This 1978 TV movie, “A Guide for the Married Woman,” starring Cybill Shepherd, should not be confused with the 1967 film “A Guide for the Married Man.” This is a standalone TV movie and the only link between the two is “A Guide for the…” in the title. In this made-for-TV movie, Shepherd portrays a housewife, longing for something more than the life she currently has.
Her character is a frustrated housewife, tired of the stereotypes associated with the role and seeking to break free. Her unfulfilled aspirations lead to greater frustration. Along with her friends, she hopes to find fulfilment, but her dissatisfaction remains as she seeks to escape from the stereotypical housewife image.
The film features cameos by established TV stars who share their opinions on the events unfolding and the changing times. The movie seems to be mixing political incorrectness, or political correctness depending on your point of view. This occurred even before the terms “politically correct” or “politically incorrect” were commonly used.
While Cybill Shepherd delivers a committed performance as the lead character, the supporting cast does little to enhance the film’s appeal. She attempts to make the film interesting, but struggles as neither the supporting actors nor the views expressed in the movie add substance.
Their performances come across as wooden and range from average to below average, failing to provide the movie with any genuine depth or believability. The plot feels repetitive, and the movie is simply boring. Billed as a “comedy-drama,” the film generates more yawns than laughs.
Reportedly, Cybill Shepherd later disowned this TV movie and refused to acknowledge it on her resume. It’s understandable if the rumors are true. This made-for-TV movie didn’t ruin her acting career, and she achieved success in later years, but she could have helped her career by simply passing on this movie and trying something else.
In conclusion, if you happen to find “A Guide for the Married Woman” (1978) airing on TV, you might be better off changing the channel and watching something else.
