Updated version of the Jacqueline Susann best selling 1960's novel shows the lives of three very different women who come to New York City to achieve fame and fortune in show business and get all messed up in the process.
Acting
Jean Simmons devours scenery as the monstrous Helen Lawson.
Costume
Shoulder pads and sequins that could signal aircraft.
Production
Four hours of 1981 network TV budget somehow looking expensive.
Director
Walter Grauman
Catherine Hicks
Ann Welles
Lisa Hartman
Neely O'Hara
Veronica Hamel
Jennifer North
David Birney
Lyon Burke
Jean Simmons
Helen Lawson
James Coburn
Henry Bellamy
Gary Collins
Kevin Gilmore
Bert Convy
Tony Polar
Britt Ekland
Françoise
Denise Nicholas
Connie (as Denise Nicholas Hill)
Steve Inwood
Teddi Casablanca
Carol Lawrence
Miriam
Camilla Sparv
Vivienne Moray
Kathleen Nolan
Dr. Galens
Tricia O'Neil
Enid Marshall
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This 1981 remake was actually a ratings hit despite critics' horror, outdrawing the 1967 film's TV premiere. The four-hour runtime let networks sell more ad slots.
The term 'dolls' for pills originated in 1950s showbiz slang; Susann popularized it. This version updates the 60s setting to contemporary 1981, making the fashion choices even more chaotic.
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