Mrs. Washington Goes to Smith

Elizabeth has no talent, this is garbage, avoid this junk, totally waste of time, pure garbage, awful.

Maybe many of you do not appreciate what it is like to be a middle aged woman who is facing empty nest syndrome, and you wonder if life as we know it is over? I saw Mrs. Washington Goes to Smith 3 times. The first time, I wondered - could I do this? The second time I saw it, I watched with my husband and he was proud that I eve considered thinking of going back to college. My 18 year old son said he could see how it would inspire me. My older daughters certainly understood, and both expressed an interest in hoping they may be able to try something like this...they are ages 33 & 36. The last time I watched it, it really planted that seed of hope! I am now a college student majoring in psychology to work with primarily with women on "women's issues" like abuse, menopause problems, chronic pain like fibromylagia, and anorexia...which does affect older women!

So, I thank Cybil Shepperd for her wonderful acting in this movie!

And, if you do not recall Cybil Shepperd in her modeling days, then it is no wonder some of you are only posting negative comments. She is a beautiful example of a woman positively accepting the aging process with an open mind.

Betsy from Georgia

Mr. Smith may have gone to Washington, and Mrs. Washington may have gone to Smith; only this is where any similarity between the two comes to an abrupt stop. The two movies are not, at all alike. Now, if you would like to compare Cybill Shepherd with Loretta Young: the latter starred in a comedic movie named "Mother Is a Freshman" with Van Johnson, waaaaaaaaaay back in 1949. I have not seen the 1949 movie in a few (Mmmmmm-30 plus) years. Yet I remember the main gist of the main story line, and it sure fits! Mrs. Washington has been told before! She is a modernization of sweet Loretta Young's character. As far as Hallmark movies go, Ms. Washington, actually, was well received, compared to many of its brothers and sisters offered by the H Channel. Most are UNBELIEVABLY DODGY AND UNBELIEVABLY Unintelligent. Beyond the "romance," Ms. W reminds me of what I might be like if I attempted to return to college... I totally related to the character! It made me smile! (I was a music major/athlete and would love to return for completion in both music and lit/writing!). I related to BOTH roommates! Believability? Since WHEN are television and movies ever been all that much so? While you are pondering this question, check out "Mother Is a Freshman."---It is a hoot of a capsule in time! Loved it!

I saw the title and immediately knew it was a take on the old movie "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington." So, I decided I would watch. Imagine my surprise to see a wonderful story unfold before me. Alice Washington (played by Cybill Shepherd) is a recent divorcée who decides she is going to get the degree that she gave up to be a wife and mother 30 years before. In the beginning she is old looking and cranky. Her roommate Zoe (played by Corri English) is wild and exciting and not too thrilled to see her. Over time, they become true friends. You would expect Alice to be overly motherly to Zoe, but that does not happen. Zoe, who is in desperate need of some mothering, learns to accept her roommate and learn a bit about herself in the process.

Alice also realizes that she is not too old to love again. She develops a crush for her English professor Mr. O'Neill or Terry (played by Jeffrey Nordling) as she calls him. These are feelings that Terry are more than happy to reciprocate.

I found the movie to be simply delightful and cute. Cybill Shepherd is still hot!

Very much enjoyed this movie - the mature story line, the two roommates enabling one another to grow and thrive, and the throwback to when Hallmark movies weren't so predictable. I thought the lead's physical transformation was a bit overdone (who can imagine Sybil Shepherd ever being a plain Jane?) but the emotional transformation rang true. I do think the plot is dated; as a mid-boomer, I think most middle-class women reaching their 50's today would have been prepared for a career, even if they took time off to raise a family. Worth watching.