Having It All

Having It All is a 1981 television film starring Melissa Gilbert and Paul LeMat. The story revolves around Thera Baylin, a talented but struggling fashion designer played by Melissa Gilbert. Thera's life is not as glamorous as it seems; on the surface, she appears to be living the quintessential dream, having two charming and wealthy husbands residing in two major cities – New York and California. However, beneath the façade, Thera's life is far from perfect. Her marriage to John (played by Paul LeMat), a television actor living in New York, lacks intimacy, and their connection has grown distant. Despite the opulent lifestyle John provides for her, Thera longs for more meaning and closeness in their relationship. Meanwhile, her other husband, Tony (played by James Read), is a successful businessman residing in California. Their relationship is more passionate, but Thera struggles with feeling secure in their love due to a history of infidelity on Tony's part. This situation leaves her questioning her ability to sustain a successful marriage. As Thera navigates the complexities of her double life, she finds herself torn between her two husbands. Despite her feelings of love for John and the comfort he provides, her passion still burns for Tony. The constant juggling between the two men begins to take its toll on her emotional and mental well-being. In this challenging environment, Thera turns to her career for solace. She works tirelessly as a fashion designer, pouring her heart and soul into her creations. The creative process becomes her escape, allowing her to momentarily forget about the turmoil in her personal life. However, the facade begins to crumble when Thera discovers that a local magazine has exposed her secret marriages to the public. The shockwaves of exposure send her life spiraling out of control, putting her relationships and career at risk. Thera is faced with a heart-wrenching decision – should she choose loyalty to the love and comfort she knows, or should she take a chance on rebuilding a real connection with one of her husbands? The television film takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster ride, grappling with the complexities of love, relationships, and identity. With its gripping storyline, Having It All presents a nuanced portrayal of the sacrifices women often make in the name of love and success. The film delves into themes that were thought-provoking during the 80s, such as open marriage and the consequences of such choices. Melissa Gilbert delivers a standout performance in this TV movie, capturing the essence of Thera's inner turmoil and emotional struggle. Having It All serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of human emotions, and the difficult choices women often face in their pursuit of happiness and fulfillment.