Paper Dolls

I have seen this TV movie numerous times, and in fact have it still on video. I have not yet transferred it to DVD for "modern viewing". I still find the movie enjoyable to watch, sometimes happy, sad, and with Joan Collins playing the cold, calculating agent, thoroughly stereotypical (at least in my experience). As the lead Daryl Hannah (Taryn Blake)is a surprisingly well-rounded actress in the character, with Alexandra Paul (future Baywatch star) a good side-kick as Laurie Caswell. Although the movie is primarily about Laurie becoming a model, my focus was always pulled to Daryl's character of Taryn, wanting to be successful, constantly pushed and pressured by her mother, yet yearning for a "normal" life. This movie has obvious parallels with the life of Brooke Shields and her relationship with her mother and, although this was brought up at the time of release in the media, producers apparently denied that it was based on Brooke Shields life. Still a good watch even today.

When I saw this movie back 1982, I immediately thought of Brooke Shields. Taryn Blake was just a blonde version of Brooke Shields. The character and and Julia Blake were just Brooke and Teri Shields disguised. Julia Blake was manipulative, just like Teri Shields is manipulative. Brooke Shields modeled as a baby, just like Taryn Blake did. Teri Blake lived off of Brooke's money for years. This movie was very realistic in the portrayal of the ups and downs of the professional modeling world. Julia Blake was the perfect example of the pushy stage mother who will stop at nothing to get what she wants. Taryn was just a pawn in the whole game, not getting to have a real childhood in her life.

I remember watching this when it came out in 1982. Normally a guy wouldn't watch a movie like this but both women were so beautiful! I know most would go for the blond Darryl, but I liked the brunette and remember thinking she would be the bigger star. As it turns out, Darryl's career took off with Splash and other big movies and Alexandra was no where to be found! I was glad she ended up on a very successful TV series Baywatch but I still always thought her talent and looks had been wasted. I have met both actresses in real life(just met Alexandra1/1/12 at the farmers marker in Pacific Palisades) and Darryl at the Brentwood farmers market 3 years ago and of the 2, Alexandra is a sweeter and nicer person by far.

I haven't seen this movie again since it aired but I do remember liking it. I believe it was the first movie for both actresses.

Great, glamorous, campy fun replete with shoulder pads and synthesizers.

As a teenager I loved this movie. Everytime it came on television I would watch it- and it appeared often!. The film centres around two models, Taryn Blake (Daryl Hannah)who has been a model her whole life and is the most famous teen model in America. While Laurie Caswell (Alexandra Paul)is just starting out but soon climbs to the top along side Taryn. The two are at first enemies, but soon become best friends. This is soap opera at its very best, its pretty to look at, quite trashy but very watchable. If it's ever on late one night, stay up and watch it, you might like it, and if you don't at least you will be able to spot many familiar faces.