Soapdish, released in theaters on May 31, 1991, is a brilliant and uproarious satire that pulls back the curtain on the chaotic, melodramatic, and often absurd world of daytime soap operas. Featuring an all-star ensemble cast, the film is a masterclass in comedic timing and character-driven humor, delivering non-stop laughs and a surprising amount of heart.
The story centers on “The Sun Also Sets,” a long-running but struggling daytime drama. Celeste Talbert (Sally Field) is the show’s aging, beloved, and increasingly neurotic star, whose life both on and off-screen is a constant whirlwind of manufactured drama. Her position is threatened by a conniving young actress, Lori Craven (Elisabeth Shue), who is having an affair with the show’s sleazy producer, David Seton Barnes (Robert Downey Jr.).
To boost ratings, David decides to bring back Celeste’s former co-star and real-life ex-lover, Jeffrey Anderson (Kevin Kline), who she blames for ruining her career years ago. This reunion ignites a powder keg of simmering resentments, rekindled passions, and hilarious backstage machinations, all while the show’s outlandish plotlines mirror the real-life chaos.
Field is absolutely phenomenal as Celeste, perfectly capturing the diva’s fragility, vanity, and underlying warmth. Her performance is a comedic tour de force.
Kline is equally superb as Jeffrey, a charming but somewhat washed-up actor, whose chemistry with Field is electric.
Downey Jr. is delightfully smarmy and opportunistic as the producer, stealing scenes with his perfectly pitched arrogance.
Shue is excellent as the ambitious and manipulative Lori.
Whoopi Goldberg shines as Rose Schwartz, the show’s no-nonsense head writer, providing sharp wit and a grounding presence.
Carrie Fisher is hilarious as Betsy Faye Sharon, the network executive, and Cathy Moriarty is a standout as the perpetually disgruntled and scene-stealing production assistant.
Teri Hatcher also adds to the fun as a rival actress.
Director Michael Hoffman orchestrates the comedic chaos with precision, allowing the talented cast to shine.
The script, by Robert Harling and Andrew Bergman, is incredibly clever, satirizing the tropes of soap operas while also crafting genuinely funny and emotionally resonant character arcs.
The film’s humor comes from both the broad parody of the genre and the more subtle character interactions. The pacing is brisk, and the film never loses its comedic momentum, constantly introducing new twists and turns that keep the audience engaged and laughing.
Sally Field and Kevin Kline in Soapdish (Photo/Paramount Pictures)
Reception for Soapdish
Soapdish grossed $6.7 million on its opening weekend, finishing second at the box office behind Backdraft, which pulled in $9.1 million and just ahead of What About Bob? ($6.4 million).
The film would gross $36.5 million in its theatrical run.
Roger Ebert gave Soapdish three and a half stars in his review, saying “Soapdish is Network crossed with Beyond the Valley of the Dolls, a soap opera about a soap opera.”
Legacy
Soapdish is a triumphant comedy that offers a loving yet satirical look at the world of daytime television. It’s a film that proves that even behind the most outlandish melodrama, there’s a lot of heart and a whole lot of laughs. With its brilliant ensemble cast, sharp writing, and impeccable comedic timing, it remains a highly enjoyable and endlessly rewatchable gem that will leave you thoroughly entertained.
