Danielle Steel's: Family Album Parts 1 & 2 (1994)

Part I: Faye and Ward Thayer live through enough ups and downs for several lifetimes. A whirlwind courtship leads to a comfortable life fueled by Ward’s family fortune. But as the fortune vanishes, Ward’s drinking and cheating compel Faye to throw him out. Faye builds a film directing career and later takes on an unlikely partner: Ward, now reformed. But the strain of raising their four rebellious children threatens to split the marriage again. Part II: The Thayer children face the challenges of the tumultuous 1970s: Vietnam, drugs, dropping out and more. Thanks to a part in her parents’ film, Valerie makes the transition from low-budget film actress to rising star. Lionel rediscovers a friend from the past, while Anne’s affair with a friend’s father leads to a large family of her own. During a heartwarming weekend surrounded by family, Faye’s extraordinary life comes to a close.

I LIKE THIS ONE

For some reason, I really do like this mini-series show. It's really touching and it's kind of like a guilty pleasure. I just have to view this every once in a while -- and I enjoy it!!! March 9, 2007

This type of movie is not normally my cup of tea

I admit I initially watched it to see a younger (and absolutely luscious) Joe Flanigan. I'm a bit of a science fiction/fantasy buff, and "chick flicks" are just not my thing.
But I was pleasantly surprised that this movie was actually... not all that bad. I related to the younger brother when he went off to war, and sympathized with the mother and the other children when they found out he was killed in action (KIA).
There are spots when I just ho-hummed in regards to the plot: although I knew going in that this was a film that spanned the creation and existence of a family right until the wife/mother died, there were parts of it that just draaaaaaaaaagged. Those were the times I got up and made myself a cup of tea, or went to the bathroom. ;)
But the one scene in the movie that really stuck with me after all this time was when Ward (the father) figured out his eldest son, Lionel, was gay. The ensuing confrontation was absolutely spellbinding. If for nothing else, watch this movie for Joe Flanigan's wonderfully passionate and intriguing performance. He is a true artist and a joy to watch working his craft. March 5, 2007

All of which go to Joe Flanigan's chest hair...

This movie is pretty crappy. Wait, make that INSANELY crappy. I saw this on Lifetime years ago and I finally bought it a month ago. Ask me why. Go ahead, ask me. It's because Joe (Lionel) is the cutest thing ever. And he takes off his shirt. Exposing his chest hair. Yes, Joe Flanigan is so cute in this film he makes me forget my grammar skills. It's totally worth a couple bucks. February 28, 2006

Ok...I guess.

Just an FYI for those who have never seen this movie. The couple meet during WWII and fall in love. She is a movie star and soon becomes a director. Her husband is a serial adulterer and the ridiculous part is that she keeps taking him back even though she knows what he is like. The movie spans their life together including their children. One son, the favorite, is killed. The second son is gay and has to deal with his parents' disapproval. The oldest daughter is so desperate to make her mark in the movies, that she will play the sluttest parts imaginable to do it. It is only when her parents give her a chance as a strong, lead character in one of their movies that she begins to believe in her talent. (She also clashes with her co-star..you fill in the blanks.) Lastly, there is the youngest daughter. She runs away when she is in her early teens and comes home, pregnant. Her parents convince her that giving the baby up for adoption is the only solution. She deals with her resentment and falls in love with one of her best friend's father. (At least 30 yrs older than her.)
Like I said, it's an Ok movie, but not one of Danielle Steel's best. I would highly recommend DS's Palomino, Message From Nam, or Once in a Lifetime.
February 9, 2006

The Jewel in Danielle Steel's Crown

I'm thrilled that Danielle Steel's: Family Album, is finally available on dvd in the U.S.

You will share in the emotions of this family's struggle to remain together through many of lifes obstacles. February 2, 2006

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