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:

Dave Kovic was an ordinary guy who was asked to impersonate the President. When they gave him a chance to make the country better...he 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

Gross USA:

$63,270,710

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$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

Laura Linney appeared in such filmed productions relating to American Politics as Dave (1993), John Adams (2008), Running Mates (2000), Absolute Power (1997), Man of the Year (2006), and Hyde Park on Hudson (2012).

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Goofs

After Bob Alexander has his press conference implicating the President in the First Liberty scandal, the President, the First Lady, and Alan go to meet with federal regulators/lobbyists. When the First Lady steps out of the limousine, she's wearing a red dress. When everybody is inside at the meeting, she's wearing a gray dress.

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Quotes

Girl at Durenberger's: [at the domestic cars convention] Mommy, that's not really the President, is it?
Mom at Durenberger's: I sure hope not!

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Connections

Featured in Mister President (2008)

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Soundtracks

Hail to the Chief
(1810) (uncredited)
Music by James Sanderson
Played by a band before the President's speech

User Reviews

Put simply: a wonderful movie!

I loved this movie. It's just that simple. I've seen it several times and the charm never wears off. Yes, it is a 'feel good movie', but is that so wrong?

As I read some of the other comments about this movie on IMDB, I realize that cynicism can easily get in the way of just enjoying a movie for what it is.

Kevin Kline is terrific and so is the rest of the cast. Also, the insertion of so many real politicians and pundits playing themselves adds a nice touch. I thoroughly recommend this movie! I could give it no less than a 10.