As The World Turns Discussion Thread

[Khan]

It figures that Irna Phillips and the man they called "the Smiling Cobra" would've made a connection, lol.

[Mitch64]

 A feature film about Irna would be so good.. I would think a lot of actresses of a "certain age" would be interested in playing such a powerful, layered character like Irna.

[wonderwoman1951]

interesting idea — who do you think would be good?

 

[Mitch64]

The old standbys like Susan Sarrandon (I think SS would LOVE to play a woman fighting for her creative career against men...) and of course, Jessica Lange (with a lot of styling) would be good.. I think Kathy Bates...(who might bring too much of a jovial ball crusher feel to it..) 

I found Beth Ehlers annoying as hell during the last five years of GL but she nailed what I felt was the "feel" of Irna (know no movie would star her but...)who might have come close to her frustration levels at her career at that time and lets face it, a bit of bitterness.

[j swift]

Given that every project has to be a limited series these days, I'd love to see the final episode when she's 'mentoring' Harding Lemay, from the humorous perspective that he wrote about in his book.  Showing the passage of time from her type of story-telling during that period in soaps.

[DRW50]

They would probably case Nicole Kidman (please no) or Meryl Streep, but someone like Lange could work. Or Sarandon. Or maybe Julia Roberts.

Beth was great in that part. 

[Tisy-Lish]

I agree. But unfortunately, today's Hollywood would probably play Irna's story for laughs with an emphasis on campiness.  Rather than on her accomplishments (in the male dominated world of television) and the poignancy of her personal, family, and professional lives.  It could be a great film, if done respectfully.  But a complete insult, if done as a farce or comedy.  

[Mitch64]

After I wrote that I imagined that they would split up Irna's stories with scenes from her shows reenacted, and you know they would over do the organ music, pregnant pauses and everything!

 

[Tisy-Lish]

I remember reading years ago, that Irna finished (or nearly finished) her autobiography before she died, but it was never published. Someone probably has the manuscript, or maybe it is with her papers (which I believe are at some university -- possibly Bowling Green State University in Ohio).  It would be an interesting read, assuming she was honest and forthcoming.  

[Contessa Donatella]

I have Irna's papers. It's a thing we can do. I suggest the Retro topic. 

[wonderwoman1951]

not sure thay would work. irna was 29 when she wrote ‘painted dreams,’ 49 when she created ‘these are my children.’ so even if the story began with television and ran through the end of her life, that’s 25 years. sarandon is 78; bates 77; lange 76 — can’t see any of them being de-aged to 50. 

a younger actor could more believably be aged up.

any idea? i’m thinking someone in their 40s. 

Edited April 28 by wonderwoman1951

[Vee]

I also think Beth was actually very good as Irna. And I thought Kim nailed Charita Bauer.

[Soapsuds]

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[j swift]

Remember post-ATWT how Brooke Alexander was in eight million commercials and home improvement shows?  She was the epitome of a millennial consumer surrogate.

Meanwhile, Kelly Menighan worked the heck out of the short hairdo for years, and never got a beauty contract.  TBH, her whole vibe gave Midwest suburbs, as interpreted through the eyes of a Manhattan costume department with a network budget for designer goods. She was definitely sophisticated given her limited access to shopping at Lisa's Boutique in Oakdale.

Edited May 4 by j swift

[DRW50]

Brooke did ads before ATWT too. That probably helped get her the job. After ATWT she seemed to branch more into hosting, along with ads. 

I think I saw Kelley in an ad or two, but you're right she wasn't on as much. 

Edited May 4 by DRW50