She-Devil (1989)

A surprisingly resourceful housewife vows revenge on her husband when he begins an affair with a wealthy romance novelist.

Director:

Susan Seidelman

Writers:

Fay Weldon (novel), Barry Strugatz (screenplay)

Stars:

Meryl Streep, Roseanne Barr, Ed Begley Jr.

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Meryl Streep	...	Mary Fisher
Roseanne Barr	...	Ruth Patchett
Ed Begley Jr.	...	Bob
Linda Hunt	...	Hooper
Sylvia Miles	...	Mrs. Fisher
Elisebeth Peters	...	Nicolette Patchett
Bryan Larkin	...	Andy Patchett
A Martinez	...	Garcia
Maria Pitillo	...	Olivia Honey
Mary Louise Wilson	...	Mrs. Trumper
Susan Willis	...	Ute
Jack Gilpin	...	Larry
Robin Leach	...	Himself
Nitchie Barrett	...	Bob's Secretary
June Gable	...	Realtor

Storyline

Ruth is a wife and mother who tries to please her husband (Bob) but finds him pulling away and spending more time at the office than at home. When he begins an affair with a famous romance novelist (Mary) and leaves Ruth to raise their kids, she decides she's had enough of playing nice docile housewife. Ruth endeavors to show Bob and Mary the truth about themselves and each other, while creating a new successful life of her own.

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Plot Keywords:

revenge | infidelity | extramarital affair | dysfunctional marriage | battle of the sexes | 

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Taglines:

Revenge Is Sweet... And Low.

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Genres:

Comedy

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Certificate:

PG-13

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English French

Release Date:

8 December 1989 (USA)

Also Known As:

La diabla

Filming Locations:

Belle Terre, Suffolk, New York, USA

Box Office

Gross USA:

$15,351,421

Company Credits

Production Co:

Orion Pictures,A Seidelman/Brett Production

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Actresses Meryl Streep and Roseanne Barr share only one major scene in the movie: at the beginning, when Roseanne's character spills wine on Mary Fisher's dress, thus introducing her husband to Mary, and setting the entire plot of the movie in motion.

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Goofs

In the opening scenes, when Roseanne is trying on the gold and black mini dress, she turns 3/4 to the camera and we hear the dress's zip and she looks satisfied at finally getting it to zip up. But in the mirror on the left, you can see that the dress is still half-unzipped and her bra is still showing as much as before.

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Quotes

Olivia: You give men what they want, and then they don't want it anymore.

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Connections

Features GLOW: Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (1986)

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Soundtracks

Always
Written by Tom Kimmel and Doug Sisemore
Performed by Tom Kimmel
Provided Courtesy of PolyGram Records

User Reviews

Not enough praise was given to this little gem...

I will admit from the outset that I have a soft spot for the trio of Seidelman films made in the mid-80's and early 90's-- Desperately Seeking Susan, Making Mr. Right, and this film. There is something playful and quite outrageous about all three of the aforementioned movies with She Devil being the funniest due to great performances by the entire cast, even Roseanne Barr. Although this movie was disregarded by most critics and ignored at the box office, it is truly a funny film with its cartoon-like situations and over-the-top characters. Regardless of what everyone says, check out this film, especially when you find yourself in the mood for a cute and campy movie that is reminiscent of some of the great comedies of the 80's, such as Ruthless People.