The First Wives Club Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Three ladies whose husbands traded them in for newer models decide to reclaim their power by terrorizing the men’s finances and love lives, because therapy is for wimps.

🍿 The First Wives Club: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Reunion and Realization

The film opens with the suicide of Cynthia, a former college friend of Elise, Brenda, and Annie. Her death, spurred by her ex-husband’s remarriage to a younger woman, reunites the three women after many years. They soon realize they share a common plight: each has been discarded by their husbands in favor of younger women, after helping them achieve success.

Planning Revenge

Fueled by anger and a desire for justice, the women decide to form “The First Wives Club” with the aim of getting even with their ex-husbands. Each woman brings her unique skills and resources to the table: Elise, a famous actress; Brenda, a savvy businesswoman; and Annie, a somewhat timid but resourceful housewife. Their initial plans revolve around disrupting their exes’ lives and finances.

Executing the Plan

The women embark on a series of schemes targeting their ex-husbands’ weaknesses. Brenda sabotages her ex-husband Morty’s business dealings. Elise uses her fame and connections to publicly humiliate her ex-husband Bill. Annie, with the help of her daughter, exposes her ex-husband Aaron’s infidelity. Their actions lead to comedic and chaotic situations, revealing the men’s flaws and vulnerabilities.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Elise Elliot Atchison (Goldie Hawn): A youth-obsessed actress going through a difficult divorce from her movie producer husband.
• Brenda Morelli Cushman (Bette Midler): A brash woman seeking revenge on her ex-husband who made his fortune with her family’s money.
• Annie MacDuggan Paradis (Diane Keaton): A formerly submissive housewife who is betrayed by her husband for his therapist and learns to stand up for herself.
• Morton Cushman (Dan Hedaya): Brenda’s ex-husband and a successful businessman who is targeted by the First Wives Club.
• Bill Atchison (Victor Garber): Elise’s philandering movie producer husband who leaves her for a younger woman.
• Aaron Paradis (Stephen Collins): Annie’s unfaithful husband and a partner in a successful ad firm.
• Shelly Stewart (Sarah Jessica Parker): Morton Cushman’s young mistress.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Ivana Trump: “Ladies, you have to be strong and independent, and remember, don’t get mad, get everything.” – Ivana Trump’s cameo delivers this iconic line, offering advice on handling divorce with power and financial savvy.
• Elise Elliot Atchison: “There are only three ages for women in Hollywood: Babe, District Attorney, and Driving Miss Daisy.” – Elise, a fading actress, laments the limited roles available to women as they age in Hollywood.
• Brenda Morelli Cushman: “He treated me like dirt, and now I realize… I LIKE dirt!” – Brenda, after getting back at her ex, expresses her newfound sense of self-worth and independence.
• Gunilla Garson Goldberg: “A good marriage is like a vacuum cleaner. You stick it in, and push it around.” – Gunilla delivers this line when asked to describe a good marriage.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $26,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $105,489,203
• Worldwide Gross: $181,489,203

💥 The First Wives Club Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely adore this movie! It’s a fun, lighthearted story about friendship and reclaiming your life after divorce. The scenes with Goldie, Bette, and Diane together are pure gold. I remember feeling empowered watching them take control of their situations. And let’s be honest, the ending dance number always puts a smile on my face!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler, and Diane Keaton”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about female empowerment”
  • “Those who enjoy comedic films about revenge and friendship”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes related to divorce and infidelity”
  • “Some suggestive language and innuendo”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “While the comedic talents of Hawn, Midler, and Keaton are undeniable, ‘The First Wives Club’ is ultimately weighed down by a predictable plot and broad, sometimes grating, humor. It’s a fun watch for the cast, but doesn’t offer lasting substance.
• Roger Ebert: “Ebert noted that while the film had funny moments and a strong cast, its dependence on stereotypes and simplistic plot devices prevented it from reaching its full potential. It lacks nuance and depth, relying on broad humor over genuine insight.

Audience Reactions

The chemistry between the three leads is undeniable and makes the movie hilarious.: Viewers loved the comedic timing and performances of Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler, and Diane Keaton.

The movie resonates with anyone who’s felt undervalued or betrayed in a relationship.: Many found the themes of friendship and empowerment relatable and uplifting.

Overall Consensus: A lighthearted, entertaining comedy elevated by the strong performances of its leading ladies, but lacks depth and originality.

Awards

1. National Board of Review (Best Acting by an Ensemble)- 1996

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Bette Midler mentioned that all three main cast members wanted to make a sequel, but the studio wasn’t agreeable because they viewed the movie’s success as a ‘fluke’.”
• “Just before the movie opened, Bette Midler was told it would not do very well because it was competing against action movies with male stars like Bruce Willis. The movie opened at number one and out-grossed those action movies.”

🖥️ How to Watch The First Wives Club?

The First Wives Club is currently available to rent or purchase on several platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The First Wives Club, you might like these similar films:

• 9 to 5 (1980): Features a group of women banding together to get revenge on their chauvinistic boss, using comedic and clever schemes.
• Waiting to Exhale (1995): Deals with the struggles and solidarity of women facing relationship issues and betrayal, with a focus on female friendship.
• She-Devil (1989): A scorned wife seeks revenge on her unfaithful husband by systematically dismantling his life.

🛒 The First Wives Club Related Products

• The First Wives Club [Blu-ray]: Own the classic comedy on Blu-ray for the best viewing experience! Relive the laughs and the empowering moments in high definition.
• The First Wives Club: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack [Audio CD]: Enjoy the iconic soundtrack featuring ‘You Don’t Own Me’ and other memorable tunes. Perfect for a girls’ night in or a dose of 90s nostalgia.
• First Wives Club Mug – You Don’t Own Me: Sip your coffee in style with this fun movie quote mug! It’s the perfect way to start your day with a reminder of female empowerment.
• Empowerment Collection: First Wives Club Inspired Art Print: Beautifully designed minimalist print inspired by The First Wives Club with quote: Don’t Get Mad, Get Everything!

🎧 Soundtrack

The First Wives Club features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “You Don’t Own Me” – performed by Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, Diane Keaton
• “Wives and Lovers” – performed by Dionne Warwick

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

1997 Academy Awards – Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn and Diane Keaton Presenting Best Original Song

Ever wondered what the cast of ‘The First Wives Club’ were up to after the movie? Check them out presenting an award at the Oscars! They’re just as hilarious and charming off-screen.

The First Wives Club – Ivana Trump || Don’t get mad, get everything

Remember Ivana Trump’s cameo and that unforgettable line? This clip perfectly captures the movie’s empowering spirit. It’s a quick dose of ‘The First Wives Club’ sass!

Stockard Channing in The First Wives Club

Did you catch Stockard Channing’s cameo in ‘The First Wives Club’? It’s a small part, but she totally nails it! Worth a watch if you love spotting familiar faces in unexpected places.

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