Guarding Tess (1994)

A former U.S. First Lady wants a particular Secret Service agent to head her bodyguard detail, even though he can't stand her.

Director:

Hugh Wilson

Writers:

Hugh Wilson, PJ Torokvei

Stars:

Shirley MacLaine, Nicolas Cage, Austin Pendleton

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Shirley MacLaine	...	Tess Carlisle
Nicolas Cage	...	Doug Chesnic
Austin Pendleton	...	Earl Fowler
Edward Albert	...	Barry Carlisle
James Rebhorn	...	Howard Schaeffer
Richard Griffiths	...	Frederick
John Roselius	...	Tom Bahlor
David Graf	...	Lee Danielson
Don Yesso	...	Ralph Buoncristiani
James Lally	...	Joe Spector
Brant von Hoffman	...	Bob Hutcherson (as Brant Von Hoffman)
Harry Lennix	...	Kenny Young (as Harry J. Lennix)
Susan Blommaert	...	Kimberly Cannon
Dale Dye	...	Charles Ivy
James Handy	...	Neal Carlo

Storyline

Doug is a Secret Service Agent who has just completed his stint in charge protecting Tess Carlisle, widow of a former U.S. President, and close personal friend of the President. He finds that she has requested that he not be rotated but instead return to be her permanent detail. Doug is crushed. He wants off her detail. She is very difficult to guard and makes her detail crazy with her whims and demands. Doug returns with no idea of how to continue dealing with her.

---

Plot Keywords:

limousine driver | car cigarette lighter | secret service | bodyguard | u.s. president | 

---

Taglines:

A comedy beyond the call of duty.

---

Genres:

Comedy | Drama

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some language

Did You Know?

Trivia

George Clooney auditioned for just one line in this movie but it never made it to the screen.

---

Goofs

When reporting the last know location of Mrs. Carlisle's Lincoln, Agent Chesnic reports her vehicle heading East at the Chester Exit off Interstate 71. However, Chester, Ohio is located in Rural Southeastern Ohio; nowhere near an interstate.

---

Quotes

Tess Carlisle: [to Doug, in her bedroom] The President is coming to Somersville. Will you have the cars and the machine guns ready in about an hour?

---

Connections

Referenced in Jeopardy!: Episode #22.223 (2006)

---

Soundtracks

Joy To The World
Written by Isaac Watts (uncredited) and Lowell Mason (uncredited)
Courtesy of Capitol/OGM Production Music

User Reviews

A delightful movie with outstanding performances

This perfect little gem of a movie deserves watching. With such a wonderful cast and such a great script, if this movie has any fault at all, it is under-appreciation. Shirley and Nick play off each other like the pros they are. The photography is on cue, the pace is keen and the underlying message of learning to love and care for what you have instead of squandering your energies on unrealistic ambitions is heart-warming. Among the many great moments are the calls from the President, Tess's temper tantrums, the scene at the opera, the "stand-off" in the car, and Tess's last scene from the hospital. I don't think this submission contains spoilers, but if they are, they're harmless. Please, please see this film.

Details

Official Sites:

Sony Movie Channel [United States]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 March 1994 (USA)

Also Known As:

Guarding Tess

Filming Locations:

9690 Deerco Road, Timonium, Maryland, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$20,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$7,065,213, 13 March 1994

Gross USA:

$27,058,304

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$27,058,304

Company Credits

Production Co:

Channel Films, TriStar Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

96 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1