Money on the Side

Plot

Janice Vernon (Karen) is married to traveling salesman Nelson (Richard Masur), and has a son with special needs. The couple are experiencing severe financial hardships, and Janice lists her home for sale by Karen's Gordon's realty firm. When her house doesn't sell, Karen offers Janice a way to become a prostitute. Janice feels she can't do it, but eventually the need for money overcomes her feelings and she begins working as an "escort" for Karen. Michelle Jamison (Jamie Lee) is a highly educated secretary that likes the thrill of hooking. She sees it as being in control. Her estranged husband has a drinking problem, and she uses some of the money she earns as a prostitute to fix her car after her husband wrecks it while driving drunk. Annie Gilson (Linda Purl) is studying for her real estate license with Karen Gordon, and is also saving her money to buy a house. She is married and has a young daughter, but her husband has no idea she turns tricks on the side. The three women become friends as they work together. The police are aware of Karen's firm being a front for her escort business, and eventually she is arrested, along with her working girls. Annie commits suicide by hanging herself in jail. Janice tries to explain to her husband that she did what she felt she had to do. She tells him, "we're just people," but he still leaves her.

Cast