The Girl Most Likely to...

This is one of my favorite dark comedy films--light-hearted, beautifully wicked and sometimes poignant. The plot is somewhat thin, but Stockard Channing is perfect in the lead and she makes it believable. Her transformation from Ugly Duckling to evil Swan is wonderful and sexy as is her wicked delight in bringing justice to those who caused her pain as her former self. The film is subtly satiric and delivers a climax with a twist. Lots of supporting cast members that are future "B" stars in their own right.

This was the first movie that introduced me to Stockard Channing and I too, loved the movie and Stockard Channing's portrayal of Miriam Knight. It's not everyday you find a TV movie that's both funny and entertaining without being silly, inane, and for the under 21 age group. The script was well written and it has a certain level of realism, that addresses the need that some of us may have to get even with those who torment us for being different. If TV movies such as "Fatal Vision" and "Chiefs" can make it to VHS, certainly "The Girl Most Likely To" should join that marketing strategy as well. Besides, making movies is about making money, for the writers, for the actors, the director, and especially for the producers, so let the capitalistic urge overtake you and allow the public to enjoy this movie again and again.

Stockard Channing seemingly came out of nowhere and gave us a preview of the quirky, oblique roles that would make her famous. Over the years, there have been many movies that start out funny and turn dark. In this movie, we have a very dark beginning, where a handsome boy, as part of a sick bet, seduces a very homely girl. As she flees the humiliating scene, she is involved in a horrendous auto accident (dark enough for you yet?). Because she is so damaged in the accident, doctors take the opportunity to remake her as a beautiful woman. Inside, however, she is still devastated by her prior treatment, so she uses her new beauty to exact horrible revenge on those who had tormented her when she was ugly. Now here's the kicker: she does this in a darkly funny way. See this movie if you ever get the chance. Stockard benefited from a stellar supporting cast, but she herself was magnificent!

I'm pleasantly surprised to see that others remember this intriguing movie like I do! It has stuck in my mind ever since I saw it in high school.

I would love to share it with my daughters. High schoolers would especially appreciate it. All of us who were made fun of would have secretly loved to get revenge on our tormentors. If anyone hears about it being released on DVD/video, please let me know!

I'd love to buy it. Maybe we can start a campaign by writing to Joan Rivers? Does anyone remember what station sponsored it? With all the reality shows about makeovers, now would be the perfect time to resurrect this film!

As others have remarked, I find it disappointing that this film has not been released on video. I recall seeing it in 1973, as a senior in college, on my portable black-and-white TV set in my dorm room. I was studying and sort of halfway missed the first half-hour, but eventually I was so intrigued that I set aside the books and watched the rest.

The transformation of the Stockard Channing character in the course of her accident and plastic surgery is so striking that I truly did not know that she played both the "before" and "after" versions until reading the IMDB credits and user comments today.

I can only echo the requests of others to please re-issue this film on DVD.