My Breast

I have a unique take on this movie, for what is probably a quite silly reason. Meredith Baxter appeared in an episode of the Partridge Family, as a young "hippie" girl. I watched that episode shortly before watching this movie. In the Partridge episode, Meredith is supposed to be naked while swimming in a lake. Danny gets frustrated because Reuben covers his eyes, and won't let him see her. Watching My Breast, I got to see at least half of what Danny wasn't allowed to see, on the Partridge Family. This may be a superficial reference, but this movie is pretty superficial. Meredith plays Joyce, a woman diagnosed with breast cancer. In the first examination scene, Meredith shows her breast. I applaud her for having the courage of her convictions. I also applaud her because she is the only likeable, or engaging, actor/character in this movie. The movie treats the obviously serious topic with a very light touch. Meredith's boyfriend is a jerk. All the other characters are either insensitive or indifferent, in the way they relate to Joyce's problem. I absolutely liked the obvious scene for the obvious reason. I don't apologize for that. Despite what Meredith's intentions might have been, the movie did her a disservice. The decision to show an actual breast came across as somewhat exploitative. The story would have played essentially the same, even without the nude scene. Also, there were subsequent examination scenes, where nothing was shown. Why was that? Overall, Meredith Baxter is the only one who deserves credit here.

A sentimental and tale of a woman who deals with breast cancer. Meredith Baxter gives a fine performance in this film, which was originally produced for the Lifetime cable network. I would say it is above average for a made for cable movie. Not recommended for young audiences, contains brief nudity by Meredith Baxter.