UNCOMMON WOMEN AND OTHERS (PBS 1978) - (MERYL STREEP/ SWOOSIE KURTZ)

Playwright Wendy Wasserstein's acclaimed theater debut, Uncommon Women and Others, rings with uncommon truth and insight into common human foibles. That's what makes this 1978 television production--as presented by New York's Phoenix Theater--so universally appealing, even if its characters aren't always easy to like. Framed by a present-day luncheon between five old friends, the autobiographical play flashes back to 1971, their senior year at Mount Holyoke College, where young women are groomed for "Gracious Living" and high expectations. This distaff Ivy League prompts an abundance of lively introspection from the classmates, including Rita (Swoosie Kurtz), the aspiring novelist who'll never write a novel; Leilah (Meryl Streep), tentatively devoted to a humanitarian future; and Holly (Alma Cuervo), whose identity is troublesomely elusive.

 

Also stars Jill Eikenberry, Ann McDonough, Ellen Parker, Josephine Nichols, Cynthia Herman, Anna Levine. Hosted by Hal Holbrook.

 

This amazing ensemble captures the essence of seven diverse characters, wrapping them in humor, sarcasm, and keenly observant compassion. In Wasserstein's view, these seemingly common women are ultimately unique, after all.

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Number of DVDs: 1

Quality: 10/10

Running Time: 90 min

Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1

NOTES: This is a fan-made DVD set. Not    a studio release. DVD come in white sleeves with no art work. Screenshots to be added soon.