Cast
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Stockard Channing
as Miriam Knight
Ed Asner
as Det. Ralph Varone
Jim Backus
as Prof. David Tilson
Joe Flynn
as Dr. Green
Chuck McCann
as Coach
Carl Ballantine
as Dr. Hankin
Cyril Delevanti
as Chaplain
Fred Grandy
as Dr. Ted Gates
Ruth McDevitt
as Housemother
Susanne Zenor
as Heidi Murphy
Warren Berlinger
as Herman Anderson
Larry Wilcox
as Moose Myers
Dan Spelling
as Fred
Reb Brown
as Football player
Dennis Dugan
as Charlie Elliott
Crew
Director
- Lee Philips
Producer
- Everett Chambers
Reviews
Wuchak
Stockard Channing morphs from ugly duckling to beautiful swan
RELEASED TO TV IN 1973 and directed by Lee Philips, “The Girl Most Likely to...” is a dark dramedy about the sad life of a homely, chubby girl at a Southern Cal university who is ignored and mistreated (Stockard Channing). After an accident and plastic surgery, she can’t keep the men away and decides to get revenge on those who abused her. Ed Asner plays the investigative cop. Jim Backus (Gilligan’s Island) and Larry Wilcox (ChiPs) are also on hand.
This was Channing’s first credited role and she’s quite good as the protagonist, both confident and amusing. She put cotton balls in her mouth to make her cheeks look chubby in her ugly duckling scenes during the first half. Her transformation is pretty amazing as she cleaned up to a hottie in a unique way. The tagline was “They treated her like a dog. Now, she's a fox. And she's going to make them pay.”
While this is a black comedy/farce, it deals with a real-life issue that millions of women can relate to: The more attractive you are the better you’re treated and the more opportunities you have; and vice versa. But what about the person WITHIN? Good or bad looks/figure must be separated from the beauty within; or the ugliness within.
THE FILM RUNS 1 hour, 13 minutes and was shot in Century City, Los Angeles. WRITER: Joan Rivers with Agnes Gallin.
GRADE: B-
Jul 31, 2018
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Girl Most Likely To... 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 Lee Philips 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 1973, 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 The Girl Most Likely To... took approximately 33 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 74 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 108 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- The musical score contains over 49 unique compositions.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1973, when this film was released:
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Girl Most Likely To... shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Idiocracy, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Girl Most Likely To... subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Smokin' Aces and I Hired a Contract Killer explore similar territory, The Girl Most Likely To... stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 6, 1973
- Runtime: 1h 14m
