I'll Take Manhattan (TV miniseries)
Encyclopedia
I'll Take Manhattan is a 1987 American television miniseries
, adapted from Judith Krantz
's novel of the same name
. Screened by CBS, it tells the story of the wealthy Amberville family, who run their own publishing company in New York. After Zachary Amberville, the patriarch of the family, dies, the company is taken over by his unscrupulous brother Cutter. Zachary's children, especially his energetic and intelligent daughter Maxi, begin a battle to regain control of the father's company.
I'll Take Manhattan was the highest-rated miniseries of the 1986–87 US television season
with a 22.9/35 rating/share.
), a former fighter pilot
and now successful businessman, falls in love with his employee Nina Stern (Jane Kaczmarek
). Even though they fall in love, Nina prefers her career over a marriage. Broken hearted, Zach leaves Manhattan
for London
, where he falls in love with ballerina Lily Darvina (Francesca Annis
). After a failed audition, she agrees to marry Zach, and follows him to New York City. When Nina learns about this, she gets upset. Lily, meanwhile, settles as a house wife and gives birth to Zachary's child. She is worried that her ballet career is now nothing more than a hobby, and acts out by behaving as a spoiled rich wife, even being nicknamed 'The Ice Queen'. Her lack of interest in raising her children comes to notice with Zach, who feels that discipline is not the key factor in raising a kid. When the oldest son Toby (Tim Daly) is eight years old, he is diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa
, meaning that he will be blind one day.
At a formal party, Zachary runs into his younger brother Cutter (Perry King
), who is both charismatic and immature. In the past, he did not contact the family unless he needed money. No surprise that Zachary is immediately weary of Cutter's arrival in town. Cutter himself, meanwhile, falls for Lily and they engage in a sexual relationship. Months later, Lily gives birth to Cutter's baby.
. Lily offers to divorce Zachary to be with him, but Cutter leaves her during a trip to San Francisco. In a letter to Lily, he claims to scout a location for a better live, though he actually becomes intimate with a woman named Daphne. Lily feels betrayed and schemes her way back into Zachary's live by claiming to be pregnant of his child. Zachary, who believes her, abandons Nina to start another life with Lily.
In San Francisco, Cutter starts working as a broker and seduces the boss's daughter Candice Alexander (Lynne Griffin
), a beautiful but shy woman. Her father Jonas (Walter Gotell
) is opposed to the relationship, feeling that Cutter is only interested in Candice because she comes from money, and hires a private detective to collect evidence against Cutter's loyalty to his daughter. Instead, Cutter assures a prominent part in her life by causing a horse accident that leaves Candice crippled: he marries her afterwards and manipulates Jonas in financially supporting them. Meanwhile, Lily gives birth to a son, whom she names Justin.
Ten years later, Zachary's magazine company grows into an empire, which saddens one of his loyal workers Pavka Meyer (Paul Hecht
). His daughter Maxime 'Maxi' (Valerie Bertinelli
) is now 17 years old and gets expelled from a strict all-girl school due to skipping school to gamble with her friend India West (Julianne Moore
), and further rebellious behavior. Consequently, she starts to work as a photographer at her father's company, in the department of Rocco Cipriani (Jack Scalia
). She immediately falls in love with him, and they soon have sex.
Cutter resumes his unfaithful behavior, and after an escapade with both Candice's sister Nanette (Kate Vernon
) and Alice Chambers, he continues his affair with Lily, which Nanette and colleage Booker witness. Nanette does not wait long before informing her sister about Cutter's cheating behavior, causing Candice to get drunk and confront him. Cutter dismisses her claims, and states that Nanette has lied out of jealousy, before actually visiting Nanette to hit her. Nanette takes revenge by sending Candice pictures of Lily and Cutter having sex. Candice is heartbroken and commits suicide
by jumping from her hotel room. The photos are then sent to Zachary, who is now aware of both his wife and brother's betrayal. Instead of leaving his wife, Zachary threatens to take the children and murder Cutter if she ever meets with his brother again.
In another sub-plot, Lily meets with Nina and claims that she did not trick Zachary into reconciling her, leaving Nina to believe that Zachary did not want to be with her.
Miniseries
A miniseries , in a serial storytelling medium, is a television show production which tells a story in a limited number of episodes. The exact number is open to interpretation; however, they are usually limited to fewer than a whole season. The term "miniseries" is generally a North American term...
, adapted from Judith Krantz
Judith Krantz
Judith Krantz , is an American novelist who writes in the romance genre. Her works include Scruples, Princess Daisy, and Till We Meet Again.-Early years:...
's novel of the same name
I'll Take Manhattan
For the song, see Manhattan .I'll Take Manhattan is a 1986 novel by Judith Krantz.The book was turned into a CBS television miniseries, I'll Take Manhattan, in 1987....
. Screened by CBS, it tells the story of the wealthy Amberville family, who run their own publishing company in New York. After Zachary Amberville, the patriarch of the family, dies, the company is taken over by his unscrupulous brother Cutter. Zachary's children, especially his energetic and intelligent daughter Maxi, begin a battle to regain control of the father's company.
I'll Take Manhattan was the highest-rated miniseries of the 1986–87 US television season
1986-87 United States network television schedule
This was the United States television schedule on all three commercial television networks for the fall season beginning in September 1986. All times are Eastern and Pacific, with certain exceptions, such as Monday Night Football....
with a 22.9/35 rating/share.
Part 1
Zachary 'Zach' Amberville (Barry BostwickBarry Bostwick
Barry Knapp Bostwick is an American actor and singer. He is known for playing Brad Majors in the 1975 cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show, replacing Peter Scolari as Mr. Tyler in the sitcom What I Like About You, and playing mayor Randall Winston in the sitcom Spin City...
), a former fighter pilot
Fighter pilot
A fighter pilot is a military aviator trained in air-to-air combat while piloting a fighter aircraft . Fighter pilots undergo specialized training in aerial warfare and dogfighting...
and now successful businessman, falls in love with his employee Nina Stern (Jane Kaczmarek
Jane Kaczmarek
Jane Frances Kaczmarek is an American actress. She is best known for playing the character of Lois on the television series Malcolm in the Middle. Kaczmarek is a three-time Golden Globe and seven-time Emmy Award nominee...
). Even though they fall in love, Nina prefers her career over a marriage. Broken hearted, Zach leaves Manhattan
Manhattan
Manhattan is the oldest and the most densely populated of the five boroughs of New York City. Located primarily on the island of Manhattan at the mouth of the Hudson River, the boundaries of the borough are identical to those of New York County, an original county of the state of New York...
for London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, where he falls in love with ballerina Lily Darvina (Francesca Annis
Francesca Annis
Francesca Annis is an English actress, known for her film and television appearances, most recently in the BBC series Wives and Daughters, Cranford, and Deceit.-Early life and education:...
). After a failed audition, she agrees to marry Zach, and follows him to New York City. When Nina learns about this, she gets upset. Lily, meanwhile, settles as a house wife and gives birth to Zachary's child. She is worried that her ballet career is now nothing more than a hobby, and acts out by behaving as a spoiled rich wife, even being nicknamed 'The Ice Queen'. Her lack of interest in raising her children comes to notice with Zach, who feels that discipline is not the key factor in raising a kid. When the oldest son Toby (Tim Daly) is eight years old, he is diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa
Retinitis pigmentosa
Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of genetic eye conditions that leads to incurable blindness. In the progression of symptoms for RP, night blindness generally precedes tunnel vision by years or even decades. Many people with RP do not become legally blind until their 40s or 50s and retain some...
, meaning that he will be blind one day.
At a formal party, Zachary runs into his younger brother Cutter (Perry King
Perry King
Perry Firestone King is an American television and film actor. King played the role of Cody Allen on the detective series Riptide from 1983 to 1986.-Early life:...
), who is both charismatic and immature. In the past, he did not contact the family unless he needed money. No surprise that Zachary is immediately weary of Cutter's arrival in town. Cutter himself, meanwhile, falls for Lily and they engage in a sexual relationship. Months later, Lily gives birth to Cutter's baby.
Part 2
New York, 1960. Zachary and Lily have grown apart, encouraging Zachary to get back in touch with Nina. Nina is initially reluctant to reconcile with him, though soon falls for his charms and agrees to work for him, on condition that they have a baby. Elsewhere, Cutter has impregnated Lily again and is pushing her to have an abortionAbortion
Abortion is defined as the termination of pregnancy by the removal or expulsion from the uterus of a fetus or embryo prior to viability. An abortion can occur spontaneously, in which case it is usually called a miscarriage, or it can be purposely induced...
. Lily offers to divorce Zachary to be with him, but Cutter leaves her during a trip to San Francisco. In a letter to Lily, he claims to scout a location for a better live, though he actually becomes intimate with a woman named Daphne. Lily feels betrayed and schemes her way back into Zachary's live by claiming to be pregnant of his child. Zachary, who believes her, abandons Nina to start another life with Lily.
In San Francisco, Cutter starts working as a broker and seduces the boss's daughter Candice Alexander (Lynne Griffin
Lynne Griffin
Lynne Griffin is a Canadian actress. She is known for her work in film, television and stage.Griffin was born in Toronto, Ontario, the daughter of Kay, an actress, and James Joseph Griffin, a fashion photographer and soccer player. Currently, she is married to fellow actor Sean Gregory Sullivan.-...
), a beautiful but shy woman. Her father Jonas (Walter Gotell
Walter Gotell
Walter Gotell was a German actor, known for his role as General Gogol, head of the KGB, in the James Bond film series.Gotell was born in Bonn, Germany; his family emigrated to the United Kingdom after the Nazis came to power...
) is opposed to the relationship, feeling that Cutter is only interested in Candice because she comes from money, and hires a private detective to collect evidence against Cutter's loyalty to his daughter. Instead, Cutter assures a prominent part in her life by causing a horse accident that leaves Candice crippled: he marries her afterwards and manipulates Jonas in financially supporting them. Meanwhile, Lily gives birth to a son, whom she names Justin.
Ten years later, Zachary's magazine company grows into an empire, which saddens one of his loyal workers Pavka Meyer (Paul Hecht
Paul Hecht
Paul Hecht is an English-born Canadian stage, film, and television actor best known for playing radio newsman Ross Buckingham in Howard Stern's Private Parts....
). His daughter Maxime 'Maxi' (Valerie Bertinelli
Valerie Bertinelli
Valerie Anne Bertinelli is an American actress, best known for her roles as Barbara Cooper Royer on the television series One Day at a Time , Gloria on the television series Touched by an Angel and Melanie Moretti on the sitcom Hot in Cleveland .- Early years :Bertinelli was born in Wilmington,...
) is now 17 years old and gets expelled from a strict all-girl school due to skipping school to gamble with her friend India West (Julianne Moore
Julianne Moore
Julianne Moore is an American actress and a children's book author. Throughout her career, she has been nominated for four Oscars, six Golden Globes, three BAFTAs and nine Screen Actors Guild Awards....
), and further rebellious behavior. Consequently, she starts to work as a photographer at her father's company, in the department of Rocco Cipriani (Jack Scalia
Jack Scalia
Jack Scalia is an American actor. He has had many roles in television series , television movies, and feature films.-Early life:...
). She immediately falls in love with him, and they soon have sex.
Cutter resumes his unfaithful behavior, and after an escapade with both Candice's sister Nanette (Kate Vernon
Kate Vernon
Kate Vernon is a Canadian-born film and television actress. She is best known for her roles as Lorraine Prescott on the CBS soap opera Falcon Crest from , the stuck-up and popular Benny Hanson in the comedy film Pretty in Pink , Mary-John Lovejoy in The Lost Colony Feature of Lovejoy and...
) and Alice Chambers, he continues his affair with Lily, which Nanette and colleage Booker witness. Nanette does not wait long before informing her sister about Cutter's cheating behavior, causing Candice to get drunk and confront him. Cutter dismisses her claims, and states that Nanette has lied out of jealousy, before actually visiting Nanette to hit her. Nanette takes revenge by sending Candice pictures of Lily and Cutter having sex. Candice is heartbroken and commits suicide
Suicide
Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one's own death. Suicide is often committed out of despair or attributed to some underlying mental disorder, such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, alcoholism, or drug abuse...
by jumping from her hotel room. The photos are then sent to Zachary, who is now aware of both his wife and brother's betrayal. Instead of leaving his wife, Zachary threatens to take the children and murder Cutter if she ever meets with his brother again.
In another sub-plot, Lily meets with Nina and claims that she did not trick Zachary into reconciling her, leaving Nina to believe that Zachary did not want to be with her.
Starring
- Valerie BertinelliValerie BertinelliValerie Anne Bertinelli is an American actress, best known for her roles as Barbara Cooper Royer on the television series One Day at a Time , Gloria on the television series Touched by an Angel and Melanie Moretti on the sitcom Hot in Cleveland .- Early years :Bertinelli was born in Wilmington,...
, Alisan PorterAlisan PorterAlisan Porter is an American actress, singer and dancer.-Life and career:Porter was born in Worcester, Massachusetts. Porter is Jewish. Her maternal grandmother, whose father Joseph Klein was a prominent Worcester rabbi, ran the Charlotte Klein Dance Center in Worcester...
as Maxime 'Maxi' Amberville-Cipriani - Barry BostwickBarry BostwickBarry Knapp Bostwick is an American actor and singer. He is known for playing Brad Majors in the 1975 cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show, replacing Peter Scolari as Mr. Tyler in the sitcom What I Like About You, and playing mayor Randall Winston in the sitcom Spin City...
as Zachary 'Zach' Amberville - Francesca AnnisFrancesca AnnisFrancesca Annis is an English actress, known for her film and television appearances, most recently in the BBC series Wives and Daughters, Cranford, and Deceit.-Early life and education:...
, Georgia SloweGeorgia SloweGeorgia Slowe is an English actress.-Background:Georgia grew up in a Jewish home as the daughter of parents, Michael and Zsuzsi. Her Hungarian-born mother, Zsuzsi, was hidden in a cellar during the Second World War after her mother Litzy was murdered by Hungarian Nazi soldiers. Her father had been...
as Lily Darvina-Amberville - Perry KingPerry KingPerry Firestone King is an American television and film actor. King played the role of Cody Allen on the detective series Riptide from 1983 to 1986.-Early life:...
as Cutter Amberville - Lynne GriffinLynne GriffinLynne Griffin is a Canadian actress. She is known for her work in film, television and stage.Griffin was born in Toronto, Ontario, the daughter of Kay, an actress, and James Joseph Griffin, a fashion photographer and soccer player. Currently, she is married to fellow actor Sean Gregory Sullivan.-...
as Candice Alexander - Jane KaczmarekJane KaczmarekJane Frances Kaczmarek is an American actress. She is best known for playing the character of Lois on the television series Malcolm in the Middle. Kaczmarek is a three-time Golden Globe and seven-time Emmy Award nominee...
as Nina Stern - Jack ScaliaJack ScaliaJack Scalia is an American actor. He has had many roles in television series , television movies, and feature films.-Early life:...
as Rocco Cipriani - Julianne MooreJulianne MooreJulianne Moore is an American actress and a children's book author. Throughout her career, she has been nominated for four Oscars, six Golden Globes, three BAFTAs and nine Screen Actors Guild Awards....
as India West - Paul HechtPaul HechtPaul Hecht is an English-born Canadian stage, film, and television actor best known for playing radio newsman Ross Buckingham in Howard Stern's Private Parts....
as Pavka Meyer - Timothy DalyTimothy DalyJames Timothy "Tim" Daly is an American stage, screen and voice actor, director and producer. He is best known for his television role as Joe Hackett on the NBC sitcom Wings and for his voice role as Superman/Clark Kent in Superman: The Animated Series, as well as his recurring role of the...
as Toby Amberville - Adam StorkeAdam StorkeAdam J. Storke is an American actor who has starred in television and film. He is best known for playing Julia Roberts' love interest in the 1988 hit film Mystic Pizza and as Larry Underwood in the 1994 hit Stephen King mini series The Stand.-Biography:Storke was born in New York City, New York,...
, Keram Malicki-SánchezKeram Malicki-SanchezKeram Malicki-Sánchez is a Canadian actor, singer, writer, new media guru, and music and film producer.-Early life & acting career:...
as Justin Amberville - Staci KeananStaci KeananStaci Keanan is an American actress. Keanan is best known for her roles in the television series My Two Dads and Step by Step .-Life and career:...
, Hillary WolfHillary WolfHillary Wolf is a former American child actress and judo player. She is most notable for starring as the lead character Laura in the theatrical film Big Girls Don't Cry... They Get Even and for her role as Megan in the Home Alone series. She won the world judo championships for juniors in 1994,...
as Angelica Cipriani