Americathon (1979)

In a story told in narrative flashbacks, a young TV consultant is hired by the President of a bankrupt USA to organize a telethon in order to prevent the country from being repossessed by wealthy Native Americans.

Director:

Neal Israel

Writers:

Phil Proctor (play), Peter Bergman (play),

Stars:

John Ritter, Harvey Korman, Fred Willard

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
John Ritter	...	President Chet Roosevelt
Harvey Korman	...	Monty Rushmore
Fred Willard	...	Vincent Vanderhoff
Chief Dan George	...	Sam Birdwater
Richard Schaal	...	Jerry
Peter Riegert	...	Eric McMurkin
Nancy Morgan	...	Lucy Beth
Zane Buzby	...	Mouling Jackson
Meat Loaf	...	Oklahoma Daredevil, Roy Budnitz
Elvis Costello	...	The Earl of Manchester
Terence McGovern	...	Danny Olson (as Terry McGovern)
Tommy Lasorda	...	Jimmy Dunphy
Howard Hesseman	...	Kip Margolis
Jay Leno	...	Larry Miller (Poopy Butt)
Peter Marshall	...	Himself

Storyline

In the not too distant future, the United States government is virtually bankrupt and in danger of being foreclosed on by a group of Native Americans, now owners of the massive Nike Corporation. A desperate President decides to make a last-ditch effort to save the country... by raising money with a telethon!

---

Plot Keywords:

native american | telethon | government | future | adultery | 

---

Taglines:

The ultimate spectacle is now a movie.

---

Genres:

Comedy

---

Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA West Germany

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 August 1979 (USA)

Also Known As:

Americanada 1998

Company Credits

Production Co:

Lorimar Filmgesellschaft GmbH

Technical Specs

Runtime:

86 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

As part of the promotion for this film's release in 1979, Ted Coombs traveled on roller-skates across the USA for a total of 5,193 miles, setting a world record. He is now a technology author, futurist, artist, and scientist.

---

Goofs

When Monty Rushmore is shot, he grabs his left side, just over his hip. Later, there is a bloody bandage on his left shoulder.

---

Quotes

Sam Birdwater: [in a press conference] God knows I am a patriot. I loaned the country 400 Billion. And I want my 400 Billion back. Does that make me a bad guy? I've got to eat too, you know! So I'm giving the President until the end of September this year to pay me back, or I'll be forced to foreclose. What can I do? I've got to eat too, you know! Does that make me a bad guy?

---

Connections

Featured in Dorothy Stratten: The Untold Story (1985)

---

Soundtracks

"My Life"
Performed by Harvey Korman

User Reviews

Give us all your gold!

If you like the wacky comedy of John Ritter of Harvey Korman, this is the movie for you. This film has a star-studded cast that can only be rivaled by an episode of "The Love Boat"! Such stars as Fred Willard (Roseanne, Fernwood2Nite), Meat Loaf (Rocky Horror Picture Show), Elvis Costello and the irrepressible George Carlin as the narrator contribute to this movie's legacy. See how the world has decided the peace is better than war. See if the leaders of the powerful "Hebrab Republic" can stop looking at blondes long enough to buy the US. Vietnam as SE Asia's "French Riviera" (what a prediction!) Show you patriotism and see if President Roosevelt's idea can save the US (minus San Diego)!