Canadian Bacon (1995)

The U.S. President, low in the opinion polls, gets talked into raising his popularity by trying to start a cold war against Canada.

Director:

Michael Moore

Writer:

Michael Moore

Stars:

John Candy, Alan Alda, Rhea Perlman

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
John Candy	...	Sheriff Bud Boomer
Alan Alda	...	President of the United States
Rhea Perlman	...	Honey
Kevin Pollak	...	Stu Smiley
Rip Torn	...	General Dick Panzer
Kevin J. O'Connor	...	Roy Boy
Bill Nunn	...	Kabral
G.D. Spradlin	...	R.J. Hacker
Steven Wright	...	Niagara Mountie
Jim Belushi	...	Charles Jackal
Brad Sullivan	...	Gus
Stanley Anderson	...	Edwin S. Simon
Richard Council	...	Russian President
Wallace Shawn	...	Canadian Prime Minister
Michael Copeman	...	Panzer's Aide

Storyline

The US economy is in a rut, and so is the president's approval rating. What we need is a good war, but the Russians aren't interested. Hey -- how about that big polite country to the north? Niagara Falls Sheriff Bud B. Boomer takes this all a bit too seriously, though.

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Plot Keywords:

international relations | the white house | fight | beer | graffiti | 

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Taglines:

Surrender pronto, or we'll level Toronto!

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Genres:

Comedy

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for mild language and violence

Details

Official Sites:

MGM Michael Moore Official Website

Country:

USA Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 September 1995 (USA)

Also Known As:

Kanadská slanina

Filming Locations:

Pickering, Ontario, Canada

Box Office

Budget:

$11,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$53,349, 24 September 1995

Gross USA:

$163,971

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$163,971

Company Credits

Production Co:

Dog Eat Dog Films, Gramercy Pictures (I), Maverick Picture Company

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Michael Moore wrote the screenplay during the first Gulf War, in reaction to what he felt was the US government's manipulation of the media in supporting Operation Desert Storm.

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Goofs

In the campfire scene, Boomer, Roy Boy and Kabral are discussing movies and the recurring plot element about the fact that 'the black guy dies' and they mention several examples like Jurassic Park, Unforgiven, The Dirty Dozen, Witness and Alien. The problem with those examples (although accurate in this sense) is the fact Kabral says that the black guy always dies first, and in those movies they're not the first ones to die. However, he got it right with The Shining and Forrest Gump.

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Quotes

Redneck Protester #1: Everything I see and hear about these Canadians makes me wanna puke!
Redneck Protester #2: It's time we put the "America" back in North America! GOD BLESS BUD BOOMER!
Crowd of Protestors: USA! USA! USA! USA!

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Crazy Credits

Film title logo appears at the end of end credits

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Connections

References Alien (1979)

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Soundtracks

Born In The U.S.A.
Written and Published by Bruce Springsteen
Performed by John Candy, Kevin J. O'Connor and Bill Nunn (uncredited)

User Reviews

Not great but it has some excellent moments

John Candy was and still is one of my favorite comedians. He knew the art of comedy...and it didn't have to be laced with profanity.

One of the reviews suggest it is offensive to Canadians...what??????

In the film Canadians are portrayed as polite, clean and somewhat naive...Americans are portrayed as violent, dirty and somewhat naive.

For every joke aimed at Canadians is aimed back at Americans...that's what makes the film funny though...it is much like the actual relationship between the countries.

For Canadians...hearing John Candy respond to the capital of Canada being Ottawa was priceless..."What do you think were stupid?", hilarious. :)

Also funny...the streets of Toronto being bare!! Toronto is the 5th largest city in North America. Suddenly...everyone disappears...

Candy will be missed! RIP John!