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Parent Trap Page
The Plots - Problems and Solutions
THE ORIGINAL VS. THE REMAKE
Today we have the benefit of watching both movies and comparing them. When there was only the original we didn't see the problems. Now because of the remake, with it's corrections, we can be more critical with the original.
First, there is the physical abuse with Maggie socking Mitch in the eye. Unfortunately it is not the only time she has done this. Today in the 90's hitting is not tolerated. This would be a cause for divorce, but in the 60's it was just a comical plot devise.
Secondly, dividing two siblings at birth and never telling them seems cruel no matter what decade it occurs in. In the original it isn't talked about by the parents, and why it was done. In the remake we are led to believe the parents did it quickly as a way to separate themselves from each other, and then just lived with it. Maybe I'm prejudiced but I can believe this one a little more than the original.
Smoking: Very acceptable, and cool in the 60's, not done in the 90's. Now this is a question to you-- Do you think that Liz is smoking in the scene where she is packing for California? I see her holding a white pencil, but I have read in reviews that it is a cigerette. What's your take?
Drinking: I didn't have a problem with Liz getting drunk on the plane. She was stressed, but quickly sobered up when it came time to deal with her problems. We are told she's only had one drink at a time in the past, so I think it's understandable behavio
NIT PICS
I hate to even get picky with plot flaws because to see any movie the viewer has to "suspend belief", but anyway here goes.---
Why would Maggie keep her maiden name and give it to her daughter? Well of course so the girls won't figure out who they are at roll call in the first 2 minutes of camp. Let's face it, back in the 60's for Maggie and Susan to have Maggie's maiden name would imply that Maggie was never married and Susan, yes, the b-word.
When the telegram comes from Carmel, California wouldn't Maggie think: Carmel=Mitch? She's been to the house in California because she tells Verbena how nice the place looks, not "Wow, what a spread Mitch has now."
In the remake we can accept Annie and Liz having the same last name as Grandpa because women change their names for various reasons today. They have a professional name (Like Liz), or they have nothing to do with their ex and don't even want his name any more (probably another reason for Liz). Of course you would think that Annie would have asked for more details about "Dad", but we must accept that Annie just never got much out of mom when she asked in the past, and just stopped trying.
When Halley slips (or intends) a comment about California wine you would think that Liz would think California wine=Nick, but she doesn't. This is hard to believe.
Photo: mmcollectables
THE RING
In the script, which I have a copy of, there is a scene in which Nick and Meredith pick out the engagement ring at Tiffany's right after Meredith finds out about Liz having been married to Nick at the pool. This scene was probably shot and then cut out, because it is after the hotel scene that Meredith now has a ring, previous to then she didn't.
In the Tiffany scene Meredith asks Nick why he must have dinner with his ex and the girls. She says to him it is because the girls don't want him to marry her. He explains that the girls have never had a meal with both of their parents in their entire lives, so how could he say no? Of course while they talk she is picking out the most expensive ring, with the largest stone. He is distracted, and lets her have whatever she wants in the way of a ring.
There are a few minor scenes that are in the script that have been left out of the movie. Most are awkward for some reason or other. You have to understand that in the remake the parents are never unkind, or selfish, or snotty. They are apart because of a misunderstanding that she didn't want him and he didn't want her. When all the while they really were still in love, and always have been. It wouldn't work if we see them say nasty biting things to each other or to anyone else. It's too bad that the ring scene is left out, it is straightforward and explains a lot. Especially why the dinner with the Blakes is pre-empted. After all, it would be equally as rude to dis the Blakes as to dissappoint the girls. Perhaps it was easier to cut to the chase as in the movie than explain it all. Still it would have been a fun scene to see.