Independent Films, Film Profiles

Baby Boom (film)

Baby Boom is a 1987 comedy film starring Diane Keaton. The film also launched a subsequent television show starring Kate Jackson, running from 1988 to 1989. The original music score was composed by Bill Conti and the cinematography was by William A. Fraker.J.C. Wiatt (Keaton) is a driven Manhattan career woman (nicknamed the "Tiger Lady") whose fast-paced lifestyle leaves her with no time for romance or relaxation, though she derives pleasure from her work, frantic schedule and demanding job. She lives with an investment broker (Harold Ramis) whose job and lifestyle are likewise hectic. Her life is thrown into turmoil when she inherits a toddler, Elizabeth (twins Kristina and Michelle Kennedy), from a deceased cousin whom she barely knew. Soon, caring for the child occupies much of her time, and her business career begins to suffer, culminating in the loss of her lover and job.Wiatt tries to give Elizabeth up for adoption, but finds that she has grown too attached to the child, forcing a reevaluation of her priorities. She moves into a house in the country in Vermont. Purchasing the home without first having seen it in person or having it inspected, she finds it is riddled with problems (failing plumbing and heating, lack of water, bad roof).On the brink of financial collapse, she sees an opportunity to sell baby applesauce she had invented for Elizabeth made from fresh ingredients. After a rough start, she succeeds in selling her "Gourmet Baby Food", and soon business is booming. Amid the clamor for her new products, she develops a relationship with local veterinarian Jeff Cooper (Sam Shepard). Finally, her old boss (Sam Wanamaker) and his client (Pat Hingle) take notice. They offer to buy her company for millions, take her product nationwide, and give her back her career and high-prestige lifestyle. On the brink of accepting, she decides that she can grow her enterprise on her own without having to sacrifice her personal life. She returns to Vermont to the arms of her new lover and adopted daughter.