The Two Mrs. Grenvilles (1987)

A showgirl (Ann-Margret) marries into an aristocratic New York society family. But her husband's (Stephen Collins) mother (Claudette Colbert) finds the girl common and is against the marriage. What should have been a Cinderella story turns into a grand tragedy of murder, revenge, manipulation, hypocrisy and class privilege. Based on the novel by Dominick Dunne and directed by John Erman. An irresistible, lush melodrama set in the highest echelons of Manhattan society in the 40s, 50s and 60s that make and enforce their own rules is the filmic equivalent of a juicy best seller than you can't put down. Ann-Margret gives a potent performance as the young Mrs. Grenville going from naive chorus girl to hardened and bruised alcoholic and Claudette Colbert is perfection as the cold and unforgiving elder Mrs. Grenville in her final film role. The lavish underscore is by Marvin Hamilisch. With Elizabeth Ashley, Penny Fuller, John Rubenstein, Sam Wanamaker, Penny Fuller and Sian Phillips as the Duchess of Windaor.