Our Son, the Matchmaker

 (Wed. (8), 9-11 p.m., CBS)

By CAROLE HORST

Filmed in Orlando, Fla., by Alexander/Enright and Associates. Executive producers, Les Alexander, Don Enright; co-executive producers, Ken Bark, Vanessa Greene; producer, Susan Jeter; director, Lorraine Senna; writers, Richard Leder, Deena Goldstone.
 
Cast: Ann Jillian, Ellen Burstyn, Drew Ebersole, David Andrews, Linda Larkin, Mike Pniewski, Deidre O'Connel, Michael Hartson, Karen Fraction, Marisa Coughlan, Ron Melendez, Ashley Jones.
 

A corny plot and corny acting characterize "Our Son, the Matchmaker," which stars Ann Jillian in a plot that mistakes teenage romance for true love; disclaimer states telepic was "inspired by true events," although in which universe these events transpired is purely left to speculation.

"Matchmaker" tells story of Julie Longwell (Jillian), a small-town beauty shop owner who's just weeks away from marrying Kevin (Mike Pniewski). Her life seems balanced, and she is surrounded by loving family: her daughter Melanie (Linda Larkin), granddaughter, stern mom Iva Mae (Ellen Burstyn) and lots of friends.

But one day, a social services worker comes to the shop and informs Julie that her son, who she gave up for adoption, wants to contact her and meet her. Julie's world is rocked: she had the baby when she was 15, in secrecy in another town. Her upright, uptight parents didn't want the scandal and wanted to keep Julie away from b.f. and impregnator Steve.

Julie decides to meet her son, now named Scott (Drew Ebersole) and a minister. The two hit it off, but Steve (David Andrews) is brought back into the picture, since he is Scott's dad. Old feelings are stirred and Julie cancels her wedding to poor Kevin (whom she's dated for 10 years).

Since the MOW is titled "Our, Son, the Matchmaker," it's easy to figure the outcome.

"Matchmaker" expects auds to cheer for Julie, a woman who claims she's still in love with Steve despite not seeing him since she was 15. She shatters several lives by pursuing her heart. It's supposed to be romantic, but she comes off as selfish. Telepic also raises issues that it does not answer, and the whole thing is directed at breakneck speed by Lorraine Senna, allowing nothing to resonate.

Plus, everyone in the tiny town uses Southern accents some of the time, but not always; no one gossips, either.

Writers Richard Leder and Deena Goldstone draw inconsistent characters with no depth, although Jillian tries to infuse Julie with three-dimensionality.

Lensing by Karl R. Hermann is soft and pretty.

Camera, Karl R. Hermann; editor, Joanne D'Antonio; sound, Joe Foglia; production design, Bryan Ryman; casting, Ellen Lubin Sanitsky.