Bea Arthur is wonderful (as always) playing a widow who becomes reacquainted with her high school squeeze; trouble is, he's got a relationship going with a young sexy thing, but may just dump the nubile girl for this older, more sensuous woman. One of the best lines has Arthur dressing herself up for a date in frilly clothes, looking in the mirror and dead-panning, "I look like Dolls From Around the World." She's a stitch, and works well with sturdy Richard Kiley as the old-flame. Arthur didn't get many opportunities to shine in feature films; on television, her exasperation and earthy, what-the-hell disposition feels very intimate and real. Too bad this hearty TV-movie hasn't been released on DVD, we could use more of Bea Arthur's dry-martini magic. A highly enjoyable show.
Review of My First Love
