Nothing in Common (1986)

A successful ad man (Hanks) must juggle his ever-demanding career while his parents' marriage breaks up.

Director:

Garry Marshall

Writers:

Rick Podell, Michael Preminger

Stars:

Tom Hanks, Jackie Gleason, Eva Marie Saint

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Tom Hanks	...	David Basner
Jackie Gleason	...	Max Basner
Eva Marie Saint	...	Lorraine Basner
Hector Elizondo	...	Charlie Gargas
Barry Corbin	...	Andrew Woolridge
Bess Armstrong	...	Donna Mildred Martin
Sela Ward	...	Cheryl Ann Wayne
Cindy Harrell	...	Shelley the Stewardess
John Kapelos	...	Roger the Commercial Director
Carol Messing	...	David's Secretary
Bill Applebaum	...	Ted Geller
Mona Lyden	...	Mishi
Anthony Starke	...	Cameron
Julio Alonso	...	Rick
Jane Morris	...	Dale

Storyline

David Basner is a successful advertising executive who has it all: Money, happiness, and women who want him. Then one day his world falls apart when his mother leaves his father. Now, he must balance his life between his mother, who is happy with her newfound independence, and his father, a recently laid off salesman who is hard-headed, stubborn, and hides a lot from David. Now David must cope with the downfall of his family and his life.

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Plot Keywords:

marriage | advertising | advertising executive | marital separation | business | 

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Taglines:

On his way up the corporate ladder. David Basner confronts his greatest challenge: his father.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

30 July 1986 (USA)

Also Known As:

Nada en común

Filming Locations:

Marina City Tower, Chicago, Illinois, USA

Box Office

Gross:

$32,324,557 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Delphi Films, Rastar Productions, TriStar Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

118 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Several Ringo Starr references were made in the movie: David aims at being a fourth partner in the firm just like Ringo was the fourth person to join the Beatles. David plays with drum sticks, a reference to Ringo being a drummer. Then when doing auditions for grandmothers, Roger mentions how Ringo Starr had become a grandfather in his 40s.

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Goofs

David (Tom Hanks) throws a ball against the wall in his apartment repeatedly, catching it and throwing it again. On the last throw, he tries but misses the catch and a crew member's arm quickly enters the shot and catches the ball for him.

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Quotes

Max Basner: I lost my lines. They fired me.
David Basner: [David gets out of his Jeep and walks around angrily for a few moments, then gets back in the car] What are you gonna do?
Max Basner: I know you hate me. But you have to help me.

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Connections

References 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

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Soundtracks

"Seven Summers"
Performed by Cruzados
Written by Tito Larriva

User Reviews

Hanks' perfect blend of comedy/drama; fitting swan song for Gleason; underrated Marshall flick

NOTHING IN COMMON (1986) ***1/2 Tom Hanks, Jackie Gleason, Hector Elizondo, Eva Marie Saint, Sela Ward, Bess Armstrong, Barry Corbin. Garry Marshall's winning serious comedy about ad exec Yuppie Hanks who faces the inevitable: caring for his at odds parents including separations, ageism and finally acceptance. Warm and slyly comic turn by Hanks with some great moments. Armstrong is adorable and Ward is sexy (just needed to state this for no other apparent reason). Best moment: Hanks telling off bullying client Corbin.