From the Archives:
Hugh Wilson directed The First Wives Club, a femme-driven comedy based on the 1992 novel of the same name by Olivia Goldsmith.
The film stars Diane Keaton, Bette Midler and Goldie Hawn, and as three divorcées who seek reparation on their ex-husbands for having left them for younger women.
The supporting cast includes Dan Hedaya, Victor Garber, and Stephen Collins as the three leads’ ex-husbands.
Sarah Jessica Parker, Elizabeth Berkley, and Marcia Gay Harden are cast as their lovers, respectively.
Supporting roles are played by Maggie Smith, Bronson Pinchot, Rob Reiner, Eileen Heckart, Philip Bosco, and Stockard Channing.
There are cameo appearances include Gloria Steinem, Ed Koch, Kathie Lee Gifford, and Ivana Trump.
The film became a surprise box-office success at its release, eventually grossing $181,490,000 worldwide, mostly from its domestic run, despite receiving mixed reviews.
It developed a cult following particularly among middle-aged women.
The actresses’ highest-grossing project of the decade helped revitalize their careers in film and television–at least in the short run.
Composer Marc Shaiman was nominated for the Best Original Music Score Oscar.
Hawn was awarded a Blockbuster Entertainment Award, and both Midler and Parker received Satellite Award nominations for their portrayals,
