The Great American Beauty Contest

The Great American Beauty Contest
GenreDrama
Written byStanford Whitmore
Directed byRobert Day
StarringJoAnna Cameron
Eleanor Parker
Robert Cummings
Louis Jourdan
Farrah Fawcett
Music byKenneth Wannberg
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
Executive producersLeonard Goldberg
Aaron Spelling
ProducerEverett Chambers
Production locationsLos Angeles County
Ambassador Hotel - 3400 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California
CinematographyJames A. Crabe
EditorsJames D. Mitchell
Bruce Schoengarth
Frank Capacchione
Running time74 minutes
Production companiesABC Circle Films
Spelling-Goldberg Productions
Budget$410,000[1]
Original release
NetworkABC
ReleaseFebruary 13, 1973 (1973-02-13)

The Great American Beauty Contest is a 1973 American satirical comedy–drama television film, starring JoAnna Cameron, Eleanor Parker, Robert Cummings, Louis Jourdan and featuring Farrah Fawcett in an early film appearance.[2][3] [4]

It was directed by Robert Day and was originally shown on the ABC TV network in the United States on February 13, 1973.

Plot

Feminist Gloria Rockwell enters a beauty contest, hoping to win and deliver a speech on exploitation and sexism at the end.

Meanwhile, pageant runners Peggy Lowery (well-known actress and former Miss American Beauty queen) and Dan Carson have their own troubles. Peggy is displeased when lecherous movie producer Ralph Dupree attends as a last-minute replacement judge, and host Dan worries the contest will be rigged.

Each contestant has their own challenges: talented Miss Maine feels neglected by her father, naive Miss Ohio gets her first taste of the world beyond home, cynical Miss New Jersey feels marginalized as the lone African-American contestant, friendly Miss Utah is considered an also-ran, and vivacious Miss Texas's relationship with her boyfriend is tested when the contest forces them apart.

The pageant world is satirizes as the contestants rehearse with their chaperones and in preliminary stages. Ralph attempts to blackmail Peggy into arranging a liaison with Angelique to win the pageant, which is how Peggy got her first break.

Gloria, Pamela, Melinda, Angelique, and T L are the finalists. Ultimately, Gloria wins the pageant, but surprising her feminist friends and herself, tearfully accepts the crown.

Cast

Production

The film was announced in December 1972.[5]

"It's turning out to be great camp", said Aaron Spelling during filming.[6]

Reception

The Los Angeles Times called it "witty, perceptive."[7]

The New York Times wrote "Even with some biting dialogue that often rings true, this drama... is essentially a sour‐tasting mess of pottage. "[8]

See also

References

  1. ^ Norma, L. B. (February 11, 1973). "A bit of advice from a 'new star': 'forget it!'". Chicago Tribune. ProQuest 170362791.
  2. ^ The Great American Beauty Contest at Louisjourdan.net
  3. ^ "Trio scheduled in ABC movie". Los Angeles Times. December 26, 1972. ProQuest 157097134.
  4. ^ Vagg, Stephen (October 29, 2024). "Movie Star Cold Streaks: Robert Cummings". Filmink. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
  5. ^ "Trio Scheduled in ABC Movie" Los Angeles Times 26 Dec 1972: e28.
  6. ^ "What do you do with a crooked palm tree?". Chicago Tribune. January 5, 1973. ProQuest 170349778.
  7. ^ Thomas, K. (1973, Feb 13). "TV MOVIE REVIEW". Los Angeles Times
  8. ^ "TV review". New York Times. February 13, 1973.
  • The Great American Beauty Contest at IMDb
  • The Great American Beauty Contest at the TCM Movie Database
  • The Great American Beauty Contest in New York Times


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