The First Wives Club

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The First Wives Club ★★½ 1996 (PG)

As the first Mrs. Trump, who makes a most appropriate cameo, so wisely puts it, “Don't get mad, get everything.” But to the three rich, middleaged friends who are dumped by their husbands so the guys can marry younger “trophy” wives, there's just nothing like revenge. Comedy begins in 1969 with the young and idealistic Annie (Keaton), Brenda (Midler), Elise (Hawn) and Cynthia graduating college, then moves to the present with the wronged Cynthia (Channing) ledgediving from her swanky Manhattan apartment because her husband left her. The remaining mistreated trio goes into action, using their exes' own money, businesses, power, and various mistresses against them. This film's appeal and success had Hollywood tongues wagging, predicting the dawn of new roles for older actresses. Based on the book by Olivia Goldsmith. 104m/C VHS, DVD . Goldie Hawn, Diane Keaton, Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Heather Locklear, Marcia Gay Harden, Elizabeth Berkley, Victor Garber, Dan Hedaya, Stephen Collins, Maggie Smith, Stockard Channing, Bronson Pinchot, Jennifer (Jennie) Dundas Lowe, Eileen Heckart, Philip Bosco, Rob Reiner, James Naughton, Dina Spybey; D: Hugh Wilson; W: Robert Harling; C: Donald E. Thorin; M: Marc Shaiman.