Cast
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Gregory Harrison
as John Phillips
Marc Singer
as Stan Novak
Patti Davis
as Sandy Green
Viveca Lindfors
as Rachel Loring
Steven Keats
as Mark Brashler
Dinah Manoff
as Mary Louise
Louise Lasser
as Beth Doyle
Lee Grant
as Anne Holt
Richard Charles Barsh
as Sonny
Melvin Bernhardt
as 1st Director
Max Wright
as Shakespeare Director
Vivian Matalon
as The Public Theater Director
Charles Kimbrough
as Bob Merlis
Tom Quinn
as Dave Lamros
Robert Weil
as Larry Shanks
Crew
Director
- Mel Damski
Writer
- John Riley
Producer
- Gregory Harrison
- Franklin R. Levy
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, For Ladies Only examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Mel Damski brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1981, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of For Ladies Only took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 94 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 128 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The film contains approximately 1326 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1981, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While For Ladies Only shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike American Beauty, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, For Ladies Only subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like 15 Years and The Blind Owl explore similar territory, For Ladies Only stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 9, 1981
- Runtime: 1h 34m
