Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Woody Allen | ... | Fielding Mellish | |
Louise Lasser | ... | Nancy | |
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Carlos Montalbán | ... | General Emilio M. Vargas |
Nati Abascal | ... | Yolanda (as Natividad Abascal) | |
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Jacobo Morales | ... | Esposito |
Miguel Ángel Suárez | ... | Luis (as Miguel Suarez) | |
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David Ortiz Angleró | ... | Sanchez |
René Enríquez | ... | Diaz (as Rene Enríquez) | |
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Jack Axelrod | ... | Arroyo |
Howard Cosell | ... | Howard Cosell | |
Roger Grimsby | ... | Roger Grimsby | |
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Don Dunphy | ... | Don Dunphy |
Charlotte Rae | ... | Mrs. Mellish | |
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Stanley Ackerman | ... | Dr. Mellish |
Dan Frazer | ... | Priest |
Fielding Mellish (a consumer products tester) becomes infatuated with Nancy (a political activist). He attends demonstrations and tries in other ways to convince her that he is worthy of her love, but Nancy wants someone with greater leadership potential. Fielding runs off to San Marcos where he joins the rebels and eventually becomes President of the country. While on a trip to the states, he meets Nancy again and she falls for him now that he is a political leader. Written by Scott R. Vaughn <scott@vaughn.hon.msu.edu>
In the film's opening, sports commentators report on the assassination of the leader of San Marcos, an obscure South American country. Then, the reporters document the takeover of the country by the top general. its tragic and its funny. Meanwhile, Fielding Mellish (Woody Allen) tests products for a leading Manhattan manufacturer but has a hard time getting a date. Unbelievably, an erstwhile and attractive political activist, Nancy (Louise Lasser) comes to Fielding's door, wanting a signature for the condemnation of the San Marcos situation. After many attempts, Mr. Mellish gets a date and the two start a relationship. But, all too soon, Nancy breaks Fielding's heart, insisting he has no leadership qualities. Eureka! Fielding sets off for San Marcos, where he joins the rebels. Will he become the person Nancy wants? This hilarious look at the truly tragic volatility of some Western Hemisphere countries has many wonderful moments and lines. Allen and Lasser are the stars, while a cadre of little known folks blend in nicely. Naturally, the scenery in Manhattan contrasts hugely with those of the "tiny country to the south" while Allen's script is as priceless as ever and his direction is sure-fire. Want to laugh, laugh, laugh? Get Bananas.