Judith Krantz's I'll Take Manhattan (1987)

I’ll Take Manhattan takes you into the high-stakes world of magazine publishing, and weaves a dazzling tale of love and betrayal. Meet Krantz’s most joyous character—the sensational Maxi Amberville (Valerie Bertinelli), an uninhibited woman who unexpectedly discovers that she must abandon her life of pleasure to save her family. When Maxi learns her uncle is plotting to sell her father’s magazine empire and destroy his memory, she turns her lust for living into a passionate quest for revenge.

Here is a dramatic story of family, ambition, revenge, and an unforgettable woman who changes from a playgirl to a dynamic and caring heroine.

1987 • Color • 375 Minutes

The Donald! The Clothes! The Hair!

I was a little apprehensive about buying this DVD. I have such vivid memories of watching the mini series in the 1980s. I must have been about 11 and lived in a very small town in very small New Zealand. Mini series were an Event with a capital E back then and this one was the creme de la creme. The book is one of my favourite novels ever. Maxi Amberville rates as highly as Scarlett O'Hara for me as a naughty, selfish heroine you can't help but love.
As soon as this DVD began to play, I had a grin ear to ear. I used to drive my mother batty bellowing out I'll Take Manhattan whenever I was re-reading the novel (which was often) and as it exploded onto the screen, I got a real thrill. The thrills continued as the opening credits played. So many great actors! Julianne Moore with her ravishing mane of red hair! Perry King and that mighty cleft chin! Jane Kaczmarek and her kooky cross eyes and throaty laugh! The over the top Francesca Annis who has the most soap opera-esque character and carries it off like a operatic diva on stage.
I am happy to say that 20 years on, this is still top rate entertainment. Valerie Bertinelli as Maxi Amberville is one of the best examples of perfect casting ever. Perry King oozes evil and Barry Bostwick is steely charm as Zachary Amberville.
Like Sex & the City, the other key character is New York City itself. From the very first time I read this book, I have dreamed about Manhattan. The names in the title song are as familiar to me as the neighbourhoods I have lived in half a world away.
Donald Trump's cameo is delicious and the Maxi-centric parts prove that eighties glamour is not an oxymoron.
Most of all it is FUN! FUN! FUN!
April 24, 2007

Excellent Entertainment!

I'm a huge devotee of Danielle Steel and Barbara Taylor Bradford.
Well now, having just watched "I'll Take Manhattan", I'm a huge fan of Judith Krantz.
This was great entertainment - exceptionally well cast and superbly directed by Steve Krantz (Judiths' husband??) I love Jack Scalia and he certainly didn't let me down in this mini-series! I looked forward to my nightly fix but alas!, I've finished it now. I purchased the Judith Krantz collection and can't wait to watch the other movies!
Not big box office type stuff, but certainly excellent for the medium it was obviously catering to - Television.
Well done! If you love Ms Steel and Ms Taylor Bradford, you will
relish this! Enjoy! January 13, 2006

An upper-class "Melrose Place"

This miniseries was like a "Melrose Place" variation, set in the circles of the upper-classes. I've seen several miniseries based on some of Judith Krantz's novels. This was neither the best, nor was this my favourite.
The copious violence in this miniseries film was appalling. Also, while I like Valerie Bertinelli as an actress, I found her a wee bit trying in a couple of moments. Even though the entire cast, including Ms. Bertinelli, did a convincing job, there were some low points - concerning a couple of the other principals. Perry King's obvious and over-the-top efforts at conveying evil were tiresome. Also, Francesca Annis's character - the amoral and self-centred British matriarch - & portrayal thereof are an unfortunate continuation of her tradition of roles & portrayals that comprise a large fraction of her acting career, playing evil women or conceited women without scruples (Examples: "Lillie" and "Madame Bovary"). Her character & portrayal in this miniseries were almost a cross between "Mommie Dearest" and Alexis Carrington of DYNASTY. Conceited, unlikeable, and simply nasty. I say this without malice, for I am half-British. April 2, 2004

The glitter of high society

I never read the novel for which the movie was based on but felt the story was put together well. The story is primarily focused on Valerie but the others characters intersection with her life throughout the story was nicely done. The story timeline of the character played by Barry Botswick covers quite a span of time. The road to success was long and the levels of friendships and loyalty he developed overtime were great. The movie strategically high drama was timely and never allowed the movie to be boring. I waited and waited for this movie to be available on DVD because it is definitely a collector's item from my point of view. March 6, 2004

I'll Take Manhatten

A very well done adaptation of the novel February 26, 2003

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