Jacqueline Susann and the Valley of the Dolls (1968 TV Movie) User Reviews

An engrossing and illuminating portrit of Jacqueline Susann

[Woodyanders · 8/10 · 27 July 2018]

This 50-minute promotional documentary on writer Jacqueline Susann and the monumental success of her novel "Valley of the Dolls," which was such a huge hit that it was immediately optioned to be made into a movie by 20th Century Fox. It's easy to see why Susann was so popular and beloved at the height of her 1960's heyday: She's not only attractive, charismatic, and glamourous, but also self-deprecating and toughminded. Moreover, her extremely loving and supportive husband Irving Mansfield comes across like a super cool and nice guy. Say what you will about the sordid nature of Susann's books, but you have to give the lady credit and respect for the diligence and discipline she showed about the writing process: Susann reveals that she spends upwards of seven to eight hours writing per day and averages five drafts on a given novel. In addition, there are interviews with actresses Barbara Parkins and Sharon Tate, who discuss the characters they are playing in the film. The footage of Judy Garland is quite poignant since she was initially cast as Helen Lawson, but alas ultimately fired and the part recast. A solid little documentary.