October 10, 1993
THE EVENING STAR
Screenplay by Robert Harling, based on novel by Larry McMurtry
Synopsis by Brian Aldrich
AURORA GREENWAY is an uptight, upper class, Houston woman who does what she wants and gets what she wants--usually. ROSIE DUNLOP has been her maid for decades, but the two are actually a lot like sisters, except Aurora is still the boss. Years ago, Aurora's daughter EMMA died of cancer and Emma's husband, FLAP, flaked out, leaving Aurora with Emma's kids: TOMMY, TEDDY, and MELANIE. Presently, Tommy is in prison, Teddy is confused about life, and Melanie tried to commit suicide. Aurora is married to HECTOR "the general", an ailing, impotent man who Aurora takes care of and argues with constantly. Aurora was always jealous of Emma's childhood friend PATSY CARPENTER, a sexy, rich divorcee, and continues to be jealous of Patsy and Melanie's relationship which is deeper and closer than Aurora's and Melanie's. There is a oversexed Frenchman PASCAL FERNEY who wants to seduce Aurora, but she doesn't take to his advances. Aurora's had affairs, but nothing as romantic as the time she dated astronaut GARRETT BREEDLOVE, who is now married and raising a family of his own.
Melanie gets back with her boyfriend BRUCE, and with Patsy's help, they plan to set out for L.A. Evidently, Melanie wants to become an actress. Aurora is not pleased, but holds a going away party and gives her some money. Rosie is worried about Aurora and tricks her into seeing a therapist. JERRY BRUCKNER, 40, is an unusual combination of playboy and self-educated counselor. Slowly, Aurora begins to develop under his guidance. Her relationships with everyone begin to get better. Eventually, Aurora and Jerry have an affair. Hector becomes disturbed at Aurora's infidelity. Rosie exhorts Aurora who responds by taking her and Hector out for dinner. It is a happy evening until Hector drops dead.
Aurora is further devastated when she learns Jerry and Patsy are having an affair. After next door neighbor ARTHUR COTTON's wife dies, he asks Rosie to marry him. Meanwhile, Melanie gets a big break in Hollywood. Aurora flies out to California and predictably tries to take over the TV production. Aurora and Patsy have a bitter argument. Teddy gets married. When Aurora learns Rosie is dying, she cares for her until her death. Melanie becomes a big star. Tommy helps a weaker man in prison. The WARDEN gets him an early release. Tommy gets a job and soon has plans to marry the boss. Patsy and Aurora reconcile. Garrett arrives for a visit which encourages Aurora. Time passes, Aurora gets sick, but survives to care for her great-grandchild HENRY. Eventually, Aurora dies. She is finally at peace.
Summary Criticism: This is an evocative and tender sequel to TERMS OF ENDEARMENT. The characters and plot twists are intriguing.
The Evening Star (1996) - imdb
The Evening Star (1996) - wiki
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