Between Friends (1983)
An HBO TV movie uniting Elizabeth Taylor and Carol Burnett in a warm, character-driven story of unlikely female friendship.
Between Friends - Movie Information
Between Friends - Plot
Two middle-aged women with nothing in common meet by accident and develop a close friendship while continuing to deal with their own lives.
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Between Friends - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Lou Antonio
Main Cast
- Elizabeth Taylor
- Carol Burnett
- Chuck Shamata
- Barbara Tyson
- Michael J. Reynolds
- Stephen Young
- Henry Ramer
- Bruce Grey
Writers
- Shelley List
Producers
- Jonathan Estrin
- Shelley List
Between Friends - FAQs
What is Between Friends about?
Between Friends follows two very different middle-aged women who cross paths by chance and gradually build a genuine, lasting friendship. The film explores how connection can emerge in unexpected places, anchored by the real-life chemistry between its two legendary leads, Elizabeth Taylor and Carol Burnett.
Why is the Taylor and Burnett pairing so memorable?
Casting Elizabeth Taylor and Carol Burnett together was a bold creative choice that paid off beautifully. Taylor brought her trademark emotional intensity while Burnett delivered warmth and wit, and their contrasting styles created an on-screen dynamic that felt both surprising and completely natural — a genuine highlight of 1980s television.
Is Between Friends based on a true story?
Between Friends is not based on a true story. It was adapted from the novel Nobody Makes Me Cry by Shelley List, who also wrote the screenplay. The story is fictional, though it draws on universal themes of female friendship, identity, and reinvention that resonate with many real-life experiences.
Where can you watch Between Friends?
Streaming availability for Between Friends varies by region and platform. Your best bet is to check JustWatch, which tracks current viewing options across rental, purchase, and streaming services so you can find where it's available near you.
Who directed Between Friends?
Lou Antonio directed Between Friends. A veteran of American television, Antonio had a long career helming TV movies and series episodes, and he brought a steady, character-focused hand to this intimate drama, allowing the two lead performances to take center stage.
Who composed the music for Between Friends?
The score for Between Friends was composed by James Horner, early in what would become one of Hollywood's most celebrated careers. Known later for Titanic and Braveheart, Horner's work here is understated and emotionally supportive, perfectly complementing the film's quiet, character-driven tone.
What are some films similar to Between Friends?
If you enjoyed Between Friends, you might love Steel Magnolias (1989), which also centers on the bonds between women navigating life's challenges. Other thematically similar films include La Cérémonie (1995), Water Lilies (2007), and Whip It (2009), each exploring female connection in distinct and compelling ways.
Was Between Friends well received when it aired?
Between Friends was warmly received when it premiered on HBO in September 1983. Critics and audiences appreciated the rare pairing of Taylor and Burnett, and the film earned attention as a thoughtful, adult-oriented TV movie at a time when HBO was establishing itself as a home for quality original programming.
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