cassett's Parisian Solitude Is Disrupted By The Unexpected Arrival Of Her Brother's Three Kids, But She Soon Finds Herself Inspired And Uses The Children As Models. Meanwhile, Cassatt's Teenage Niece Plays Cupid Between Cassatt And The Great Painter Degas. Romance Does Not Blossom But Degas Invites Cassatt To Join The Impressionists.

What is a middle-aged bachelorette to do, circa 1868, when her brother unloads his three rowdy children on her Paris home a few days before her paintings are to be displayed at the prestigious Salon? Glean new inspiration, of course. In this hour-long docudrama, viewers learn a smattering about the life of Mary Cassatt, an American impressionist painter who honed her artistic talents in Paris. Her teenage niece, Katherine, provides the narration and the story frame for this interesting--if somewhat shallow and contrived--look at one of the most famous female painters in history. The pouty Katherine scorns Cassatt's solitary life and boasts about having many rich beaus back home. But as Cassatt introduces the girl to her circle of friends (the likes of Louisa May Alcott and Edgar Degas), Katherine learns to appreciate the artist's dedication to a fulfilling passion other than marriage. But it doesn't stop her from trying to play Cupid, with humorous results. Amy Brenneman (TV's Judging Amy) stars as the fiercely independent but equally compassionate Mary Cassatt. This video's biographical value and its focus on encouraging young females to look beyond boys for a lifetime of happiness make it a great alternative to the standard fairy tale for the 8-year-old and up crowd. --Liane Thomas