L'apprentie domestique

"...and some princesses deserve to be maids."

That pretty much sums up the story behind 1987's 'Maid to Order'. Jessie Montgomery is a 20-something spoiled rich girl, the only child of her widowed father (Tom Skerritt). Jessie is an irresponsible brat who lands herself in jail one night for reckless driving and drug possession, and her frustrated father wishes on a star that he had never had a daughter (which, in retrospect, seems pretty harsh). Somewhere, someone of great power is listening, and his wish is granted. Jessie wakes up the next morning to find her record has been wiped clean. Unfortunately, so has her life.

Jessie is recognized by nobody; not even her own father. Her only companions now is a filthy party dress and a lady (Beverly D'Angelo) who calls herself Jessie's fairy godmother- she's actually the "witch" who granted Jessie's father's wish. Jessie is forced to take a job as a maid for a high-profile Beverly Hills music promoter and his wife (the late Dick Shawn and Valerie Perrine) and has to learn to love and respect people, as well as herself, all over again.

I love Ally Sheedy in this role. She plays the part of the wealthy b*tch very well. You cannot help but feel sorry for her poor, soft-spoken father. But the real stars are the goofy Starkys, the rich and cheesy family Jessie works for.

Ally Sheedy works very hard to convince us she's a spoiled rich girl who takes everyone for granted. I felt it was all a con, and therefore couldn't wait for her character to make that transformation into a Better Person. Sheedy wasn't necessarily miscast as she was misdirected; she naturally projects a very savvy, efficient persona, and acting childish is beneath her. The second part of the film, with Sheedy working as a maid to wealthy neurotics Dick Shawn and Valerie Perrine (both terrific), is more successful, and the fantasy elements of the plot have had time to grow on us and are more acceptable. There are still some clumsy or awkward moments here, however for the first time Michael Ontkean is a CHARMING Prince Charming (not just a substitute for one) and the supporting cast is made up of wily and likable characters. "Maid to Order" leaves you smiling and that means it has done a good job, though it takes at least thirty minutes to kick into gear. *** from ****

I caught this movie years ago on TV. Subsequently, it seems to have disappeared from the Earth like some others have. I snagged a copy from eBay and so got to watch it again during an otherwise tedious time in an airport.

I'd say it held up just fine. The reason I enjoy this and similar shows is there's nothing bad happening. I'm uninterested in watching people torn apart or otherwise destroyed, cities laid waste to and the other disasters we're subject to now that CGI has reached a high state of excellence.

This is a terrific ensemble rather shakily directed with a few odd choices in plot details such as the choice of the comeback song performed at the charity event. Still, the whole thing goes down easily.

I've seen it compared to Tootsie and no, it's not anything of that caliber if you care about movie quality. That doesn't decrease how much I enjoy this show. Not every thing needs to be serious and this isn't.

Jessie Montgomery (Ally Sheedy) is a spoiled troublesome bored rich L.A. kid. After a drug arrest, her exasperated widow father Charles (Tom Skerritt) makes a wish that he never had a daughter. Her fairy godmother Stella (Beverly D'Angelo) comes to take Jessie out of jail but tells her that she is no longer Charles' daughter. She is penniless and without any connections. Stella tells her to straighten up and get a job. She stumbles into an employment agency which just happens to be looking for a white maid. She's working for the crass Starkeys (Valerie Perrine, Dick Shawn). Nick McGuire (Michael Ontkean) is the chauffeur pretending to be a mechanic who's trying to get talent agent Starkey to listen to his tape.

It's an interesting switch on the Cinderella story. I was in love with Ally Sheedy from 'The Breakfast Club' back in the day. This is one of the last starring roles before her stardom faded. She never really found her sweet spot but she continued to work. There are no big laughs in this movie but it is kind of cute. Sheedy is perfect for this role. She still has rooting interest despite being a complete brat.

Jessie Montgomery (Ally Sheedy) is the spoiled only child of Charles Montgomery (Tom Skerrit), the chairman of Starlight Foundation. Jessie loves partying all night. She does nothing but seeking pleasure. One night she is busted by a cop for speed-driving and using drugs. When Mr. Montgomery is notified regarding this incident, he can't help feeling so disappointed and frustrated, and he says he wishes he never had this daughter.

Jessie's fairy godmother (Beverly D'Angelo) appears, erases Jessie's criminal record, taking her out of the police station and tells Jessie that her past has also been erased. Now she's on her own. Her friends don't know her any more. Her father doesn't know her any more. After wandering on streets for days, she has to get a job. One thing she would have never done in the past.

Working as a maid at a trendy house in Beverly Hills, Jessie learns how to do housework and how to treat people in a better way. Finally, she becomes unselfish and compassionate.

Overall, it's pleasant to watch this movie.