Is this a good one?
Movie, that is?
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*joins funky in ????????*
"Elf envy... they all had it."--Orlando Bloom
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MovieChat Forums > Only When I Laugh (1981) Discussion > Is this a good one?
I love this film. If you're a fan of Neil Simon or Marsha Mason, it's a must.
shareOh yes, a terrific film. The dialogue is wonderful, ranging from laugh-out-loud funny to very poignant. Marsha Mason is a powerhouse here, but is given a run for her money by old pros James Coco and Joan Hackett. Kristy McNichol is in mighty tall cotton among those fine actors, but does a commendable job in her own right.
I love this movie!
"The dialogue is wonderful, ranging from laugh-out-loud funny to very poignant."
Do you think Marsha Mason's character was modeled on Shirley MacLaine? I'm a fan of Shirley, so I can definitely see a few similarities, particularly in Georgia's personality and her kooky sense of humor: "I already had medical attention, a dog licked me while I was on the floor."
At the party Georgia admits that her daughter grew up and saw the bus driver more than her, which is exactly what Shirley used to say about her daughter, who was brought up mostly in Japan.
It's a talkie, lots of long monologues...but they're all entertaining and worth watching. Love this movie.
Professional Jayne Mansfield fanatic/lover™ since 1980.
This is by far Marsha Mason's BEST performance ever. This movie was so influential on me when I was younger. She made smoking look so much fun, I went out and bought my first pack of ciggies.
shareNo question about it. I rated it a 10. IMO, This is the way that movies should be made instead of all today's computer generated (the big ole green screen) forgettable flicks. This movie touches the heart and very sentimental and in some way or another you'll have a personal connection. Marsha Mason knocked this out the park like Arod. lol
shareSorry but I don't agree...and I love Marsha Mason. There is no truth to her recovery. I realize this is a movie but she leaves three months in rehab and doesn't go to one AA meeting? Although it is ostensibly about her relationship with McNichol it is also about her recovery. None of it rings true to me.
http://3linesabout.blogspot.com/2010/02/only-when-i-laugh-1981.html
The movie takes place in 1981...who knows what kinds of 'rules' went on with recovery back then. She did seem to have an important relationship with her doctor and maybe that was her 'sponsor'. Also, she started back working again almost immediately after leaving rehab...little time for meetings?
Dammit Carol Sue, where is the vodka?!
Oh my heavens, yes! Watch it, I implore you. So long has it been since I've seen a film that's made me feel so much. I laughed, I cried, I was enraged, I traversed the entire spectrum of human emotion within a mere two hours. Neil Simon's unmistakable witty, urbane dialogue is a treat to listen to and his uniquely honest characterizations are highlights of this film. The performances from Marsha Mason, Joan Hackett and James Coco were extraordinary and all three richly deserved their Academy Award nominations. Kristy McNichol's performance as Mason's daughter, "Polly" was outstanding as well. If you ever stumble across this film on television (it is unlikely you'll find it for purchase as it is long out of print and SHAMEFULLY unavailable on DVD format) please check it out.
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