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
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	...	Robin Leach
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 | romance novel | 

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Taglines:

Revenge Is Sweet... And Low.

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Genres:

Comedy

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Certificate:

PG-13

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

The People Magazine article written about Mary says her parents married in 1941 and gave birth to Mary three years later, making her either 44 or 45, but in an earlier scene, Mary's mother says she's 41.

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Quotes

Paula: [to Mary] Go get a facial!

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Crazy Credits

As the film ends, The End appears being used from 2 angels.

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Connections

References No Holds Barred (1989)

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Soundtracks

You're the Devil In Disguise
Written by Bill Giant, Bernie Baum and Florence Kaye
Performed by Elvis Presley
Provided Courtesy of RCA Records

User Reviews

Lighten Up People!

My goodness, all the negativity about this fun and strangely satisfying flick. Everyone I know really likes this movie and has seen it several times. If we can define how good a film is by how many times we're capable of seeing it, then this movie certainly is praise worthy. I also enjoyed Roseanne's performance every bit as Meryl Streep. And why can't people believe that an actress of Ms. Streep's caliber took on this role? She was wonderful and got to demonstrate a great comedic performance. This movie is just plain fun. If you watch it once, I guarantee you'll watch it again and again.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English French

Release Date:

8 December 1989 (USA)

Also Known As:

She-Devil

Filming Locations:

Belle Terre, Suffolk, New York, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$3,509,647, 10 December 1989

Gross USA:

$15,351,421

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$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