There is a disclaimer near the end of the credits on this film that explain that the facts and characters present in this version of Jacquline Susann's life have been altered somewhat. That said, forget about the inaccuracies and have a good time with the campy dialog and beautiful 60s trappings that this film is wrapped in. No, this isn't the definitive biography of the authoress, but it does entertain. When Bette Midler is on the screen it is pretty hard to look away, and she is the whole show in this. She looks like Bette Midler going trick-or-treating as Jackie here, but never you mind. Bette always entertains. I defy you to have a dry eye after seeing the tearful finale. It seems that the makers were consciously trying to make this film look and sound like Valley Of The Dolls, right down to the candy-colors and Dionne Warwick singing the title tune! This film will getcha if you let it!

Oh my God, I've always loved Bette, but not so fond of Nathan Lane. He always sounds constipated. But Bette here is more disastrous than anything I have ever seen her in. Terrible acting, I wouldn't even call it over-acting, it was just plain tragic. Nothing believable about anything here. The most pathetic, however, is Stockard Channing, one of the finest actresses around. How in God's name could any of these actors not seen what a laughable mess this was? They must have been in dire positions financially to stoop this low. I will never watch another Bette film. She should stick to cleaning up New York City. Never liked her as a singer either. She is just overwrought and bad. Like a bad drag queen from the 70s, which is I guess what she modeled her career after anyway. Sad.

Isn't She Great! and TCM's Robert OsborneDer ya to listen to this:I wanted to post on this movie awhile ago, however I didn't use my energy to create an account on DA "blogspot". Today I feel as if everyone gives their opinions and soon what does it matter what anyone says. It's not like Truman Capote is around anymore! Not that I even like Truman, who the F was he anyway? So pressing on to this movie. I watched this movie and balled at it, like I am a sucker for pretty much any good sappy movie. I can attest that I have seen pretty much every movie since 1936. You name it, I saw it. I wish Robert Osborne would =call me some time soon I am getting older here. I want this man J.O.B., frankly I think I am a little hotter too..what do you think TCM.....audition? No honestly he is a brilliant film historian. I would love to work with him someday. I do however have serious doubts about his side kick Ben Mankiewicz. What a miserable personality eh? OK I guess this is for another post. Today we (yes the royal WE) talk about "Isn't She Great." I absoulty love and adored this movie. All I read is blasts of negativity from critics and lectures about how horrid these two were...CAPITAL F>A>L>S>E! I do not believe anyone could of cast this movie any better. The cast was so brilliant together and a perfect team. Not only do I adore Bette in any movie, but her touchable real side was exposed in this movie. She swore, she drank, she was just generally a normal person who could let go in this film. Granted the character she played the infamous Jacqueline Susann, allowed her to ham it up. Together Nathan Lane and Bette Midler connected. I do not know how the critics of this movie could bash them. They loved working together and you could see this. David Hyde Pierce who I personally cannot stand, was great in this movie as well. Thank you Dave, (may I call you Dave?) for renewing my faith in stuffed shirt tight wad characters. The language and the determination in this movie was well put on screen. I simply love Jacqueline Susann for doing it HER WAY. I love that Bette could bring this story to light. While I did not care so much for "Valley of the Dolls" it was quite addicting, least the movie. I do not read so much these days this might attest for my atrocious writing skills which everyone apparently must notice. I cannot express to you how much I liked the assemble of this cast, John Cleese..amazing! Stockard Channing was a pre-runner to that blonde chick I like in Sex and the City! I think its Samantha? BTW Ms. Channing if you read this, I believe I am your biggest fan! What an amazing range for all of this cast. While others might criticize this movie...I found it to be a touching story with a powerful message. Something I believe that most movies lack in 2009. Yes it was not a Joan Crawford movie, but it just was touching. The way the cast interacted during this movie was fanominal to me. It was the message and the cast that made this movie special. Maybe I am the person who fights all lost causes, but as Jimmy Stewart says they are the only ones worth fighting for. I encourage you to re-look at this movie and give it another shot. I think the best parts in this movie for me was when Bette as Ms. Susann goes to the tree in central park to "talk to God." She is so matter of fact and vulgar to God and I love it. She identifies God as a light source though a tree, and it is so child-like, yet so close to your heart. It just shows how real Jacqueline Susann was and how Bette Midler understood her. I do think that Jackie would of loved this movie due to the fact that everyone else hated it. To me, that alone makes this film 4 stars in my book. Watch this movie again with an open heart you overpriced movie critics.

I've caught "Isn't She Great" several times now (It seems to be eternally running on the movie channels).This was a monster flop when it came out, barely released, but it does a fine job of capturing the era.The main attraction of this film is the acting of the leads. Both Nathan Lane and Bette Midler can come off incredibly stagy on film, but their style works well with these characters. Jackie Suzanne was larger than life. They both manage to bring a true sense of sweetness to their roles.Particular note must be made of David Hyde Pierce as her editor. This actor fits very well in this era. Also, John Cleese is a hoot as the publisher. Wish there were more of him in the movie.Give this one a chance. A period piece from a currently unhip period.