Inspired by the hit
Alicia Silverstone movie of the same name that was loosely based on Jane Austen's
Emma, CLUELESS centers on the life of Cher Horowitz (Rachel Blanchard), a pretty, wealthy, fashion-conscious Beverly Hills teenager who often seems, well, clueless about what's happening around her. But looks can be deceiving, and Cher proves herself to be intelligent, loving, and generous to a fault, despite being surrounded by flashy materialism. A teenager growing up without a mother, Cher is committed to taking care of her father, Mel Horowitz (played first by Michael Lerner and later by Dough Sheehan), who is her only immediate family. Cher often seems to be the stronger of the two as she tries to support her father emotionally while enjoying her affluent lifestyle. Her loyal circle of friends -- including Dione "Dee" Davenport (Stacey Dash), Murray Duvall (
Donald Faison of
Scrubs), and Sean Holliday (Sean Holland) -- support each other through thick and thin. Outside of school, Cher and her friends spend their time going on shopping sprees on Rodeo Drive, but these privileged teenagers also have a social conscience, and they often participate in activities designed to help the less fortunate.