Bernie is a rising executive for a department store called Wolfs. Although he is a native New Yorker, he is asked to open and manage a new store in San Francisco. He reluctantly agrees to go for a year or so. But, surprisingly, this handsome single man leaves his heart in San Fran when he meets Liz (Tracy Pollan). Liz and her daughter, Jane, have come into the store looking for a new bathing suit but end up getting separated...with Bernie coming to the rescue. Its true love very soon, with marriage following in short order. But, more's the pity, Liz has a dangerous ex-husband who reappears to make things complicated. Not only that, but after delivering the couple's longed for son, Liz becomes seriously ill. Since the movie is scarcely one third over, what else will come down the pike of this film? This is a soap suds saga, despite the likable people that inhabit the movie. Pollan and company do their best with the material, but the story has more happenings than good sense dictates. Sure, the costumes and scenery are nice, with the plot traveling to Napa valley, at times. But, that does not make for a successful film. If you are in bed with a cold or the flu, this film might do for an afternoon. Nah, on second thought, try Rat Race or Mr. Bean instead. Fine Things is depressing material, both for its plot and its sudsy delivery, and should only be viewing material for Steel fans or prisoners who may be induced to spill the beans after the required second showing.
