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True Colors (1991)

R | | Drama | 15 March 1991 (USA)
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Best friends from law school to election night, their friendship is sorely tested when one learns of another's betrayal.

Director:

Herbert Ross

Writer:

Kevin Wade

Stars:

John Cusack, James Spader, Imogen Stubbs | See full cast & crew »
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
John Cusack ... Peter Burton
James Spader ... Tim Gerrity
Imogen Stubbs ... Diana Stiles
Mandy Patinkin ... John Palmeri
Richard Widmark ... Sen. James Stiles
Dina Merrill ... Joan Stiles
Philip Bosco ... Sen. Frank Steubens
Paul Guilfoyle ... John Laury
Brad Sullivan ... FBI Agent Abernathy
Russell Dennis Baker Russell Dennis Baker ... Todd
Don McManus ... Doug Stubblefield
Karen Jablons-Alexander Karen Jablons-Alexander ... Store Clerk
Wendee Pratt Wendee Pratt ... Janine
Rende Rae Norman ... Fanne
Frank Hoyt Taylor ... Sen. Lockerby
See full cast »
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Storyline

Peter and Tim are both law students looking to get into the battleground of politics in Washington, but they both have different ideals and ethics. Tim wants to pursue a career in justice, but Peter is determined to be a big political power broker any way he can, even if that means bending the rules. As their careers push them towards political opposites, their friendship must constantly adapt to the new situation. Written by Murray Chapman <muzzle@cs.uq.oz.au>

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

law school | election | politics | political candidate | election campaign | See All (12) »

Taglines:

Friendship and betrayal; Its not all black and white. See more »

Genres:

Drama

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language and sensuality | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

Add content advisory for parents »
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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 March 1991 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

True Colours See more »

Filming Locations:

Annapolis, Maryland, USA See more »
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Box Office

Budget:

$20,000,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$418,807
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Pictures See more »
Show more on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Final film of Richard Widmark. See more »

Goofs

In the parking garage scene, Peter recognizes the car of a senator from Kentucky by the license plate on the front of his car. Kentucky did not issue front plates at any time in the 1980's or 1990's. See more »

Quotes

Peter Burton: Tell me this isn't about me coming out ahead of you!
See more »

Connections

Referenced in Seinfeld: The Invitations (1996) See more »

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User Reviews

 
A tight, well-written drama
4 January 2004 | by steveha – See all my reviews

True Colors is an intelligently plotted drama that never insults your intelligence. John Cusack is excellent as Peter Burton, a man with an amazing knack to manipulate people. James Spader is also excellent as Tim Gerrity, who becomes Burton's best friend. Not a moment of this movie is wasted, nor a single line of dialog. We see Burton advance his political career by hook and by crook. We see Gerrity's idealism tested. And we see how Burton's choices cost him in the end.

The plot would not work if Cusack weren't so convincing. His Burton is so good at talking people into things, he can even talk himself into doing things he knows are wrong, dangerous, or both. While Cusack is at the center, all of the performances are solid; at no point did I focus on the acting instead of the story. The movie grabbed my attention and didn't let go.

I give this drama my highest recommendation.
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