Best in Show (2000)

A colorful array of characters compete at a national dog show.

Director:

Christopher Guest

Writers:

Christopher Guest, Eugene Levy

Stars:

Fred Willard, Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 11 wins & 13 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jay Brazeau	...	Dr. Chuck Nelken
Parker Posey	...	Meg Swan
Michael Hitchcock	...	Hamilton Swan
Catherine O'Hara	...	Cookie Fleck
Eugene Levy	...	Gerry Fleck
Carrie Aizley	...	Fern City Show Spectator
Lewis Arquette	...	Fern City Show Spectator
Dany Canino	...	Fern City Show Judge
Bob Balaban	...	Dr. Theodore W. Millbank, III
Will Sasso	...	Fishin' Hole Guy
Stephen E. Miller	...	Fishin' Hole Guy
Christopher Guest	...	Harlan Pepper
Michael McKean	...	Stefan Vanderhoof
John Michael Higgins	...	Scott Donlan
Colin Cunningham	...	New York Butcher

Storyline

The owners (and handlers) of five show dogs head for the Mayflower Kennel Club Dog Show. A film crew interviews them as they prepare for the trip, arrive at Philly's Taft Hotel, and compete. From Florida come the Flecks: she keeps running into old lovers. A wordless ancient in a wheelchair and his buxom trophy wife who may have a thing for the dog's handler own the two-time defending best in show, a poodle. From the piney woods of N.C. comes a fella who wants to be a ventriloquist. High-strung DINKs feud loudly in front of their Weimaraner. Two outré gay men from Tribeca round out the profiled owners. The dog show brings out the essence of the humans. Who will be best in show?

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Plot Keywords:

mockumentary | dog show | gay | gay couple | lesbian kiss | 

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Taglines:

Some pets deserve a little more respect than others.

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Genres:

Comedy

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for language and sex-related material

Details

Official Sites:

Castle Rock

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 October 2000 (USA)

Also Known As:

Dog Show

Filming Locations:

Aldergrove, British Columbia, Canada

Box Office

Budget:

$10,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$413,436, 1 October 2000

Gross USA:

$18,715,392

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$20,789,556

Company Credits

Production Co:

Castle Rock Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Bob Balaban, who plays Dr. Theodore W. Millbank III in Best of Show, is the voice of 'King' in Isle of Dogs (2018).

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Goofs

During the barbecue for Gerry and Cookie before heading to the Mayflower competition, the beer in the neighbor's glass (behind them as they discus the cream cheese plant) disappears drastically between shots without him taking a sip.

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Quotes

Trevor Beckwith: [as Scott enters with Agnes the Shih Tzu] And now we have the toy, the Shih Tzu is coming, and here is, uh, Scott Donlan.
Buck Laughlin: Look at Scott! He is prancing along with the dog! Man, I tell you something, if you live in my neighborhood and you're dressed like that, you'd better be a hotel doorman.

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Crazy Credits

The filmmakers wish to thank the dog owners, handlers, veterinarians and experts who shared with us their enthusiasm and unselfishly dedicated their time and energy to this film.

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Connections

Referenced in At the Movies: Proof of Life/Vertical Limit/The Emperor's New Groove/State and Main/Pollock (2000)

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Soundtracks

Mutt's Strut
Written by CJ Vanston
Performed by the Martini Brothers

User Reviews

Total SCREAM!

I just love this movie / mock-u-mentary! Best in Show is a "mockumentary" made by the same team who brought you the also brilliant "This Is Spinal Tap". It follows several contestants of the Mayflower Dog Show and their dogs. You have a sexually frustrated yuppie couple who met at "Starbucks from across the street", a couple of Gay queens with their Shihtzus, a working class couple with a wife who has had "hundreds of boyfriends", a redneck ventriloquist with his blood hound, and a "Anna Nicole Smith" trophy wife wannabe and her lesbian dog handler. This is just such a wacky bunch - it is a great ride. Some may find it a bit too slow - but I just loved all the subtle humour in it - you can definitely get repeat viewings out of this one! It is a total scream!!