Plaza Suite (1982)

Plaza Suite Poster

HBO filmed version of the Neil Simon play (filmed in front of a live audience) has three separate acts set in the same hotel suite in New York's Plaza Hotel with Lee Grant and Jerry Orbach playing three roles.

Movie Title and Release year
"Plaza Suite" is a comedic American television movie that was very first aired in 1982. It's based on the Broadway play of the very same name, penned by Neil Simon.

Production Details
The film includes different vignettes, all set in the exact same hotel suite at the Plaza Hotel, New York. It is a retelling of the 1968 Plaza Suite film directed by Arthur Hiller. The 1982 variation is directed by Roger Beatty and Kenny Solms and includes considerable talents such as Lee Grant, Jerry Orbach, Dina Merrill, and George Furth.

Plot Summary
The movie centers around 3 different stories, each inhabiting a various act, which are all set in Suite 719 at the upscale Plaza Hotel in New York City.

1. Visitor from Mamaroneck: The first act features a married couple, Karen and Sam Nash, who are reviewing their honeymoon suite in a bid to enliven their decreasing marital relationship. Regardless of Karen's effort, Sam remains sidetracked, immersed in his troubles worrying his secretary and his age. This story ends on an incomplete note, leaving the viewers questioning the real future of Karen and Sam's relationship.

2. Visitor from Hollywood: Jesse Kiplinger, a Hollywood manufacturer, attempts to seduce his old high school flame, Muriel Tate, in the 2nd act. Muriel, now a suburban housewife, reminisces over her past innocence but stays durable toward Jesse's beauty and advances. Ultimately, after numerous drinks, she succumbs to his perseverance and sleeps with him, later on being sorry for the act.

3. Visitor from Forest Hills: In the third act, two moms and dads, Roy and Norma Hubley, struggle to convince their nervous daughter Mimsey, to come out of the bathroom for her wedding event happening downstairs in the Grand Ballroom. Amid all the comic mayhem, they attempt to coax her out, and ultimately, Mimsey's daddy, Roy, catches a painful back convulsion. Mimsey finally emerges, prepared to get married, leaving the audience with a humorous note to end on.

Critique
"Plaza Suite" from 1982, like its 1968 predecessor, celebrates Simon's propensity for combining humor, drama, and genuine human feelings in a manner which makes them easily relatable. The film, with its unique setup of 3 different stories in one suite, offers both home entertainment and a variety of feelings. While the film's setting is limited to a suite, the efficiencies of the stars enhance the viewing experience, keeping the audience hooked.

Conclusion
In general, the 1982 TV variation of "Plaza Suite" focuses on the complexities of human relationships, provided via amusing discussions, humorous interactions, and notable efficiencies. In spite of the stories being embeded in a single area, the film's engaging story and enjoyable characters still make it a fascinating watch.

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