Produced in the 90s, Mrs. Winterbourne is an underrated gem that doesn’t get talked about much – or maybe not at all!
Mrs. Winterbourne (1996) Film Review
Without a home and with no one who really cares, Connie Nelson (Ricki Lake) has nothing. Or almost nothing. She doesn’t get long with her dad, her mom, whom she loved, is gone, and the only guy she’s loved is quite done with her. The reason being they’re about to have a baby and the jerk isn’t interested in being a dad. So the streets are currently her home. When she mistakenly finds her way onto a train heading to Vermont, a twist of fate and a tragic accident gives Connie someone else’s life.
In this reality, Connie tries to tell the truth, but the safety in the home of Grace Winterbourne (Shirley MacLaine), a woman who believes Connie to be her daughter in law, makes her feel a little bit too safe.
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‘MRS. WINTERBOURNE’ IS AN OLD-FASHIONED GOLDEN KIND OF COMEDY. Review of the 1996 comedy with Ricki Lake and Shirley MacLaine. #GoodMovies #Romance #RomanceMovies Share on X
A modern film at its release, Mrs. Winterbourne is the kind of script that keeps things upbeat. It’s also the kind of story that may bring to mind the old classic comedies. This because of its silly plot. Using terms like “old fashioned” tends to get a bad rap or bring to mind something that isn’t positive (even a quick synonym run brings up terms like “ancient”), but this film proves many times over that it knows how to have fun while still being, well, an old soul. Irrespective of this, the film is also appropriately somber in pieces, too.
The cast is good and though I’ve seen her in very little, Ricki Lake did impress as the young lead. She’s the right contrast to the characters with the more stereotypical “education” and “manners.” As a result, there is lots of funniness and moments of hilarity stemming from this clash. Surprisingly, there are also heartwarming things as well. But wait, there is more too! A little murder enters the scene that results in more fun, and also gives everyone the chance to show their love.
A cute romance drops by, and though it isn’t given a lot of time, I still think it’s a winner. The dance scene is also darling and sweet while still infusing the moment with comedy (plus I like how the actors play the scene and it’s “styling”). In short, I quite loved this film. I didn’t expect to, but it’s a film that is easy to be swept up into and gives us a little bit of everything in the mix.
Stream, at publication, Mrs. Winterbourne with Amazon Prime
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Content: there is a reference to having an abortion and two uses of the f-word. There is also abuse of deity. Someone has a child without any support. A woman uses the term “tits” and “breast” when referring to a child nursing. A man admits to liking the same sex, and upset over a rejection, he gets drunk. The film is PG-13.
Feature Photo: TriStar Pictures / Entertainment Pictures