

Sex and the Married Woman
A suburban housewife writes a novel based on her neighbors' sex lives. It becomes a runaway best seller, but causes no end of trouble in her marriage and her relationships with her neighbors.
Insights
Plot Summary
The film centers on Ellen (Elizabeth Montgomery), a seemingly content married woman who begins to question her life and sexuality after attending a consciousness-raising group. Driven by a desire for self-discovery and fulfillment, she embarks on a journey that challenges societal norms and her own marital vows. Her exploration leads to unexpected encounters and forces her to confront the complexities of modern relationships and personal identity.
Critical Reception
Sex and the Married Woman was a made-for-television movie that tackled mature themes for its era, garnering attention for its candid portrayal of a woman's mid-life crisis and sexual awakening. While specific widespread critical reviews from 1977 are scarce, it is remembered as a progressive and thought-provoking film for its time, resonating with audiences exploring similar themes of personal liberation and marital dissatisfaction.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its sensitive and realistic portrayal of a woman's struggle for self-discovery.
- Elizabeth Montgomery's performance was highlighted as a standout, conveying vulnerability and strength.
- The film was considered bold for addressing female sexuality and marital dissatisfaction on television in the 1970s.
Google audience: Information regarding Google user reviews from the time of its release is not readily available. However, the film is often recalled by viewers for its relatable depiction of personal growth and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society.
Fun Fact
The film was notable for being one of the earlier television movies to explore themes of female sexual liberation and marital dissatisfaction with a degree of frankness unusual for broadcast television at the time.
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