Postcards from the Edge (1990)

Substance-addicted Hollywood actress Suzanne Vale is on the skids. After a spell at a detox centre her film company insists as a condition of continuing to employ her that she live with her... See full summary »

Director:

Mike Nichols

Writers:

Carrie Fisher (book), Carrie Fisher (screenplay)

Stars:

Meryl Streep, Shirley MacLaine, Dennis Quaid

Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 2 wins & 10 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Meryl Streep	...	Suzanne Vale
Shirley MacLaine	...	Doris Mann
Dennis Quaid	...	Jack Faulkner
Gene Hackman	...	Lowell Kolchek
Richard Dreyfuss	...	Doctor Frankenthal
Rob Reiner	...	Joe Pierce
Mary Wickes	...	Grandma
Conrad Bain	...	Grandpa
Annette Bening	...	Evelyn Ames
Simon Callow	...	Simon Asquith
Gary Morton	...	Marty Wiener
CCH Pounder	...	Julie Marsden (as C.C.H. Pounder)
Sidney Armus	...	Sid Roth
Robin Bartlett	...	Aretha
Barbara Garrick	...	Carol

Storyline

Substance-addicted Hollywood actress Suzanne Vale is on the skids. After a spell at a detox centre her film company insists as a condition of continuing to employ her that she live with her mother Doris Mann, herself once a star and now a champion drinker. Such a set-up is bad news for Suzanne who has struggled for years to get out of her mother's shadow, and who finds her mother still treats her like a child. Despite these problems - and further ones to do with the men in in her life - Suzanne can begin to see the funny side of her situation, and it also starts to occur to her that not only do daughters have mothers, mothers do too.

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Plot Keywords:

hollywood | actress | overdose | stomach pumped | vomit | 

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Taglines:

Having a wonderful time, wish I were here.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

12 September 1990 (USA)

Also Known As:

Recuerdos de Hollywood

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Gross:

$37,963,281 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Pictures Corporation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min 95 min (edited)

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Lana Turner was reportedly very offended after seeing this film, specifically objecting to a line which compared her mothering skills to that of Joan Crawford.

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Goofs

When Suzanne speaks to the pianist before performing, "you don't know me", there is a clearly visible red tape mark on the ground to instruct her where to stand.

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Quotes

Doris: So, how long have you known Suzanne?
Jack: Oh, about a month. Seems like longer, though.
Doris: I know what you mean. I'm her mother and it seems longer.

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Connections

Referenced in Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventures: When the Going Gets Tough Bill & Ted Are History (1990)

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Soundtracks

"I'm Still Here"
Written by Stephen Sondheim
Performed by Shirley MacLaine

User Reviews

Wonderfully Nutty

Meryl Streep is just about the best actress around and this, I think, is one of my favourite performances by her. (so far). Why? Because she is not playing her usual self -- she is a total nut case in this film --- neurotic and downright hilarious. Much like 2002's "Adaption" she is playing against her normal dramatic type and is a wonderful comedienne -- a role she should play more often --- actresses usually playing actresses usually are not memorable --- this is a "keeper" role --- and what a voice. (had she not been an actress, she could give most singers these days a run for their money!) Do rent it and laugh --- it is worth the trip to the video store!