Attractive divorcée Linda Gray (as Nancy) is happily dating vegetarian John Getz (as Paul Adams), a good-looking young medical student. They are seeing so much of each other, they decide to take the plunge, and co-habitate. Getting Ms. Gray's two daughters' approval is easy, and Mr. Getz moves into Gray's house. Although Getz has proposed, Gray is not ready for another marriage. Still, everyone is happy. Then, ex-husband John Lithgow (as Richard Carruthers) arrives to take the children to church. A strict Christian, Mr. Lithgow disapproves of his ex-wife "immoral" lifestyle choice. When Gray refuses to marry Getz, Lithgow takes her to court
CBS-TV takes Linda Gray from "Dallas" to Massachusetts for this issue-driven television drama. It was the last project for director Joseph Hardy, has cinematography by King Baggot (son of the original movie pioneer), and boasts a soundtrack by Fred Karlin. The excellent supporting cast includes "liberal" lawyer Cathryn Damon (as Sheila), "conservative" lawyer George Grizzard (as Leland Crenshaw), the "Reverend" Stephen Elliott (as John Carruthers), moral-minded "Judge" Lin McCarthy, and confidante Carol Rossen (as Jane). Ms. Damon was just completing an acclaimed run on the comedy "Soap". So far, so good, but it doesn't all end well
Scripted by Cynthia Whitcomb, "Not in Front of the Children" is described as a "taught and beautifully written drama of a modem-day conflict," according to the VHS sleeve, with "the clarity and impact of a contemporary classic." Not so fast. Through most of its running time, this story takes a position (the protagonist's clear point-of-view) it abandons, suddenly, in the end. Whatever you think of Ms. Gray's character, the complete failure of her stated intentions conveys a different message than you are led to expect; specifically, that a religious patriarchy defeats Godless feminism. "Nancy" could have achieved the same marital status, on her own terms.
*** Not in Front of the Children (10/26/82) Joseph Hardy ~ Linda Gray, John Getz, John Lithgow, Cathryn Damon
