Hell on Heels: The Battle of Mary Kay is a 2002 biographical comedy-drama television film directed by Ed Gernon (in his directorial debut) and written by Patricia Resnick. It stars Shirley MacLaine, Shannen Doherty, and Parker Posey. The film is based on the true story of a corporate war in the mid-1990s between cosmetics queen Mary Kay Ash and an ambitious newcomer, Jinger Heath, who launches a rival company.
A co-production between Canada and the United States, the film premiered on CBS on October 6, 2002. Both MacLaine and Posey received Golden Globe nominations for their performances, with MacLaine saying the role of Mary Kay was one of her favorite characters.
Summary Cosmetics queen Mary Kay relates her rise to the top of the home-beauty industry to an inquiring reporter, never allowing an opportunity pass to emphasize how many doors she has opened for the working women of America. Ultimately, however, Mary Kay's predominance is threatened by a much younger rival, Jinger Heath, whose BeautiControl company takes an enormous bite out of Mary Kay's share of the market. Caught in the middle is a slightly off-center beauty named Lexy Wilcox.
Cast Shirley MacLaine as Mary Kay Shannen Doherty as Lexy Wilcox Parker Posey as Jinger Heath R. H. Thomson as Richard Rogers Barry Flatman as Dick Heath Rachael Crawford as Annika Kern Dean McKenzie as Clifton Sanders Marnie McPhail as Brooke Rebecca Gibson as Tanya Catherine Fitch as Beverly Maggie Butterfield as Doris Terri Cherniak as Liz Marina Stephenson Kerr as Chris Rhiannon Benedict as Haley Paul Christie as Lexy's Husband Ned Vukovic as Andy (Doorman) Robert Huculak as BC Exec Jessica Burleson as BC Rep John Bluethner as Boss Toby Kennett as Butler
Production Patricia Resnick wrote the script and Alliance Atlantis executive Ed Gernon made his directorial debut on the film, which was co-produced with Howard Meltzer's TurtleBack Productions and Alliance Atlantis' Ian McDougall.
Principal photography took place in Winnipeg from July 3 to 28, 2002.
Reception Accolades Year Award Category Recipient Result 2003 60th Golden Globe Awards Best Actress in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television Shirley MacLaine Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television Parker Posey 2nd AARP Movies for Grownups Awards Best TV Movie Hell on Heels: The Battle of Mary Kay
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