Out on a limb, 3 part miniseries made for television, Shown on abc in 1987. Written by and starring shirley maclaine.
Having been about twelve years old when Shirley MacLaine “came out” as a spiritual seeker I was tuned in to the general media consensus which proclaimed her has “wacky” or “nutty” or even worse. It wasn't something I thought about a lot, but having taken the time to view her 3 part television mini-series, I realized that this was a view that I had carried with me since that time. Thus it was a very poignant moment when her friend David told her that she was to write a book about her experiences and her response was “Not me! I don't want to be the crazy one! You write a book!”
In this moment of the movie she is embodying the conflict which many seekers face when they begin serious study of the spiritual realm: the difference between our personal interests and how we represent those interests to others. Even though spiritual studies have become much more widespread in recent years it still isn't readily accepted to start talking about Atlantis or where you astral traveled last night or the latest transmission from the Pleiadians. The story of Out on A Limb is essentially about the struggle for acceptance within oneself as well as within the social sphere.
Again and again we watch as Shirley travels the well worn path from incredulity to espousal with plenty of tears and bouts of contemplation in between. Along the way she sneaks in some basic tools: noticing synchronicities, beginning to control the breath, and learning to experience events with an open mind.
After it's all over we can see Shirley MacLaine for what she truly is: a woman who stayed true to her path and chose to sacrifice her reputation in some areas in return for reaching those who would listen. Out On A Limb deserves recognition for it honest portrayal of a moment in time; a moment which eventually every seeker must face.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccb2GsnOoBM