Out on a Limb

Two-part miniseries for television starring Shirley MacLaine is an extremely talky dramatization of her late-1970s spiritual awakening chronicled in her 1983 autobiography "Out on a Limb" (in essence, it's Shirley recreating the past while playing herself). While having an affair with a married British socialist in line to become the next Prime Minister of England, Shirley--always one to question the universe and her place in it--delves into the Indian philosophy of karma and reincarnation. Meeting a mysterious young artist (for the second time, as it turns out) in Malibu, MacLaine eventually finds herself high above Peru in the Andes, where her companion has seen a 'flying disc" and believes his spirit guide is an alien female who has instructed him to relay all his metaphysical knowledge to Shirley MacLaine "because she writes". Actors know it's very difficult to play yourself on-screen, but MacLaine does a pretty good job of it here; she's perhaps more unaffected about her life and career than an actress of her caliber would be, but she's likably open-minded with a spontaneous-seeming personality. This well-made, globe-trotting production, directed by Robert Butler and adapted by MacLaine and Colin Higgins (who also co-produced), opens with the affair, which is the weakest part of Shirley's story (she tells us early on that this relationship would act as a connection to the following events which take place; however, since her lover is a non-believer, he just seems like a very rude abstraction). MacLaine's high-powered persona is often sugarcoated, sometimes for an unintentionally amusing, noodle-headed affect (when she's told at one point that happiness lies in her own backyard, Shirley takes the metaphor literally and laments, "My backyard is the Pacific Ocean!"). Her journey is a heartfelt one, and the mediums, psychics and channelers she encounters along the way are often interesting, but it's doubtful many lives will be changed by Shirley's incredible adventure. It's a very personal jaunt--as self-awareness stories usually are--but, as MacLaine claims, she's "not a teacher", she's "a learner", and what the actress has to tell us is only about the Self. The rest of us are gawkers at the gate. Three Emmy nominations: Outstanding Special, also for editing and sound mixing. **1/2 from ****

Dear Charles,

I sure hope you were well-paid for this toe-curlingly awful vanity project. Not yours, of course. No man could possibly be vain and appear in dreck like this.

Your performance was perfect, of course. You convincingly embodied the romantic intellectual. You made it very easy to believe in Gerry's fascination with Shirley.

I've got to give you lots of respect: clearly, as an artist you're willing to take on risk. You've done (what must be unpleasant) work in order to fulfill your responsibilities as a husband and father. You've consistently delivered top-quality performances in the most unworthy projects. And in addition to all that, I've never seen or heard you even once complain or disparage anyone.

But Charles, even my love isn't enough to withstand watching "Out on a Limb." Taking most excellent advice from another of your pictures,* I decided to leave off watching after fifteen minutes. It is better to preserve my love for you than immolate it in service of checking off another item on your c.v.

Yours affectionately,

Oloiatao

*Dorothy: I believe in love. Not just getting it, but giving it. I think that if you're able to love someone, even if they don't know it, even if they can't love you back, then it's worth it. (Gosford Park)

A daring and ballsy move by SHIRLEY MCLAINE to explain her discovery on her personal truth on reincarnation. The topic of reincarnation and past lives is subjective to each person as religion and ideology should be. yet, the book and movie that spawned from it as well as tv appearances were daring. There have been a few times myself Ihave met people inlife who resemble people who died in a past life of one of my ancestors. The concept of reincarnation is open to debate but interesting at best. The woman in this film was open to attack several times by far right religous groups who view all reincarnation buffs or explorers as a nazi grade generational lines cult..this is not the case. Not by a long shot. Reincarnation, suppose you meet a person you met during a past life this doesn't mean you are inclined to date etc. This film and her tv experiences relayed on shows like DONAHUE etc. were ballsy and daring in a era when people didn't want to talk about this stuff and her story a catalyst for change. I have my own opinion on this topic yet, well don't all of us? Interesting topic. I saw at least a hour of this film. I liked the live apppearances better.

I read the book before seeing the mini series. It followed the book accurately and was helped by having Shirley as herself. It made it more believable. I read all the IMDb user reviews of this and they are all valid.

For me it really touched me as I was exploring my own questions about the meaning of life. This just seemed to help put all my jumbled thoughts into place. This kind of new age philosophy is the one that sits most comfortably in my head. After seeing this and reading other books I have undoubtedly become more spiritual - not religious!!! I look at life and the world with different eyes now. It doesn't give you all the answers. As most people who have traveled the path that I have in their spiritual awakening, there are more questions than answers - but isn't that what life as we know it is all about? Without the questions, there is no evolution. Once we know everything, then life as we know it is meaningless. If you're reading this then you are obviously on your path too - good luck!!! I highly recommend this mini-series - or the book. They are both the same!

Shirley MacLaine in 1987 had the skill and courage to both write and star in a supposed autobiographical miniseries delineating her spiritual journey.

Such topics as guides, reincarnation, and self discovery are plunged into with abandon by MacLaine. Having read her book upon which this script is based, I appreciate her creativity, imagination, and tenacity to bring this challenging project to fruition.

What I don't readily grasp is the volume of unique metaphysical occurrences that the heroine is alleged to have had. For one example: an extended car ride in the dead of night at top speed, down a narrow forest trail while dodging trees right and left--with none but "spirit" operating the vehicle.

While it makes for dramatic tv, it does stimulate wonder as to where actual facts leave off and creative writing begins. As for many profound questionings tackled, these touch us all and are part of the human spiritual quest.

Many viewers, however, may lack an intense interest in this subject to stick with it throughout its lengthy two-part running time. Those who do may well be rewarded with an intriguing introduction into New Age philosophy.