Oh Madeline
Oh Madeline was an American sitcom that was broadcast on ABC from September 27, 1983 to March 13, 1984. Starring Madeline Kahn, the show revolved around Madeline Wayne, a housewife bored after 10 years of marriage to Charlie, a sweet but square man who made his living writing steamy romance novels under the name Crystal Love. Madeline's best friend was Doris, a timid divorcee previously married to Charlie's best friend, a middle-aged swinger named Bob. Annie was Charlie's amorous editor. Madeline, bored with her predictable, sedate existence in a middle-class suburb, and wanting to put some zest back in into her life, decides to try every trendy diversion that she can find - such as seaweed-based health foods, exercise clubs, and "ladies only" clubs featuring male strippers. The show contained a lot of slapstick comedy, as well as marital misunderstandings in the tradition of I Love Lucy.
Insights
Plot Summary
A wealthy businessman falls for a woman struggling to make ends meet, leading to a complex romance tested by societal differences and past traumas. Madeline, a former prostitute, tries to build a new life while battling her own demons and the judgment of others. The businessman must confront his own prejudices and the expectations of his social circle as their relationship deepens.
Critical Reception
Oh Madeline was a made-for-television movie that garnered a mixed reception. While some critics appreciated the performances of the lead actors and the attempt to tackle mature themes, others found the plot to be melodramatic and predictable. It was generally seen as a typical romance drama of its era.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for the chemistry between the lead actors.
- Criticized for its overly sentimental and sometimes contrived plot.
- Seen as a standard romantic drama with predictable twists.
Google audience: Audience reception for 'Oh Madeline' is largely unavailable due to its nature as a television film from the 1980s. General sentiment from available older reviews suggests a viewership that appreciated the romantic elements and the performances, but often found the narrative to be melodramatic.
Fun Fact
Jaclyn Smith, who played Madeline, was already well-known for her role as Kelly Garrett in the hit TV series 'Charlie's Angels' at the time of this film's release.
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