An ex-newspaper woman, who is now a suburban housewife, can't resist getting involved in an investigation of the murder of a philandering dentist who had been having affairs with several of her neighbors.
Acting
Susan Sarandon elevates housewife ennui to Oscar-worthy side-eye.
Costume
Shoulder pads and power suits: 1985 suburban warfare.
Writing
Sharp one-liners that roast marriage and dentistry equally.
Director
Frank Perry
Susan Sarandon
Judith Singer
Raúl Juliá
David Suarez
Edward Herrmann
Bob Singer
Judith Ivey
Nancy Miller
Mary Beth Hurt
Peg Tuccio
Joe Mantegna
Bruce Fleckstein
Anne DeSalvo
Phyllis Fleckstein
Josh Mostel
Dicky Dunck
Deborah Rush
Brenda Dunck
Joan Allen
Mary Alice Mahoney
Kaiulani Lee
Scotty Hughes
William Youmans
Motel Clerk
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was director Frank Perry's final theatrical film; he pivoted to TV movies shortly after.
Based on Susan Isaacs's novel, the film softens Judith's Jewish identity—a choice Isaacs publicly criticized.
US
