User reviews

For a 1984 movie, this is still a very engaging light comedy. Jo Beth Williams' charm carries the film. Tom Conti plays a role similar to, and even more appealing than, the character he would later in Shirley Valentine (he has much more screen time here). Coral Browne (Vera Charles in "Auntie Mame," heavenly voice in "Xanadu") is good her her brief scenes. Also, see if you can recognize the boy who plays her older son.

Please do not cheat yourself by over-analyzing the plot of this movie. It is a fantasy and should be viewed as such. There are so many great comic scenes, that to me it didn't matter what they had to do to set them up. Just go with it. In fact, I think the preposterousness makes it work even more. This film deserves rediscovery, or hell, just plain discovery!

When "American Dreamer" was released in theaters back in 1984, I was working as an usher in Atlanta, at one of the ones lucky enough to have it (it has now long since been replaced by a raft of "big box" stores.) I was a movie lover anyway, which is why I took the job, but this was one of those welcome times when being an usher was anything BUT boring.

I have been a longtime JoBeth Williams fan since the POLTERGEIST movies, but this one has to contain one of her most charming performances. She portrays "average" hausfrau Cathy Palmer, with two engaging kids, a real wiener of a husband (James Staley, making suburban caddishness look a little too realistic), and virtually no time at all for herself...except for when she reads about the latest exploits of her favorite mystery novel heroine, "Rebecca Ryan." A budding writer as well (when and if she has time), her imagination is captured when a contest is announced involving her favorite books - write your own short story about Rebecca and win a trip to Paris! And what do you know...she does.

Against the snide, sarcastic barbs of her stooge of a spouse, Cathy ends up enjoying her prize alone...and loving it! (Who wouldn't want to sip wine while gazing out at the Champs Elysee?) But the movie really takes off when an accident causes Cathy to have a slight concussion...and when she wakes, she's no longer just a fan of Rebecca Ryan's adventures. She IS her!!!

The madcap mayhem that ensues as she embarks on "Rebecca's" latest mystery soon inadvertently involves the stately author of the novels, (Coral Browne, aka Mrs. Vincent Price), the author's charming and befuddled son, Alan (Tom Conti with his bumbling, beaming Brit persona turned up to "11"), and a high-profile politico, (Giancarlo Giannini), whose shady dealings will soon cause fantasy and real-life to blur for Cathy/Rebecca in a way that will turn Paris upside down!

Yes, it's a charming trifle, made even more so by the solid performances of its leads. And it also has a wonderful score and a great '80's-style theme song underneath the end credits, so don't shut it off too soon!

I think that DREAMER'S strong resemblance to the outstanding ROMANCING THE STONE hurt its chances of being a bigger box-office hit at the time, but if you love romantic adventures and screwball comedy, you shouldn't let anything deter you from enjoying the adventures of a real heroine...and her name is Palmer. Cathy Palmer. (HA! I bet you thought I was going to say "Rebecca"!)

I happened upon this film in the theater as my "second choice" back in '84 when my first choice was sold out. I can't remember my first choice and although I had no idea what this film was about when I went in, I enjoyed it trememdously. Creative, with unusual twists ... but make sure to watch all the way until the 'END'.

Has been one of my favorites ever since ... as I said, it is lite, comical and witty with enough romance and suspense to keep everyone happy. Great for "dreamers," writers, and families (of older children)who just want a fun movie. Enjoy.

I first saw this movie on cable and was completely impressed. How did I miss this movie in the theatre? I LOVE mysteries. And this is one. It is also a comedy, drama and love story with a twist. Or two. The characters are well defined and grow. With the slight exception of Giancarlo Giannini, who is a intentionally one dimensional but beautiful to look at, just the same.

The heroine gets trapped in a mystery lover's dream scenario. She enters a contest to write a chapter for a book about her favorite detective and wins! Then bravely take the trip she wins alone because her husband thinks little of her effort or talent and does his best to stifle her joy. She feels a little guilty but tries to have a good time. She is definitely on the "if this is Tuesday, it must be Belgium" tour. While being rushed through the sites of Paris, she is robbed and hit by a car. Resulting in amnesia. When she wakes up she has become her favorite character. In Paris. On a shopping spree. Involved in an unsuspected plot to save the world.

It is fabulous to watch all the other people who are caught up in her dilemma because she really is lost but convincing they try to help but keep getting pulled in deeper. Then her husband is told she is missing. The plot thickens. There really are double agents, drug dealers, a chase scene (running), underground passages, ghost writers. No one is what or who they seem to be. And just when you think everything has been concluded, she gets kidnapped. That was the best moment. The director could have ended the movie exactly there and I would have felt complete. But wait, there's more. The game was still afoot!!

This movie was great!! It is everything you want from a movie. Starting with entertainment. Not predictable. Some real thinking and smart people doing everything right. But once the ball started rolling, it had to finish. Best of all, every one in the family could watch it. It was smart and clean. At this point I have seen it so many times since the 80's I can sing the theme song.

I discovered this film about a year after it came out. Fun, lighthearted rom-com. I think the title may have kept it from being a bigger hit as it does not give a clue as to what the film is. Jobeth Williams was fresh off "Poltergeist" and "The Big Chill" and is pretty in a natural way. Tom Conti is so funny. Pay attention and watch all the way to the end.

Make a big bowl of popcorn and snuggle up with your sweetie and enjoy it.

The clothes are TO DIE FOR!!

This movie is lame and boring. It wasn't funny, it wasn't interesting, and the acting and story were just good enough to make this movie incredibly lame. If your a fan of we or lifetime movies you'll be into this. I checked this movie out cause the cover looked really cheesy, but what i got was a little less than mediocre chick flick. The movie really is a waste of time. This movie is not for children. It contains needless violence, some profanity, casual sex scenes (though nothing is shown) and it is a big waste of time. You'll feel like a loser for watching this film. Do not watch this film. It will scar your children for life. There brains will turn into mush if they watch this film. This film is complete and utter crap. I hope it never went to DVD. The dollar I paid at the flea market was way to much for this terrible film. All copies of this film should be burned and erased from history that way mankind can forget that they made such terrible movies at one time. My retina detached shortly after viewing this film. This film represents all the evil mankind. I don't know maybe it's not that bad. On second thought you maybe should get it a try. I think it may grow on you. Wait no it won't cause it's utter crap.

Jobeth Williams: Sultry, sexy, mystifying, and quirky in this outstanding tale of madness and romance in the midst of chaos during a woman's trip to France. Williams was a Hollywood noise-maker when she was running from those pesky ghosts in "Poltergeist", but here, she's not running, she's chasing! Cathy Palmer, is a desperate housewife in her own, yearning for a life of adventure, and when she enters a contest for a murder/mystery sweep stake, she wins! Ignoring her chauvinistic husband, Cathy immediately flies to Paris to meet the author of the most famed mystery novels around, the Rebecca Ryan novels. An incidental blow on the head leaves her in a hospital, but once she wakes up...she IS Rebecca Ryan! Now, she is determined to uncover the scandals and mysteries of the undercover spies in Europe. Along for the ride, is the son of the Rebecca Ryan novels Alan McMann, whom Cathy believes is Rebeccas side-kick Demitri. Together, they will take on murder, madness, and some funny conquests that will leaving your stomach aching for more! Williams is so passionate, and enduring as Cathy Palmer, and she really makes us believe that she is trapped in two worlds, and loving it! Tom Conti doesn't get any better, as his vulnerability to nonsense turns to a romantic interest for the bewildered Palmer. Trouble is around any door, and mystery lurks in the shadows of Paris! Director Rosenthal also directed "Halloween II". A fun, and delightful treat for young, and older audiences alike! "American Dreamer" is a joyous adventure with witty dialogue and quick development that will only impress with every viewing! 10/10

American Dreamer (1984) *** (out of 4)

I think that this film is one of those 1980s films that seemed to have lived its life only on cable stations, though it really is a light, charming, entertaining fantasy comedy. JoBeth Williams (POLTERGEIST) plays Kathy Palmer, an amateur novelist who wins a writing contest involving a mystery series featuring a detective named Rebecca Ryan. She wins a trip to Paris and while there gets knocked down by a car, develops amnesia, and then believes herself to be Ryan! I know exactly why this film is loved by many people---women in particular---and it's a shame that it didn't get a better reception at the theatrical release. My theory is that many critics at the time thought it was a rip-off of ROMANCING THE STONE (indeed, there are similarities which cannot be ignored), though it really soon goes off on its own path and scores, with a cast that is aiming to please. Tom Conti is delightful as the French chap who gets involved in Palmer's world of craziness, and Giancarlo Gianninni is both hysterical and engaging as the mysterious man who Palmer is determined to track down (as Rebecca Ryan of course).

I've been afraid that this film would never see the light of day on DVD, despite the number of admirers this film has. However, I contacted someone at CBS, Inc. (which produced and released it back in 1984), and they said that in 2005 (no date or even period has been set) it will be released on DVD through Paramount, which is their sister company. I've even sent a letter to director Rick Rosenthal to see if he would be able to a Director's Commentary---many DVD conossiers like me know all too well that Paramount sucks when it comes to putting special features on DVD. So, be ready to see it on the shelves next year!!!

Suburban housewife Cathy Palmer lives a mundane, frustrating life but allows herself one pleasure -- she absorbs herself in the Rebecca Ryan fiction novel series (almost a woman version of James Bond). She is so fascinated with the character that she enters a contest to write a short story in the style of the Rebecca Ryan novels for a chance to win an expense paid trip for 2 to Paris (the city of her dreams and the setting for the novels).

When she wins, her unappreciative and manipulating husband refuses to go with her, and won't even let her go -- however she's had enough and decides to go anyway! While touring in Paris, she suffers a head injury and wakes up believing that she is in fact Rebecca Ryan! What follows from there on is simply great, funny entertainment. The interaction between Williams and Conti is constantly amusing and downright funny. The hour in the middle of the film where the fantasy is on is wonderful.

Unfortunately, the film wasn't quite as good at the first, and really trailed off in the last half hour as she has to come to grips with reality again. The direction the story took and the way everything was resolved seemed unsatisfying and very average after the wonderful section that preceded it.

One other note: Several others have commented about how this is a wonderful family film, very clean, etc. This really is not in fact the case, unfortunately (it would have been wonderful if this were the case). Palmer's young boys talk crudely about sexual matters and use sexual terms at the first of the film, Cathy ends up sleeping with another man while she's married, etc.

I'd probably rate the middle hour about a 9, and the rest of the film about a 5. But it's worth seeing for the very funny "Rebecca Ryan fantasy hour."

I should start by saying that I am pretty easily entertained. I am also a sucker for a romantic comedy. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I thought that JoBeth Williams was absolutely adorable. She was so fun to watch. The directing was very clever. When Rebecca is trying to communicate to Victor that he is in danger and resorts to semaphore with her wrap, I just about lose it every time. If your looking for a light-hearted, romantic comedy, they don't come cuter than this. I would love to see this movie come out on DVD. It would be a welcome addition to my collection. Until then, I'll just have to settle for watching it on the the old Video Cassette Recorder.

Cathy Palmer (JoBeth Williams) is a stay-at-home mom with two kids. Her husband patronizes her when she wins a writing contest for the popular Rebecca Ryan novels. She wins a week in Paris for two but ends up going alone. She gets hit by a car as she chases her purse snatchers. She wakes up with the false personality of Rebecca Ryan. Through a series of contrivances, Cathy gets a wardrobe makeover and mistakes the series' actual writer Alan McMann (Tom Conti) as her fictional sidekick. Soon, the duo is entangled with dangerous realworld intrigue.

I've always connected this with 'Romancing the Stone' which came out in the same year. Also JoBeth Williams has the similar older sexy lady vibe and both movies start with a closed-off reserved American woman. There is a switch where JoBeth becomes the dashing character while Tom Conti plays the scared reserved character. This one is not nearly as fun or exciting. The story relies on convenient turns and doesn't necessarily make sense. Tom Conti is a fine actor but nowhere near as charming. The slapstick humor is fine. For me, this will always play second fiddle to RtS. On the other hand, JoBeth Williams really excels. She can play both the housewife but a sassy flamboyant character. She makes this work.

It's a mystery, a comedy and a lot of fun. It's about a family mother/woman who's love of writing fiction wins a contest and brings her to Paris where she gets into trouble when she gets hit by a car, bumps her head, and becomes the character she writes about...the fun begins. This is a wonderfully acted and very funny comedy. All my children loved this movie too. It's a lot of fun and to this day we still use some of the phrases from this movie like: "The important thing, kid,is you're doing something you like to do."

Jo Beth Williams plays a bored housewife who writes a story for her favorite series of novels and wins a trip to Paris. It is clear at the start that Cathy loves her family but is unfulfilled and bored in her marriage. This storyline actually reminded me of the tv show "Scarecrow and Mrs. King." Of course, she ends up with a bonk on the head and runs around thinking she is the main character of the books, Rebecca Ryan. Rebecca is kind of a female James Bond type. This is where things don't quite work for me. "Rebecca Ryan's logic" seems to not make any sense and losing your memory doesn't make you lose logic at the same time. Eventually she runs into Tom Conti who is the actual writer of the Rebecca Ryan books. But he is miscast here. The character should have been a more exciting character (and maybe handsome) and the relationship should have been more developed to show someone that Cathy eventually would leave her husband for. It also doesn't quite work because the character is an author so why would he be any help in a real life international conspiracy? It would make for a great remake with some of the problems fixed.

Fantastic Film,

I have an old original copy on VHS (After hunting for years with only a taped off the TV version to satisfy) desperate for it to arrive on DVD though I doubt it ever will (Class Eighties Comedy Films such as 'All of Me' and 'Outrageous Fortune' rarely see the light of DVD (At least not here in the UK)

Anyhoo, Brilliant Film with great camp dialogue ("Damn you Rebecca Ryan") They Just don't make em like this anymore,

Try and find a copy and enjoy!

This has endured as one of my favorite movies for twenty years now.

I like the fact that the movie has no sex, extreme violence, cussing or degradation that is common in today's films.

The film is a romantic comedy with a believable heroine. Its underlying theme is to not settle in life and give up your dreams. Or at least, this is what I get out of this movie.

I also really like the Paris back drop and the 80's couture outfits. I don't what speaks to me about this movie, but when I am having an off day it is one of the first movies I will reach for and slip into its story.

It's nice to see that virtually everyone who reviewed American Dreamer loved it and that so many consider it to be a favorite. I couldn't agree more with the other reviews and immediately bought a copy after my first viewing.

I won't go into details of the plot, which I hate to do anyway, but will comment on one criticism appearing in another review. Sure, the outcome is predictable -- BUT the way the the movie gets there is NOT. After all, every plot has been done to death. It is the originality of the story line that raises this movie to a higher level. Not only is it highly original and smartly scripted, it is also charming, romantic, funny, beautifully directed, photographed, and acted -- an all-round perfect movie.

And as I am always eager to point out, this movie is hilarious -- with hilarious performances and episodes -- without having to resort to gratuitous sex, foul language, and nudity. It simply could not be better (and the beautiful Paris locations only enhance the overall perfection of the film). I say this not to project myself as a prude (which I probably am to some degree) because I also loved Pulp Fiction, but to make the point that movies don't have to be gross, juvenile, and smutty to be funny.

Jo Beth does a beautiful job of portraying a housewife in a dead end marriage, getting the opportunity of a lifetime - winning a trip to Paris based on her writing abilities.

Once in Paris, an accident robs her of her memory and she automatically assumes the identity of the heroine of the novels she reads, incidentally dragging the real author into her fantasy world.

It is exhilerating how her belief sweeps all before her, bringing a new love into her life. It's also heartbreaking when the two identities finally collide, dropping her out of the fantasy. This was done in the most public and humiliating way possible, typical of American comedic film-making, which I don't agree with.

In the end, the housewife emerges victorious, free and stronger than she has ever been in her life.

Tom Conti as the hapless author is also brilliant, a wonderful counterpoint to Jo Beth. :)

Tom Conti is adorable, JoBeth Williams hysterical. Script is brilliant. Paris is shown off beautifully. I've been watching it for 35 years and it still makes me laugh. Love it. Do yourself a favor (if you have a sense of humor!)

Breezy lightweight romp is a bit far fetched but played with a comic edge and a sense of absurdity. Must be approached in the proper spirit of whimsy or the preposterousness of the plot won't work for you.

JoBeth Williams is certainly enjoying herself in the lead as the hopeful writer and wannabe sleuth Rebecca Ryan. She breezes through this with a devil may care attitude that injects the whole enterprise with glee. Tom Conti is a good foil for her with his seriousness slowly giving way to befuddlement as she involves them in one hair brained chase after another. Also along for the ride is the delightful Coral Browne as Tom's game if a bit daffy mother and Giancarlo Giannini trying to keep his cool as one indignity after another is heaped upon him.

Shot on location in Europe this is a feast for the eyes as well as a fizzy affable concoction.

I have seen this movie at least a half dozen times probably more and I never tire of it. It is a wonderful comedy which I laughed my head off; and a romantic dream that all women probably fantasize. I try to find it each month on cable and it doesn't seem to be available any more. What's happened? I looked in my local video store and couldn't find it there either. What's up?

You should make more movies like this - fun to watch, brings me up out of any blue mood I may be in and is just plain enjoyable. Jo Beth Williams and Tom Conti are greaet together.

I feel like laughing.....where do I get my copy?

Loved it!!!!!

A wonderful move that went without notice. I saw this movie on the "Thumbs up" from the (late)Gene Siskel & Roger Ebert. This movie was worth every second of my time as it will be yours. The two kid actors steal the show in the very beginning part of the move but Jo Beth Williams' true acting talent shines as one is drawn into and completely engrossed by her character. Tom Conti plays his part with comic straight-man perfection. The rest of the supporting cast were chosen and play their parts with true flair. A special note should be given to Jean Rougerie (who plays, Don Carlos). His role is enacted with just the right amount of worry. I showed this to a friend of mine and it instantly became her favorite film. Watch and enjoy.