Scandalous Me: The Jacqueline Susann Story

Jacqueline Susann is shown moving from the shadow of failed auditions and small acting gigs into the cutthroat world of publishing, chasing a dream that keeps shifting as she finds success. The film follows her tenacity, the glitter of early celebrity, and the personal costs that come with pushing to become a bestselling writer. Along the way she deals with difficult relationships, professional setbacks, and the pressures of creating shocking material that sells, while balancing ambition and vulnerability in a male-dominated industry. The narrative stays focused on her public persona and private struggles, presenting a portrait of a woman determined to rewrite her own destiny without revealing later-life twists.

This television film premiered in 1998, directed by Bruce McDonald and created by Michele Gallery. Michele Lee headlines as Jacqueline Susann, joined by Peter Riegert, James Farentino, Barbara Parkins, and Goldie Semple. The story draws on Susann's real life and career, aiming to dramatize the rise behind Valley of the Dolls.

The production did not attract major award attention, and it did not register on prominent awards lists. It received little recognition during awards season, so there are no notable nominations or wins associated with the film.

Culturally the movie never became a touchstone, remaining a relatively obscure dramatization of a well known literary life. It has been overshadowed by Susann's own work and the more famous film and cultural conversations around Valley of the Dolls. Still, viewers interested in mid century show business biographies or Michele Lee's television work may find it of niche interest.

Critical reception was largely negative to tepid, reflected in a low viewer rating, 3.0 out of 10 from a small number of votes. Reviewers and viewers noted the film emphasizes scandal and glamour over deeper psychological insight, though it does highlight themes of ambition, fame, gendered industry hurdles, and the compromises tied to commercial success.