| The First Wives Club | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Hugh Wilson |
| Screenplay by | Robert Harling |
| Based on | The First Wives Club by Olivia Goldsmith |
| Produced by | Scott Rudin |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Donald Thorin |
| Edited by | John Bloom |
| Music by | Marc Shaiman |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Paramount Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 103 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $26 million[1] |
| Box office | $181 million[1] |
The First Wives Club is a 1996 American comedy film directed by Hugh Wilson, based on the 1992 novel of the same name by Olivia Goldsmith. The film stars Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, and Diane Keaton as three divorcées who seek retribution on their ex-husbands for having left them for younger women. The supporting cast comprises Stockard Channing as Cynthia; Dan Hedaya, Victor Garber, and Stephen Collins as the three leads' ex-husbands; and Sarah Jessica Parker, Elizabeth Berkley, and Marcia Gay Harden as their respective lovers. Supporting roles are played by Maggie Smith, Bronson Pinchot, Rob Reiner, Eileen Heckart, Philip Bosco, and Timothy Olyphant in his feature film debut; cameo appearances include Gloria Steinem, Ed Koch, Kathie Lee Gifford, and Ivana Trump.
The film became a surprise box-office success following its North American release, eventually grossing $181 million worldwide, mostly from its domestic run, despite receiving mixed reviews.[1] It developed a cult following particularly among middle-aged women,[2] and as the actresses' highest-grossing project of the decade, it helped revitalize their careers in film and television. Composer Marc Shaiman was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Music Score,[3] while Hawn was awarded a Blockbuster Entertainment Award and both Midler and Parker received Satellite Award nominations for their portrayals.[3]
- ^ a b c "The First Wives Club (1996) – Financial Information". The Numbers. Archived from the original on December 20, 2013. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
- ^ Gleick, Elizabeth (October 7, 1996). "Hell Hath No Fury". Time.
- ^ a b "Awards for The First Wives Club (1996)". IMDb. Archived from the original on January 11, 2010. Retrieved August 14, 2009.