American Dreamer (1984)

Frustrated housewife/writer Cathy Palmer ghostwrites a story about Rebecca Ryan, a dashing international spy, and wins a trip to Paris. While there, she is involved in an accident, and ... See full summary »

Director:

Rick Rosenthal

Writers:

Ann Biderman (story), David Greenwalt,

Stars:

JoBeth Williams, Tom Conti, Giancarlo Giannini

1 win.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
JoBeth Williams	...	Cathy Palmer / Rebecca Ryan
Tom Conti	...	Alan McMann
Giancarlo Giannini	...	Victor Marchand
Coral Browne	...	Margaret McMann
James Staley	...	Kevin Palmer
Christopher Daniel Barnes	...	Kevin Palmer Jr. (as C.B. Barnes)
Huckleberry Fox	...	Karl Palmer
Jean Rougerie	...	Don Carlos
Pierre Santini	...	Inspector Klaus
Léon Zitrone	...	Ivan Stranauvlitch
Alain Flick	...	Train Passenger #1
Yassan Khan	...	Train Passenger #2
Christian de Tillière	...	Train Passenger #3
André Valardy	...	Dimitri
Robin Coleman	...	Golf Buddy #1

Storyline

Frustrated housewife/writer Cathy Palmer ghostwrites a story about Rebecca Ryan, a dashing international spy, and wins a trip to Paris. While there, she is involved in an accident, and awakens in the hospital believing she IS Rebecca Ryan. Much craziness ensues as she meets the writer of the Rebecca Ryan books, thwarts real international spies, and eventually gets her memory back.

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Plot Keywords:

housewife | memory | writer | hit by a car | contest | 

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Taglines:

She was an ordinary housewife until her trip to Paris turned into an extraordinary adventure.

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Genres:

Comedy | Crime | Romance | Thriller

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 October 1984 (USA)

Also Known As:

A nagy álmodozó

Filming Locations:

Paris, France

Company Credits

Production Co:

CBS Theatrical Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

105 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Did You Know?

Goofs

When Rebecca Ryan's signature is shown on receipts for the various outfits purchased, the spelling changes back and forth from Rebecca Ryan to Rebeca Ryan.

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Quotes

Cathy Palmer: Does this thing have any pockets in it?
Alan McMann: Yes, and until now, no rips.

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Soundtracks

Music orchestrated and conducted by Richard Gregoire

User Reviews

Finally will be Released on DVD in 2005

American Dreamer (1984) *** (out of 4)

I think that this film is one of those 1980s films that seemed to have lived its life only on cable stations, though it really is a light, charming, entertaining fantasy comedy. JoBeth Williams (POLTERGEIST) plays Kathy Palmer, an amateur novelist who wins a writing contest involving a mystery series featuring a detective named Rebecca Ryan. She wins a trip to Paris and while there gets knocked down by a car, develops amnesia, and then believes herself to be Ryan! I know exactly why this film is loved by many people---women in particular---and it's a shame that it didn't get a better reception at the theatrical release. My theory is that many critics at the time thought it was a rip-off of ROMANCING THE STONE (indeed, there are similarities which cannot be ignored), though it really soon goes off on its own path and scores, with a cast that is aiming to please. Tom Conti is delightful as the French chap who gets involved in Palmer's world of craziness, and Giancarlo Gianninni is both hysterical and engaging as the mysterious man who Palmer is determined to track down (as Rebecca Ryan of course).

I've been afraid that this film would never see the light of day on DVD, despite the number of admirers this film has. However, I contacted someone at CBS, Inc. (which produced and released it back in 1984), and they said that in 2005 (no date or even period has been set) it will be released on DVD through Paramount, which is their sister company. I've even sent a letter to director Rick Rosenthal to see if he would be able to a Director's Commentary---many DVD conossiers like me know all too well that Paramount sucks when it comes to putting special features on DVD. So, be ready to see it on the shelves next year!!!