Not On Lifetime: 'Portrait Of An Escort'

Before Lifetime, we were able to view all kinds of sordid stories through made-for-TV flicks. These aired on any of the big three networks and often touched on some racy topics (STDs, drugs). Case in point is this week's "Not On Lifetime" movie, "Portrait of an Escort."

This 1980 classic no doubt carried the stern "Parental Discretion is Advised" warning ... a sure bet that the movie would have some kind of edge to it. Well, "Portrait of an Escort" is actually pretty tame. If anything, this is really a movie about the struggles of single mothers.

In this movie, we meet Jordan (Susan Anspach), a mom trying to make ends meet while working for a real estate firm. She's not licensed to sell homes, so she's in the pool of "office girls" and works for an unsympathetic female boss. Her co-worker Sandy (Mary Frann) informs her that she makes some extra money on the side as a professional escort .... or professional dater. Jordan is in a bind financially and with some hesitation, goes to meet dating service boss Mrs. Kennedy (Edie Adams). Jordan learns that she can keep guys company for a fee, but anything extra is up to her (wink, wink).

Jordan is not about to do anything to break the law, but she does need a second job. So, she does date men for money. She also meets a potential love interest ... aspiring actor Beau (Tony Bill). Coincidentally, he's a bit of a gigolo himself as he's shacked up with the very rich Sheilah (Cyd Charisse). Jordan and Beau begin to fall in love, but keep their careers as "companions" a secret from each other. Complicating matters is a stalker, who begins terrorizing Jordan and her daughter Jessica (Debbie Lytton).

Despite the title, this isn't a sleazy look at prostitution. In fact, there's no sex on screen (only implied by a supporting character).  It is, however, a solid depiction of how hard it is to get a break in a man's world. Anspach is sympathetic and effective as Jordan, a divorcee who is trying to get ahead but can't catch a break. She's sweet and smart, but it's just not enough. Supporting celebs Adams and Charisse liven up this movie as does Bill as an actor on the ropes.

I was surprised to see this movie on Comet, the science fiction/horror channel, of all places. It's definitely worth a watch for the Yacht Rock soundtrack and to see classic stars like Adams and Charisse winding down their careers.