Only When I Laugh (film)

Only When I Laugh
Only When I Laugh theatrical poster
Directed by	Glenn Jordan
Written by	Neil Simon Based on The Gingerbread Lady
Produced by	Neil Simon Roger M. Rothstein
Starring	Marsha Mason Kristy McNichol James Coco Joan Hackett David Dukes
Cinematography	David M. Walsh
Edited by	John Wright
Music by	David Shire
Production company	Rastar
Distributed by	Columbia Pictures
Release date	September 23, 1981 (1981-09-23)
Running time	120 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Box office	$25,524,778

Only When I Laugh is a 1981 American comedy-drama film based on Neil Simon's 1970 play The Gingerbread Lady.

The story is about an alcoholic Broadway actress who reenters society after a long stay in a rehab clinic. As she tries to stay sober there are the triple responsibilities of raising her estranged teenaged daughter, getting a new acting role and maintaining her co-dependent relations with two close friends; one a wealthy, vain woman who fears the loss of her looks and a gay actor relegated to small roles in third-rate shows.

Simon changed the main character's name to Georgia Hines for the film adaptation; the character was named Evy Meara in the stage version. The main character went from being a cabaret singer to a Broadway stage actress.

The film, written by Simon and directed by Glenn Jordan, stars Marsha Mason, Joan Hackett, James Coco, and Kristy McNichol. It also features two short scenes with then-unknowns Kevin Bacon and John Vargas. Simon's next release, I Ought to Be in Pictures, was released just six months later, and its plot was similar.

It was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Actress in a Leading Role (Marsha Mason), Best Actor in a Supporting Role (James Coco), and Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Joan Hackett). Only When I Laugh proved to be very successful at the box office.

Coco was also nominated for Worst Supporting Actor in Golden Raspberry Awards for the same role.