. The film portrays Susann’s relentless pursuit of fame, her personal battles including her relationship with her autistic son and her fight against cancer, and her innovative approach to book promotion, which includes extensive book tours that revolutionized the industry.
Fanfare:
- Cast: Alongside Midler and Lane, the film features Stockard Channing, David Hyde Pierce, and John Cleese in supporting roles, adding to the film’s comedic and dramatic depth.
- Release: “Isn’t She Great” premiered in theaters on January 28, 2000, but did not meet with commercial success, grossing only about $3 million against a budget of $36 million. It was considered a box office disappointment.
Awards:
- The film did not win any major awards, but Bette Midler was nominated for a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actress, reflecting the critical reception of her performance.
Trivia:
- This was Nathan Lane’s first screen role where he played a character based on a real person connected to the subject of the film; he played Irving Mansfield, who was the real-life husband of Jacqueline Susann.
- Interestingly, Lane’s first screen role was in the TV mini-series “Jacqueline Susann’s Valley of the Dolls” in 1981, where he played a theatre stage manager, which adds a layer of meta-casting to his role in this film about Susann.
- The film was an international co-production involving the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan, which contributed to its unique cultural mix.
Quotes:
- There are no direct, notable quotes from “Isn’t She Great” listed in the provided search results. However, the film’s portrayal of Susann’s colorful personality and her interaction with the publishing world would likely include memorable lines reflecting her wit and determination.
Reception:
- Critics were not kind to the film, with “Isn’t She Great” holding a 24% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The consensus seemed to be that while the story of Jacqueline Susann was potentially rich material, the execution in this film fell short, with performances from Midler and Lane described as broad and not entirely capturing the essence of their characters.
This movie stands as a unique, if not critically acclaimed, entry in Bette Midler’s filmography, offering insight into one of America’s most famous authors through a lens of comedy and drama.
