Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)

After a bitter divorce, an actor disguises himself as a female housekeeper to spend time with his children held in custody by his former wife.

Director:

Chris Columbus

Writers:

Anne Fine (novel), Randi Mayem Singer (screenplay)

Stars:

Robin Williams, Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan

Won 1 Oscar. Another 10 wins & 10 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Robin Williams	...	Daniel Hillard / Mrs. Doubtfire
Sally Field	...	Miranda Hillard
Pierce Brosnan	...	Stu
Harvey Fierstein	...	Frank
Polly Holliday	...	Gloria
Lisa Jakub	...	Lydia Hillard
Matthew Lawrence	...	Chris Hillard
Mara Wilson	...	Natalie Hillard
Robert Prosky	...	Mr. Lundy
Anne Haney	...	Mrs. Sellner
Scott Capurro	...	Jack
Sydney Walker	...	Bus Driver
Joe Bellan	...	TV Boss
Martin Mull	...	Justin Gregory
Karen Kahn	...	Female Employee #1

Storyline

Eccentric actor Daniel Hillard is an amusing and caring father. But after a disastrous birthday party for his son, Daniel's wife Miranda draws the line and files a divorce. He can see his three children only once a week which doesn't sit well with him. Daniel also holds a job at a TV studio as a shipping clerk under the recommendation of his liason. But when Miranda puts out an ad for a housekeeper, Daniel takes it upon himself to make a disguise as a Scottish lady named Mrs Doubtfire. And Daniel must also deal with Miranda's new boyfriend Stu Dunemyer.

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Plot Keywords:

male actor playing a female character | profanity | birthday | wild party | petting zoo | 

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Taglines:

She makes dinner. She does windows. She reads bedtime stories. She's a blessing... in disguise.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Family

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some sexual references

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 November 1993 (USA)

Also Known As:

Mrs. Doubtfire

Filming Locations:

Claremont Resort and Spa - 41 Tunnel Road, Berkeley, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$25,000,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$219,200,000

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$441,286,195

Company Credits

Production Co:

Twentieth Century Fox, Blue Wolf Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

125 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The monkey puppet "Kovacs" is named after pioneering comic Ernie Kovacs, and was modelled after him as well.

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Goofs

Mr. Lundy is wearing a black suit, when he is drinking with Daniel in the restaurant. White specks appear and disappear on the suit between shots.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Daniel: [as Grunge the Cat] Salutations, snack.

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Alternate Versions

The film was originally released to UK cinemas uncut with a 12 certificate. Since the 12 certificate prohibited entry to anyone under that age, regardless of the presence of a guardian, many cinema owners felt that they were missing out on a large potential audience, and a version was eventually passed PG, after the removal of 13 seconds of dialogue referring to "cunning linguistics", "horizontal mambo" and other crude mentions of sexual foreplay during the restaurant scene. All video, laserdisc and DVD versions released in the UK were similarly edited to secure the less restrictive rating. The uncut version was submitted to the BBFC in 2003, but they felt that having both cut- and uncut versions on the market together would confuse consumers, and so cuts were repeated. It was not until November 2012 when all cuts were fully waived by the BBFC, and a 12 certificate was given to the film. Their website outlines the history of the film in detail.

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Connections

Referenced in Good Morning Britain: Episode dated 24 December 2018 (2018)

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Soundtracks

Largo al factotum
(uncredited)
from "Il barbiere di Siviglia"
Composed by Gioachino Rossini
Performed by Robin Williams

User Reviews

Emotional and funny, one of the most vivid character studies ever. ***1/2 out of ****.

MRS. DOUBTFIRE (1993) ***1/2

Starring: Robin Williams, Sally Field, Mara Wilson, and Pierce Brosnan

Directed by Chris Columbus. Written by Leslie Dixon and Randi Mayem Singer. Running time: 125 minutes. Rated PG-13 (for sexual references and some language)

By Blake French:

"Mrs. Doubtfire" is one of the most invigorating, vivid character studies to be produced on the big screen this decade. Most of the characters are strongly executed with decisive dialogue. They are also beautifully written with tainted personalities and uncompromising wit. Chris Columbus has assembled a stellar dramatic comedy with excellent screen writing, giving audiences one of the most punctually artful films I have ever witnessed.

The opening scene is as brilliantly structured as screen writing otherwise comes. It has a middle-aged man named Daniel, whom we learn about as he quits his job as a vocal performer for a children's cartoon after he realizes his employers are immoral. This sequence provides us with a development of the character's inner personality, strong morals and consciences. The audience also leans that he is a silly, easy going person. We soon find out it is these characteristics that propel the movie into the first plot point.

Daniel's wife, Miranda, wishes to divorce him because he is too goofy and immature. We are propelled quickly into the firm second act after the divorce. Before this point, we have witnessed both actions and dialogue reallocating Daniel's love and compassion for his family, especially his children. The film sets up the for following events using Robin Williams character as the plot advancer.

Daniel lusts for time with his children so much, he confidentially disguises himself as a sixty year old woman then applies for a day-care job for his ex-wife--this would allow him to be around his children more often. Miranda falls for it, and the master of disguise gets his opportunity. The film then takes us through a hilarious and emotional journey into the lives of a typical American divorced family.

The internal problem becomes more complex when Daniel's ex wife shows romantic interest in a new boyfriend, underplayed by Pierce Brosnan. The filmmakers could have done more with the Brosnan character. Here, he seems developed with repetition and dialogue. Although his purpose is to accommodate romantic competition, we don't know enough about him to care that much.

"Mrs. Doubtfire" contains some material that fairs as overly blunt and outwardly apprehensive. Although the overall presentation is understandable and relative, I still think the picture could have been better with more careful script writing. Even such, we are able to witness a powerful, touching film with a conclusion that is so settling, you will cry with joy.

Brought to you by 20th Century Fox.