Goldengirl

For other uses, see Golden Girl (disambiguation).

Goldengirl is a 1979 film directed by Joseph Sargent, loosely based on a science-fiction novel by Peter Lear, a pseudonym of Peter Lovesey. The screenplay was by John Kohn, with music by Bill Conti.

This was the film debut of Susan Anton, who starred in the title role opposite James Coburn.

It was reviewed on June 15, 1979 by Vincent Canby of the New York Times, who wrote: " 'Goldengirl' is a very intelligent movie of its kind, written and directed in the same brisk style that marked Mr. Sargent's earlier Colossus: The Forbin Project."

Plot summary

A scientist and neo-Nazi doctor named Serafin has developed a way to create a physically superior human being. He tests it out on his adopted daughter Goldine.

From childhood, Goldine's father has injected her with vitamins and hormones. Now that she is grown, it is time to give her a test run. Serafin declares that his "goldengirl" will enter and win three races at the 1980 Moscow Olympics (which in real life went ahead without U.S. participation, following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan).

To subsidize his work, Serafin sells shares in his daughter's future to a syndicate of businessmen, who send merchandising expert Dryden to look out for their interests. Goldine's personal and emotional development, meanwhile, is left in the hands of a psychologist, Dr. Lee.

Goldine competes in Moscow, with unexpected results.

Video Releases

Golden Girl was released on VHS, but has not been released on DVD or otherwise.

Cast

• James Coburn as Jack Dryden
• Leslie Caron as Dr. Sammy Lee
• Susan Anton as Goldine
• Curt Jurgens as Serafin
• Robert Culp as Esselton
• Harry Guardino as Valenti
• Jessica Walter as Melody

Production

Susan Anton was a beauty queen, winner of Miss California and second runnerup in the 1969 Miss America pageant. Except for minor movie and television roles, she was best known for starring and singing in TV commercials for Muriel Cigars.

The 5-foot, 11-inch blonde Anton was not an athlete but was seen as a perfect physical specimen to portray Goldine Serafin, who in the film is said to be 6-feet, 2-inches tall. She earned a 1980 Golden Globe nomination for Best New Star of the Year in a Motion Picture—Female.

Olympic track-and-field stars Dwight Stones and Bob Beamon make cameo appearances in the film, as does tennis great John Newcombe.