Margot Stevenson

Valley of the Dolls -- Based on Jacqueline Susann's best-selling novel of the same name, VALLEY OF THE DOLLS details the perils of the struggle for -- and attainment of -- fame by following the paths of three female acquaintances in New York City.

Oscar and Golden Globe-nominee James Caan ("Misery," "The Godfather") stars as a one-time basketball star who finds the realities of life are tougher than those on the playing field. Based on the brilliant novel by John Updike and featuring a superb supporting cast. Co-starring Oscar and Emmy-winner Jack Albertson ("Chico and the Man"), Arthur Hill ("The Champ"), Oscar-nominee Carrie Snodgrass ("Diary of a Mad Housewife"), and Ken Kercheval ("Dallas").

Lured by their dreams of fame and fortune, three ambitious young women enter the world of show business and discover how easy it is to sink into a celebrity nightmare of ego, alcohol and 'pills' - the beloved "dolls." A prim New Englander (Barbara Parkins) unexpectedly skyrockets from her job as secretary in a talent agency to a glamorous TV model. A determined singer (Patty Duke) finds that Hollywood success can also spell self-destruction. And a beautiful sex symbol (Sharon Tate) is torn between the money commands and the shame of feeling exploited. Based on Jacqueline Susann's phenomenal best-seller about the underside of Hollywood, this fascinating melodrama was once seen as a shocking behind-the-scenes look at how show business creates instant stars, destroys romances and changes personalities forever.

Academy Award-winners George Burns ("Oh, God!" series) and Art Carney ("The Honeymooners," "Last Action Hero") co-star with method acting legend Lee Strasberg ("The Godfather Part II") as three mild-mannered retirees who usually spend their days sitting on a park bench. When the trio decides to rob a bank, their lives change in ways they never expected. This touching off-beat comedy came early in the career of writer/director Martin Brest ("Scent of a Woman," "Beverly Hills Cop"). Leonard Maltin praises this "unexpected gem from a 28-year-old filmmaker which is predictably funny, and unpredictably moving, with Burns a standout in a terrific cast."