HER LIFE AS A MAN

US, 1984, 93 minutes. Colour.
Robyn Douglass, Marc Singer, Laraine Newman, Miriam Flynn, Robert Culp, Joan Collins, Anthony Holland.
Directed by Robert Ellis Miller.

Her Life as a Man is a feminist telemovie of the first half of the 1980s. Robyn Douglass portrays a journalist who disguises herself as a man to prove her capacities for journalism and sports writing in a world of men. This gives rise to some serious reflections on the role of women in society at that time – and changes since. It also is a challenge to the male culture, not only in journalism but in the business world in general.

Joan Collins, appearing in Dynasty at the time, has a supporting role. The film was directed by Robert Ellis Miller, a TV director who made some significant films including The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, The Girl from Petrovka and Reubin Reubin.

1. The impact of this television movie? Based on a true story? How credible? The facts? Reflections on this experience?

2. The cross-dressing genre? Tootsie appearing just before this film? How credible is this kind of behaviour?

3. The world of journalism, big business, sport, magazines and papers, the social background of the journalists? An atmosphere of realism? The musical score?

4. The title and expectations?

5. Robyn Douglass as Carly, at work, her skills, being sacked, the relationship with Sheila? With Mark? Sharing with them? Her marriage, attempts to get jobs, Dave and the sports work?

6. The shop window, the motif, the makeup, Mark and reactions, Sheila? The interview and success? The clash with Barbara? Sympathy and help for her?

7. Dave, his personality, the jobs? Joan Collins as Pam? Her contribution to the disguise?

8. Carly having to manage her life, being Carly and Carl? The importance of timing? The encounter with Mark’s parents? Barbara’s visit?

9. Mark, his personality, his relationship with Carly? His macho ideas? Work, wives at home? The dinners, the clash, leaving?

10. Carly, the article, consciousness, change, her achievement?

11. Telling Barbara, Dave, reactions?

12. Ultimate success, the flying the flag for women? The relationship with Mark? Her hopes for the future?