Discovering: Shirley MacLaine

The programme examines the life and career of American actress Shirley MacLaine, through a distinguished career. It notes her film debut in Alfred Hitchcock’s The Trouble with Harry in 1955 and her Oscar win for her performance in Terms of Endearment.

The episode titled Shirley MacLaine is a television programme that presents a biographical portrait of the celebrated American actress. Classified as an episode‑type programme, it offers viewers a focused look at her personal and professional journey. In this installment the audience is taken through a concise overview of MacLaine’s life and career, tracing the milestones that have defined her place in the entertainment industry. The narrative centres on her development from a newcomer to an acclaimed figure, highlighting the pivotal moments that shaped her public and private personas. A key point of the programme is the actress’s first screen appearance, which came in Alfred Hitchcock’s The Trouble with Harry in 1955. This early role marks the beginning of a long and varied filmography, establishing her as a talent to watch from the outset. The episode also notes that MacLaine’s work eventually earned her the Academy Award for her performance in Terms of Endearment. That Oscar win serves as a capstone to the story, underscoring the lasting impact of her contributions to cinema.