Dave (1993)

To avoid a potentially explosive scandal when the U.S. President goes into a coma, an affable temp agency owner with an uncanny resemblance is put in his place.

Director:

Ivan Reitman

Writer:

Gary Ross

Stars:

Kevin Kline, Sigourney Weaver, Frank Langella

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 2 wins & 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Kevin Kline	...	Dave Kovic / Bill Mitchell
Sigourney Weaver	...	Ellen Mitchell
Frank Langella	...	Bob Alexander
Kevin Dunn	...	Alan Reed
Ving Rhames	...	Duane Stevenson
Ben Kingsley	...	Vice-President Nance
Charles Grodin	...	Murray Blum
Faith Prince	...	Alice
Laura Linney	...	Randi
Bonnie Hunt	...	White House Tour Guide
Parley Baer	...	Senate Majority Leader
Stefan Gierasch	...	House Majority Leader
Anna Deavere Smith	...	Mrs. Travis
Charles Hallahan	...	Policeman
Tom Dugan	...	Jerry

Storyline

Bill Mitchell is the philandering and distant President of the United States. Dave Kovic is a sweet-natured and caring Temp Agency operator, who by a staggering coincidence looks exactly like the President. As such, when Mitchell wants to escape an official luncheon, the Secret Service hires Dave to stand in for him. Unfortunately, Mitchell suffers a severe stroke whilst having sex with one of his aides, and Dave finds himself stuck in the role indefinitely. The corrupt and manipulative Chief of Staff, Bob Alexander, plans to use Dave to elevate himself to the White House - but unfortunately, he doesn't count on Dave enjoying himself in office, using his luck to make the country a better place, and falling in love with the beautiful First Lady...

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Plot Keywords:

conspiracy | doppelganger | larry king character | good versus evil | hero | 

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Taglines:

In a country where anybody can become President, anybody just did

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Genres:

Comedy | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for momentary language and a sexual situation

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

7 May 1993 (USA)

Also Known As:

Dave

Filming Locations:

National Mall, Washington, District of Columbia, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$28,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$7,306,755, 9 May 1993, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$63,270,710

Company Credits

Production Co:

Warner Bros., Northern Lights Entertainment, Donner/Shuler-Donner Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

110 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Mel Gibson and Harrison Ford were considered to play Dave Kovic/William Mitchell.

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Goofs

After the dinner, Dave is shown getting into a Lincoln Town Car limousine. In 1993, the Presidential limo is a Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham.

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Quotes

Randi: Mr. President, Gary Nance is waiting in your office.
Dave: Who?
Duane: [biting on the words] The Vice President.
Dave: What?
Duane: The *Vice President!*
Dave: Oh! I'm sorry, ever since I had the stroke I've not been hearing things right... it's like...*whooo!*
Randi: Oh my God...

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Connections

References Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)

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Soundtracks

Oklahoma
(1943)
Music by Richard Rodgers
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
[Sung a cappella by Kevin Kline (uncredited) while riding his bike]

User Reviews

Great Fun, Great Story!

This film just has greatness written all over it! First you have a great director, Ivan Reitman, then you have a slew of great actors: Kevin Kline, Sigourney Weaver, Frank Langella, Kevin Dunn, Ving Rhames, Ben Kinsley, Charles Grodin and Laura Linney. All the actors did a great job in this film. The film is sometimes funny, and sometimes touching. It's all very well done in this film. The story is a very interesting one, and not too terribly far-fetched.

There really isn't much to say other than if you like any of these actors or director above, then you should probably see this film. Or, if you think you'd like a little comedy/drama, then check it out. I really enjoyed this film and I hope you will as well. Thanks for reading,

-Chris