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 | divorce | birthday party | 

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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

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

Known for his trademark spontaneity of improvisation, Robin Williams was given free range by Chris Columbus to do what he needed. However, his improvisation can occasionally spark off numerous references to other works that prove to be legal headaches for movie studios. The scene where Daniel speaks with his wife and refers to her clothes as "this lovely Dances with Wolves (1990) motif," required legal clearance for the studio to put it in the film. Associate Producer Paula DuPré Pesmen later kept track of every reference Williams made while improvising.

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Goofs

Mrs. Doubtfire is seen opening the door to the kitchen and the chef coats are by the door. The chef uniforms are never by the dining room, they are in the back in the employee's dressing room; presumably this was shown as a plot convenience.

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Quotes

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

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Alternate Versions

The Australian DVD was made using the cut UK version, meaning it has 13 seconds of dialogue cut despite no previous censorship problems. VHS, theatrical and television versions are all intact.

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Connections

Referenced in FanboyFlicks, Bad Movies!: How Bad Is Jack & Jill??? (2014)

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Soundtracks

Luck Be A Lady
Written by Frank Loesser
Performed by Frank Sinatra
Courtesy of Reprise Records
By arrangement with Warner Special Products

User Reviews

funny comedy!!

Many people say that Mrs Doubtfire is one of the funniest movies ever made in the U.S. I agree with the above idea. I think Robin Williams is one of the best comedians in the world. His performance in this movie is perfect and gives us a lot of laugh. There are also some impressive scenes in which performance of the three kid actors really shine.

In addition, the storyline is easy to understand and is for everybody. It is a heart-warming movie which gives us a lot of laugh and tear. Through this movie, we can learn the divorce situation in the U.S. We can also recognize the importance of family bonds.

Persdonally, it is a little regrettable that the story does not have a happy ending. I wish they could together happily again.

This is a very funny comedy but it also help us grow. I want to see Mrs. Doubtfire repeatedly in my life.