Starting in the 1950’s as a writer on Your Show of Shows, Neil Simon punched the typewriter keys with an indefatigable, workman-like output, penning works for Broadway and the big screen through the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s. Based on his play The Gingerbread Lady (1970), Only When I Laugh is a dramatic-comedy where family and friends often take a backseat for the love of show business and the bottle – a variation on a favorite Simon theme. In a role that garnered her a Best Actress nomination, Marsha Mason plays Georgia, who’s fresh out of rehab and determined to return to the Broadway stage. Troubles arise when her daughter Polly (Kristy McNichol) asks to move in with her to make-up for lost time caused by Georgia’s alcoholism, and a former flame presents an emotional role for her in his new script, causing her sobriety resolve to rip at the seams. Joan Hackett and James Coco shine in supporting roles as trusted friends (both were recognized with Academy Award nominations), and a young Kevin Bacon makes one of his early “six degrees” appearances.
