It's such a big story for such a small screen.

Oscar-winner Shirley MacLaine played fashion legend Chanel in a made-for-cable movie titled Coco Chanel, 8 p.m. Saturday on Lifetime.

The three-hour biopic opens in 1954 as the famed couturier is attempting a comeback. In reflection, she recounts her humble beginnings, orphaned childhood, doomed love affairs and entrepreneurial spirit at the dawning of the 20th century. As World War II approaches, Chanel introduces her iconic ideas for women's fashion: easy-care jersey dresses; menswear-inspired suits; costume jewelry; adding a logo to clothing and developing a signature perfume ... Chanel No. 5.

Chanel died in her Ritz Hotel apartment in 1971 at the age of 87 while working on yet another collection. A Broadway musical called Coco, starring Katherine Hepburn, ran for 329 sold-out performances even though critics (and Coco herself) were underwhelmed.

Another frock film about Chanel is in the works in France starring Audrey Tautou (The Da Vinci Code) and Alessandro Nivola (Junebug, Jurassic Park III). Titled Coco Avant Chanel — or Coco Before Chanel — the movie will focus on her younger days and rise to global fame.

Here are some of Chanel's most famous bon mots:

"A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous."
"A woman who doesn't wear perfume has no future."
"Fashion fades, only style remains the same."

Amazing movie!! I've seen it twice already.