There Must Be a Pony

There Must Be a Pony is a 1986 American made-for-television drama film directed by Joseph Sargent. It is based on the novel of the same name by James Kirkwood Jr., and the title refers to a common anecdote about optimism in the midst of adversity.

Premise

Marguerite Sydney is a celebrated Hollywood star attempting a comeback after a stay in a mental hospital, as well as trying to re-establish a relationship with her teenage son Josh, and risking a romance with Ben Nichols, a mysterious new suitor.

Cast

Elizabeth Taylor as Marguerite Sydney
Robert Wagner as Ben Nichols
James Coco as Mervin Trellis
William Windom as Lee Hertzig
Edward Winter as David Hollis
Ken Olin as Jay Savage
Dick O'Neill as Chief Investigator Roy Clymer
Chad Lowe as Josh Sydney

Reception

"Miss Taylor and Mr. Lowe are worth the effort of watching but, in the end, the movie illustrates one of Marguerite's pearls of wisdom: 'Talk about grinding it out. TV brings new meaning to the words chopped liver," said The New York Times. People advised, "Think of this as a one-woman show, Elizabeth Taylor’s show, and you’ll be in for some moments to remember... If you own a VCR, tape this show, then speed through it, stopping only to savor Liz’s scenes. Then erase the tape."

Awards

The film was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Art Direction for a Miniseries or Movie at the 39th Primetime Emmy Awards in 1987.