Une seconde vie

Maybe many of you do not appreciate what it is like to be a middle aged woman who is facing empty nest syndrome, and you wonder if life as we know it is over? I saw Mrs. Washington Goes to Smith 3 times. The first time, I wondered - could I do this? The second time I saw it, I watched with my husband and he was proud that I eve considered thinking of going back to college. My 18 year old son said he could see how it would inspire me. My older daughters certainly understood, and both expressed an interest in hoping they may be able to try something like this...they are ages 33 & 36. The last time I watched it, it really planted that seed of hope! I am now a college student majoring in psychology to work with primarily with women on "women's issues" like abuse, menopause problems, chronic pain like fibromylagia, and anorexia...which does affect older women!

So, I thank Cybil Shepperd for her wonderful acting in this movie!

And, if you do not recall Cybil Shepperd in her modeling days, then it is no wonder some of you are only posting negative comments. She is a beautiful example of a woman positively accepting the aging process with an open mind.

Betsy from Georgia

Elizabeth has no talent, this is garbage, avoid this junk, totally waste of time, pure garbage, awful.

Mr. Smith may have gone to Washington, and Mrs. Washington may have gone to Smith; only this is where any similarity between the two comes to an abrupt stop. The two movies are not, at all alike. Now, if you would like to compare Cybill Shepherd with Loretta Young: the latter starred in a comedic movie named "Mother Is a Freshman" with Van Johnson, waaaaaaaaaay back in 1949. I have not seen the 1949 movie in a few (Mmmmmm-30 plus) years. Yet I remember the main gist of the main story line, and it sure fits! Mrs. Washington has been told before! She is a modernization of sweet Loretta Young's character. As far as Hallmark movies go, Ms. Washington, actually, was well received, compared to many of its brothers and sisters offered by the H Channel. Most are UNBELIEVABLY DODGY AND UNBELIEVABLY Unintelligent. Beyond the "romance," Ms. W reminds me of what I might be like if I attempted to return to college... I totally related to the character! It made me smile! (I was a music major/athlete and would love to return for completion in both music and lit/writing!). I related to BOTH roommates! Believability? Since WHEN are television and movies ever been all that much so? While you are pondering this question, check out "Mother Is a Freshman."---It is a hoot of a capsule in time! Loved it!

In 1939's "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," James Stewart becomes that naive senator through appointment. There's no naivete for Cybill Shepherd as she returns to college following her husband leaving her and her children are all grown.

In college, Alice Washington (Shepherd) is soon able to live a college life. She meets up a with a room-mate with an attitude, who will be cured with some motherly love. She finds love, and not just a crush on her English teacher.

The film is really a tribute to all those people who return to college later in life. We have to take our hats off to them, while realizing that it is life's experiences that have made them better people.

Cybill Shepherd is a much more mature actress now and she gives a wonderful performance.

Naturally, only in motion pictures does the academic year go by so quickly. Yes, the film is very much cliché, but it's worth it.

Very much enjoyed this movie - the mature story line, the two roommates enabling one another to grow and thrive, and the throwback to when Hallmark movies weren't so predictable. I thought the lead's physical transformation was a bit overdone (who can imagine Sybil Shepherd ever being a plain Jane?) but the emotional transformation rang true. I do think the plot is dated; as a mid-boomer, I think most middle-class women reaching their 50's today would have been prepared for a career, even if they took time off to raise a family. Worth watching.