It is based on the novel of the same name by James Kirkwood Jr., and the title refers to a common anecdote about optimism in the midst of adversity.
[1] Marguerite Sydney is a celebrated Hollywood star attempting a comeback after a stay in a mental hospital, as well as trying to re-establish a relationship with her teenage son, and risking a romance with a mysterious new suitor.
[2] "Miss Taylor and Mr. Lowe are worth the effort of watching but, in the end, the movie illustrates one of Marguerite's pearls of wisdom: 'Talk about grinding it out.
TV brings new meaning to the words chopped liver," said The New York Times.
"[4] The film was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Art Direction for a Miniseries or Movie in 1987.