DANIELLE STEEL'S "VANISHED"
Starring: Lisa Rinna, Robert Hays, Maurice Godin, George Hamilton, Alex D. Linz
Original Airdate: 1995
Type: Drama/Romance/Woman-In-Crisis
Earlier this week, I rented a Danielle Steel movie from Netflix, Fine Things. I was going to review it and share its wonder with all of you. But alas, it turned out to be a cheesy sob story, and I can honestly say I was nowhere near disappointed when the DVD started skipping and freezing toward the end. I got to see mama kick the bucket, but I missed out on seeing the precious little daughter get abducted, as the movie's decription had promised. No kidnappings, no happy reconciliations. The unfinished DVD went back to Netflix, and I watched Danielle Steel's "Vanished" instead. It's another story about kidnapping (what's up with that, Danielle?) but it's remarkably better.
Vanished is about a woman named Marielle who is married to a man named Charles. They have a son, Andre, and they live in Europe. They're very happy together... until one day, when Andre accidentally falls into a lake and drowns. Initially, Charles blames Marielle for Andre's death. By the time he comes to his senses, it's too late... their marriage is in ruins. Even though Charles declares that he still loves Marielle -- and she admits she loves him -- Marielle decides to go back to the United States. Seeing Charles reminds her too much of the little boy she lost. She can't bear it.
Once in New York, Marielle begins working for a rich, charming man named Malcolm. He immediately takes to Marielle, and before long, he's wooing the wazoo out of her. Soon they marry. Malcolm tells Marielle in no uncertain terms that he wants a son, and he wants her to get pregnant already. Stressed out, Marielle is at first unable to conceive, but finally she gives Malcolm a baby boy, Teddy.
Several years pass, and Marielle and Malcolm's marriage becomes very strained. It is as if Malcolm cares only for Teddy, and not Marielle. Meanwhile, Andre's death continues to haunt Marielle. On the ninth anniversary of his death, Marielle goes to church to light a candle. It is there that she runs into Charles. The two of them talk and hug, but Marielle neglects to tell Charles that she has another son. The next day, they run into each other at the park, and Charles is very angry when he sees Teddy.
That night, Teddy is abducted from their home. Marielle and Malcolm are beyond distraught, and Malcolm is quick to put the blame on Charles. But who really kidnapped Teddy? It seems a lot of people have been keeping secrets, and when the truth all begins to come out, some of it isn't pretty.
Marielle is helped through the ordeal by a charming police detective, played by Robert Hays, and over time, the two become close. I just love a good romance that comes out of a good kidnapping story, don't you?
Vanished is the only Danielle Steel book I've ever read. The movie was better. Know what I realized? Her titles often have double meanings! See, Teddy did indeed vanish, but the title also refers to the feelings inside Marielle -- feelings of regret, anger, and blame that resided inside Marielle until she slowly began to heal and let go. They vanished indeed! And that is what makes this movie great. Okay, not great... but watchable, anyway. Maurice Godin and Robert Hays definitely help in the "watchable" department. Mmmhmm...
So who really kidnapped Teddy? I won't tell, but let's just say... wow, the things some people will do to get a kid, my goodness!
6/18/2006
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