The First Wives Club Movie Review 1996

As the first Mrs. Trump, who makes a most appropriate cameo, so wisely puts it, "Don't get mad, get everything." But to the three rich, middle-aged friends who are dumped by their husbands so the guys can marry younger "trophy" wives, there's just nothing like revenge. Comedy begins in 1969 with the young and idealistic Annie (Keaton), Brenda (Midler), Elise (Hawn) and Cynthia graduating college, then moves to the present with the wronged Cynthia (Channing) ledge-diving from her swanky Manhattan apartment because her husband left her. The remaining mistreated trio goes into action, using their exes' own money, businesses, power, and various mistresses against them. This film's appeal and success had Hollywood tongues wagging, predicting the dawn of new roles for older actresses. Based on the book by Olivia Goldsmith.

Distribution

Paramount Home Video, 5555 Melrose Ave., 5555 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90038, Phone: (323)956-5000, URL: http://www.paramount.com, Remarks: Does not handle retail queries from consumers; contact your local video distributor.

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 104 minutes.

Cast and Crew

Genres

War Between the Sexes, Women, Revenge, Divorce, Blackmail, Romantic Triangles, New York, New York, Yuppie Nightmares, Female Bonding, Top Grossing Films of 1996, Suicide, On the Rocks

Screenplay

Robert Harling

Cast

Goldie Hawn, Diane Keaton, Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Heather Locklear, Marcia Gay Harden, Elizabeth Berkley, Victor Garber, Dan Hedaya, Stephen Collins, Maggie Smith, Stockard Channing, Bronson Pinchot, Jennifer (Jennie) Dundas Lowe, Eileen Heckart, Philip Bosco, Rob Reiner, James Naughton

Cinematography

Donald E. Thorin

Director

Hugh Wilson

Music

Marc Shaiman

Producer

Scott Rudin, Ezra Swerdlow, Darrell Roodt, Paramount Pictures