Author! Author! 1982
Directed by
Arthur Hiller
Made by
Twentieth Century Fox
Plot Summary
As playwright Ivan Travalian grapples with the challenges of revitalizing his Broadway show, English with Tears, pressures mount from restless financial backers. His personal life is equally chaotic as he navigates the aftermath of being left by his wife, Gloria, thrusting him into the role of a single father to five children—four from her previous marriages and one biological son, Igor. Among these stepchildren, Spike and Geraldo have reunited with their biological fathers, leaving Igor and the son from Gloria’s third marriage still in his care.
With the stress of mounting expectations, the stage producer resorts to a bit of subterfuge, informing investors that the iconic actress Alice Detroit has committed to the project. However, when the two finally meet, Alice reveals herself to be an enthusiastic admirer of Ivan’s work and is excited at the prospect of bringing his vision to Broadway. This creative partnership quickly transforms into a romance, resulting in Alice moving in with Ivan and his remaining children.
Nevertheless, as their relationship deepens, Alice starts feeling overwhelmed by their domestic life, missing the independence and social life she once cherished. Her emotional turmoil leads to a shocking revelation: she uncovers that Ivan is actually an abandoned child who had been adopted by a family with the Armenian surname “Travalian.” This distressing news sends Alice spiraling, forcing her to reconsider everything about her time with Ivan.
As their romantic adventure reaches its bittersweet end, Alice chooses to leave Ivan, sparking a rebellion from his two stepdaughters, who have grown discontented with their father’s strict home life. They devise a thrilling escape to reunite with Gloria in Gloucester, Massachusetts. When authorities show up at Ivan’s door, they find a determined group of children, alongside Ivan, successfully convincing the officers to allow the girls to remain with their family.
In an unexpected twist, Spike returns to Ivan, this time bringing his father’s endorsement, thus uniting all of Ivan’s stepchildren under one roof. As Ivan embarks on a quest to reconnect with his estranged wife, he discovers Gloria happily settled in a quaint cottage in Gloucester with her new partner, her reluctance to reunite with the family now evident.
Faced with the harsh truths of his wife’s choices, Ivan resolves to leave her behind and return to New York City. He reassures his stepchildren of their permanent place in his heart before attending the much-anticipated opening night of English with Tears, which garners glowing reviews from The New York Times.
Timeline
Ivan faces Broadway pressures
As playwright Ivan Travalian struggles to revitalize his show *English with Tears*, he faces relentless pressure from his financial backers. The looming deadlines and demands create a tumultuous atmosphere that weighs heavily on him.
Life as a single father
After being left by his wife Gloria, Ivan is thrust into the challenging role of a single father. He must look after his five children, including four stepchildren and his biological son Igor, navigating the complexities of their diverse backgrounds.
Ivan's deceptive strategy
To relieve the mounting stress, Ivan resorts to a lie about securing the participation of the iconic actress Alice Detroit in his play. This gamble reflects his desperation to appease his investors and keep the show afloat.
Meeting Alice Detroit
When Ivan finally meets Alice, he discovers that she is not only a fan of his work but genuinely excited to collaborate. Their professional relationship sparks a romantic connection, further complicating Ivan's already chaotic life.
Alice moves in with Ivan
As their romance flourishes, Alice makes the decision to move in with Ivan and his children. This transition initially brings joy but soon reveals the strains of blending their lives together.
Alice's emotional struggle
As time goes on, Alice starts to feel suffocated by her new domestic life. She reminisces about her lost independence and the social activities she once enjoyed, leading to conflicts in her relationship with Ivan.
A shocking revelation
In a turn of events, Alice discovers that Ivan is an abandoned child who was adopted. This shocking truth causes her to reflect on their relationship and the implications of Ivan's past on their future together.
Alice chooses to leave
Overwhelmed by the complexities of their life together, Alice ultimately decides to leave Ivan. This decision ignites rebellion among Ivan's stepdaughters, who feel stifled by his strict parenting.
Escape to Gloucester
Determined to reunite with their mother Gloria, the stepdaughters formulate a daring plan to escape. Their quest leads a group of children to confront the authorities at Ivan's home, demanding their right to stay together as a family.
Spike's return
In a surprising twist, Spike returns to Ivan’s life, this time with his father's blessing. This reaffirms the importance of family ties and unites all of Ivan's children once more.
Ivan seeks Gloria
Ivan decides to reach out to his estranged wife, Gloria, that he thought he lost forever. His search leads him to find her living contentedly in Gloucester, further complicating his feelings about her life's choices.
Confronting harsh realities
Faced with Gloria’s new life and her clear reluctance to return to the family, Ivan realizes the need to accept the changes. This moment of acceptance marks a pivotal transformation in Ivan's understanding of his family dynamics.
Ivan's return to NYC
Choosing to leave Gloria in the past, Ivan returns to New York City with a renewed sense of purpose. He resolves to build a stable life for his children while reconciling with the heartbreak of his romantic loss.
Opening night success
Despite the turmoil in his personal life, Ivan attends the long-awaited opening night of *English with Tears*. The show is met with critical acclaim, earning glowing reviews from *The New York Times* and marking a triumphant moment in his career.
Characters
Ivan Travalian (Al Pacino)
Ivan is a passionate playwright juggling the demands of his career and the challenges of single parenthood. His invincible spirit and creativity drive him, but he grapples with the profound impact of personal loss and the need for familial connection.
Alice Detroit (Dyan Cannon)
Alice is an iconic actress whose initial enthusiasm for Ivan's work turns into a struggle as she adjusts to his chaotic home life. Her journey reflects the internal conflict between professional aspirations and domestic responsibilities.
Igor
Igor represents the innocence and resilience of a child caught in parental upheaval. As Ivan's biological son, he faces the complexities of emerging into adolescence under a new family dynamic.
Setting
Time period
The film explores contemporary themes of familial responsibility, creativity, and personal identity within a modern setting. The evolving dynamics of the family and the pressures of the entertainment world reflect the challenges many navigate in the pursuit of both love and success today.
Location
New York City, Gloucester, Massachusetts
New York City serves as the bustling backdrop for Ivan's theatrical ambitions and personal struggles, known for its vibrant arts scene and iconic Broadway shows. Gloucester, Massachusetts, is characterized by its picturesque coastal charm, providing a stark contrast to the fast-paced life of New York, making it a tranquil setting for the character's family dynamics.
Themes
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Family Dynamics
The film intricately explores the complexities of blended families and the emotional challenges that arise from navigating multiple relationships. Ivan's struggle to manage his role as both a father and a playwright highlights the themes of responsibility, love, and the quest for stability amid chaos.
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Romantic Uncertainty
The romance between Ivan and Alice illustrates the tension between personal aspirations and the demands of a shared life. As they grow closer, their relationship faces the test of domesticity and the longing for independence, ultimately leading to a poignant decision that impacts their future.
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Theatrical Pressure
Amidst the backdrop of Broadway, the story delves into the pressures faced by artists in the pursuit of success. Ivan's struggle to please investors while remaining true to his artistic vision reflects the broader challenges of balancing commercial expectations with personal integrity.
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