American Dreamer

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back in 1984, I was working as an usher in Atlanta, at one of the ones lucky enough to have it (it has now long since been replaced by a raft of "big box" stores.)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"!)

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

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 agree with Larbo - this is one great film! It took a few minutes to figure out exactly what was going on. Once I did, though, I laughed so hard I cried.

Who said writers are loners? LOL

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.