Martha, Inc.: The Story of Martha Stewart (2003) (TV)

User Rating:

5.5/10   

Director:

Jason Ensler

Writers (WGA):

Christopher M. Byron (book)
Suzette Couture (teleplay)

Release Date:

19 May 2003 (USA)

Genre:

Biography | Drama

Plot Keywords:

Character Name In Title

Cast

Cybill Shepherd	...	Martha Stewart
Tim Matheson	...	Andy Stewart
Joanna Cassidy	...	Caroline Kass
Jude Ciccolella	...	Ed Kostyra
Dorie Barton	...	Young Martha Stewart
Seann Gallagher	...	Young Andy Stewart
Michelle Nolden	...	Norma Collier
Ross Petty
Sheila Brand
Rhonda McLean	...	Connie Maynard
Hollis McLaren	...	Big Martha
Raquel Duffy	...	Melissa Graham
Jeremy Akerman	...	Kmart CEO
Nigel Bennett	...	Rat Bastard (Time-Warner CEO)
Stan Carew	...	Sam Waksal

Also Known As:

Driven to Succeed (Australia) (cable TV title)
Martha Stewart - L'obcession du succès (Canada: French title)

MPAA:

Rated PG for language and some thematic elements.

Runtime:

Canada:83 min | USA:120 min (including commercials)

Country:

Canada | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

USA:PG

Filming Locations:

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Company:

Jaffe / Braunstein Films

Goofs:

Factual errors: When one of the inmates imprisoned with Martha has finished her sweater, Martha notes how great her "cross stitching" is, when the sweater has clearly been knitted.

Quotes:

Martha Stewart: Did I NOT ask for merlot?

Movie Connections:

References "Martha Stewart Living" (1991)

Cybill Shepherd is very believable

in this part factual, part camp portrayal of Martha Stewart. This movie is actually preferable to last years barrage of reports and tabloid rumors re: Stewart.

The movie first focuses on Stewart's upbringing, in Nutley, New Jersey. Jude Cicolella portrays her disapproving, perfectionist father. Of modest means, Martha is driven to overcome this, and believes that her father's outlook is correct. First modeling, then Barnard college, then to finally marrying Tim Matheson, and buying a "handyman's special" in Connecticut. There is an amusing scene where Martha (Shepherd) yields a pick-ax; attempting to renovate the house herself.

Initially, she starts a small catering company with her girlfriend, and it develops into a larger project, taking over her life. The scenes between Shepherd and Matheson are believable; he eventually tires of her drive and they separate. While Shepherd can sometimes project a shrill harpy ..."I wanted the Merlot!"... the fact remains that she did not have her way paved for her, when creating her TV show she apparently utilized creative marketing, and perhaps is due some credit for being able to stand up to ruthless TV executives.

You will enjoy this movie, even if you are not a fan of Martha Stewart. Cybill Shepherd gives an excellent performance, and at the end of the film, we see Martha's fans gravitating toward her, sympathizing, thus begging the question, how can anyone predict the tastes and opinions of the public?.