Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Harvey Korman | ... | Monty Rushmore | |
Fred Willard | ... | Vincent Vanderhoff | |
Peter Riegert | ... | Eric McMerkin | |
Zane Buzby | ... | Mouling Jackson | |
Nancy Morgan | ... | Lucy Beth | |
John Ritter | ... | President Chet Roosevelt | |
Richard Schaal | ... | Jerry | |
Allan Arbus | ... | Moishe Weitzman | |
Elvis Costello | ... | Earl Manchester | |
Chief Dan George | ... | Sam Birdwater | |
Tommy Lasorda | ... | Jimmy Dunphy | |
Jay Leno | ... | Larry Miller (Poopy Butt) | |
Peter Marshall | ... | Peter Marshall | |
David Opatoshu | ... | Abdul Muhammad | |
Meat Loaf | ... | Oklahoma Roy Budnitz |
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! Written by <mycroft@reactiveware.com>
It's 1998, America is out of gas both literally and figuratively. People live in permanently parked cars, walking, jogging and biking to work.
When a Native American billionaire who loaned money to the government to cover the national debt threatens to foreclose on the nation, a telethon is held to raise the money to save the country.
An early work from Neal Israel, the man who would later create such classics as the *original* "Police Academy" and "Real Genius," the movie brims with humorous high-concept jokes. For example, in schemes to raise money, San Diego is sold to Mexico and a daredevil (played by Meatloaf) battles a car.
Aside from the comedy, there's a great soundtrack with songs by the Beach Boys and Elvis Costello (who makes a cameo appearance). One of my favorite films of the late 70's, this is a great addition to anyone's video collection.