The First Wives Club

"Ladies, you have to be strong and independent, and remember, don't get mad, get everything."

Three old college friends reunite over the death of Cynthia Swann Griffin (Stockard Channing) and their mutual marital woes.  Each supported their husband and helped launch his career and were dumped for a younger woman.  Actress Elise Elliot (Hawn) gave her ex Bill Atchison (Garber) producer credits on her films, even though he didn't know anything about film.  Now he is dating new, young actress Phoebe (Elizabeth Berkley), and asking for half of everything.  Brenda Cushman (Midler) worked at her husband Morty 's (Hedaya) store when he was starting out... Now he is seeing golddigger Shelly (Parker), and Brenda is trying to support their son.  Annie Paradis (Keaton) is disillusioned about her relationship with her husband Aaron (Collins).  They are separated but she thinks they will reconcile, he wants a divorce so he can marry their therapist Dr. Leslie Rosen (Marcia Gay Hayden).

They decide to fight back.  They will make each man pay: literally and physically.  They are aided by wealthy divorcee Gunilla Garson Goldberg (Smith), Brenda's boss designer Duarto Feliz (Bronson Pinchot), and Annie's vengeful, lesbian daughter Chris (Jennifer Dundas).


Three talented actresses tackle a comedy about strong females.  Each character goes on a journey to self discovery.  Goldie Hawn gets to do most of the heavy lifting and is the most interesting character.  She gets the best wardrobe and some great lines.  Diane Keaton gets the biggest arc, and the burden of narrating the film.  Her character goes from mousy dependent to confident business woman, in a mostly believable way.  Bette Midler gets to be angry throughout, but she gets most of the good one-liners.

A funny film... still relevant after all these years.  Is it amazing or well-written?  No, but it is a great pickup after a bad or exhausting day.  And just try to get "You Don't Own Me" out of your head after finishing the film.  The final scene (shown above) is probably my favorite part of the film... they are having a great time and you just want to get up and dance with them.  Proudly a part of my film collection!

The First Wives Club (1996) 103 minutes
Rating: PG for thematic elements, some mild language and sensuality.
Director: Hugh Wilson
Starring: Bette Midler as Brenda Cushman
Goldie Hawn as Elise Elliot
Diane Keaton as Annie Paradis
Maggie Smith as Gunilla Garson Goldberg
Dan Hedaya as Morty Cushman
Sarah Jessica Parker as Shelly Stewart
Victor Garber as Bill Atchison
Stephen Collins as Aaron Paradis