Part I: Faye and Ward Thayer live through enough ups and downs for several lifetimes. A whirlwind courtship leads to a comfortable life fueled by Ward's family fortune. But as the fortune vanishes, Ward's drinking and cheating compel Faye to throw him out. Faye builds a film directing career and later takes on an unlikely partner: Ward, now reformed. But the strain of raising their four rebellious children threatens to split the marriage again. Part II: The Thayer children face the challenges of the tumultuous 1970s: Vietnam, drugs, dropping out and more. Thanks to a part in her parents' film, Valerie makes the transition from low-budget film actress to rising star. Lionel rediscovers a friend from the past, while Anne's affair with a friend's father leads to a large family of her own. During a heartwarming weekend surrounded by family, Faye's extraordinary life comes to a close.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
3 Stars, But I Watch It Over and Over:
Someone said "guilty pleasure" -- yes, that's how I feel, too. Not a great work of art, but some great moments. Biggest downside: I didn't feel Jaclyn Smith portrayed Faye as a strong enough woman to be the "first female director" (never saw the iron hand under the velvet glove). Upside for her: She's great with the sensitive moment. The scenes where she changes her mind about taking Ward back, at the Santa Barbara house, are understated and beautifully played. Michael Ontkean was believable from young... more info
Family Album:
This is a beautifully presented movie version of this great book. This video is a repeat performer in our household...we enjoy it more each time we see it.
I LIKE THIS ONE:
For some reason, I really do like this mini-series show. It's really touching and it's kind of like a guilty pleasure. I just have to view this every once in a while -- and I enjoy it!!!
This type of movie is not normally my cup of tea:
I admit I initially watched it to see a younger (and absolutely luscious) Joe Flanigan. I'm a bit of a science fiction/fantasy buff, and "chick flicks" are just not my thing.
But I was pleasantly surprised that this movie was actually... not all that bad. I related to the younger brother when he went off to war, and sympathized with the mother and the other children when they found out he was killed in action (KIA).
There are spots when I just ho-hummed in regards to the plot: although I knew... more info
