In praise of "Morning Glory"

In praise of "Morning Glory"
By Nelson Aspen
Guest Editorial

I saw an advanced screening of Morning Glory last night and thoroughly enjoyed myself. After working the better part of my life in daytime television (first soaps, then morning news), I've been waiting for a film to come along that accurately portrays the fun and frustrations of producing that much content daily. (Soapdish was a lonnng time ago, folks! Things have certainly changed.) Many of the same concerns over cost and content exist in all forms of daytime television entertainment and, in the name of comedy, Morning Glory got it almost all right on. Except for one line in which the heroine, Rachel McAdams--producer of a low rated breakfast news program, proclaims that their show's existence is threatened with being replaced "by soap operas and game shows." Obviously the filmmakers are unaware of the precarious nature of TV soaps. When was the last time ANY show was replaced by a soap opera!?

There could have been a great opportunity for her character to have a friend/colleague who works in that genre to express all the same anxieties, challenges and frustrations the soap opera community has been experiencing for quite some time.

Aside from that, it's a completely entertaining 102 minutes with great perfomances by the entire cast.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Former GUIDING LIGHT actress Elizabeth Keifer makes an appearance in the film.

RELATED:
- The Peapack Interviews: Elizabeth Keifer