American Dreamer
Tags: intrigue

Plot synopsis:
A voice over says, "No, that's not right." The scenario is repeated with adjustments until the voice is eventually satisfied. The screen fades to Cathy Palmer (JoBeth Williams) sitting at a typewriter, finishing up the story. She seals it in an envelope and sends it off. Later, her husband, Kevin (James Staley), comes home and she tells him about entering a contest to write a short story following the "Rebecca Ryan" series of novels. Kevin is patronizing, telling her, "The important thing, kid, is that you're doing something you like to do".
Cathy is notified by mail that she has won the contest, including an all-expense paid trip to Paris for two, an Award ceremony and a meeting with the author of the "Rebecca Ryan" novels. Kevin is uninterested in the trip and tries to persuade her to decline, but she goes on the trip alone. While sightseeing in Paris, her purse is snatched. Chasing the thief, she runs into a street where she is knocked down by a car.
The accident leaves Cathy with amnesia; she thinks she is the detective, Rebecca Ryan. She escapes from the hospital and assumes Rebecca's dashing persona, lavish wardrobe, and residence at the Hôtel de Crillon. When she returns to her apartment, she is greeted by Alan McMann (Tom Conti), who thinks she is a clerical assistant he has requested from an agency. Rebecca ignores all of the tasks he assigns her, instead believing that Alan is Rebecca's sidekick, Dimitri.
Rebecca is convinced that she must save Victor Marchand (Giancarlo Giannini), the leader of the opposition party, from an assassination plot. Rebecca and Alan chase Victor around Paris in an attempt to protect him from the (fictitious) murder plot, with Victor instead getting injured several times from Rebecca's rescues. They are also running from a shadowy figure. Rebecca and Alan flee to Alan's mother's house. While there, Alan and Rebecca consummate their relationship. But there's a shadowy figure outside the window...
Kevin enters the house and meets Rebecca & Alan coming down the stairs. Kevin punches Alan. Rebecca doesn't see Kevin, she and Alan run off to save Victor on the train. Once they "save" Victor from the train, which he jumps off. Rebecca and Alan come face to face with Kevin and that is when Cathy gets her memory back. She wakes in the hospital.
While recovering at a hospital, Cathy apologizes to Alan for her delusions and bids him goodbye. At the airport, she realizes that she does not want to go home with Kevin. She leaves Kevin at the airport, and returns to the hotel to find Alan. They embrace, and are soon kidnapped.
Cathy and Alan learn their kidnapper is Victor, the man they'd been trying to "protect" all along. Victor has been seriously injured from Rebecca's repeated rescue attempts, and is clad in neck brace and arm sling, and walks with a cane. Victor reveals that he is running a drug-smuggling operation, and he believes that Cathy and Alan know about his secret criminal dealings. Alan tries to tell Victor the truth about Cathy's accidental amnesia and series of lucky coincidences, but Victor doesn't believe them. Cathy and Alan manage to escape from their bonds and jump into the river, eluding Victor and his henchmen. Cut to...
A living room. Cathy and Alan (now a couple and writing partners) are reading the manuscript of the most recent Rebecca Ryan novel to Cathy's two children. They get to the end of the chapter, and pack the kids off to bed, in spite of the children's demands to know "what happens next". The film ends with some banter and cuddling where Alan and Cathy tease that the next part of the Rebecca Ryan story (i.e. their story) is too sexy to be written down.

Review: 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.
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).
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.
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!
Great fun movie that should've been more widely seen..
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).
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.
Great for "dreamers," writers, and families (of older children)who just want a fun movie.
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.
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.".
I would love to see this movie come out on DVD.
Wonderfully original and funny romantic comedy with wonderful cast..
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.
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..
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!.
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.
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.
JoBeth Williams is certainly enjoying herself in the lead as the hopeful writer and wannabe sleuth Rebecca Ryan.
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.
But the Tom Conti character offered a warm and credible reality check to the zanier aspects of the film.
His character was thoroughly appealing and I keenly felt his loss when Rebecca Ryan once again became Cathy Palmer.
Great laughs, lots of warmth, and strong chemistry between the main characters lifted this film to a "10"..
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!
(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.
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.
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.
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.
Starts off like Romancing the Stone, but then stumbles, ruining the talents of stars Williams and Conti.
Great script, acting (except for Giannini, the actors were happy discoveries for me), shot angles, scenery and costumes (IMO almost all of the female protagonists then-chic clothing stands the test of time, no small feat to keep a movie from feeling dated).
I literally have watched it more than 50 times, for sure, over the years, and still look forward to seeing it, favorite scenes and all.
I saw this movie on t.v one day and I couldn't believe how wonderful JoBeth was in it.
I just saw this movie for the second time, after several years.
Didn't realize it was now 22 years since release, and that it was already about 10-years-old when I first saw it.Whatever, it is an excellent film - one of those which originally slipped a bit "under the radar," and with two thoroughly engaging, attractive, talented leads, who for some reason didn't quite make the higher Hollywood "A" list.Jobeth Williams and Tom Conti both have fine careers, but neither has obtained superstar status; personally, I have enjoyed the work of both more than a number who have attained that level.This is a thoroughly pleasant and humorous film, and their characters and relationship in the film were likewise.As to analyzing the film, its set-ups, etc.
The plot line and character interactions make the perfect comedy.JoBeth Williams is delightful and one of the funniest scenes is when she goes out to have some fun in Paris.
I strongly believe this is JoBeth Williams and Tom Conti's best work and I have a fantasy about a sequel - perhaps a metaphor for the mending of relations between France and the States..
he is a real case.My wife and I found this American Dreamer a few years ago and found it one of the funniest movies we have viewed in years.
This is a great Friday night date movie for those with little money but want a wonderful evening.
Housewife wins a contest to Paris by writing a short story about her favorite character in a book series.
The plot is a little corny, and you can almost predict the outcome, but I like it nonetheless, maybe because I can identify with the main character as she tries to escape her routine life by dashing around the City of Lights with a writer who's a romantic-at-heart.
And each time, I fall desperately in love again with Paris, with JoBeth, with all the hope and joy that love can bring, and especially with my dear Tom Conti.
It's the perfect combination of female fantasy (what else would you call a trip to Paris, a tall, handsome man with a sense of humor, and unlimited shopping!), romance, and suspense.
JoBeth Williams is absolutely wonderful as Cathy, the mom who dreams of a writing career, and Tom Conti is superb as the beleagured man whose path crosses with hers.
Just plain great movie that you can actually watch with your kids.
This is perhaps the funniest movie I've ever seen, even when I watch it again.
Much of this American movie takes place in Paris, so that's another great reason to see it..
I loved the original plot and the characters were great.
It is silly and very 1980s but having seen it originally at an impressionable age, it remains one of my favorite movies of all time.
Romantic Paris is the main setting for this fun romp through France in a film that features mistaken identities, amnesia and the yearning for something more than an ordinary life.
Jo Beth Williams is an amnesiac who believes she is the real-life heroine of a series of mystery books, and she acts accordingly.
JoBeth Williams and Tom Conti play their roles to perfection.
There is enough material here for a whole series of movies, but they packed it into this one delightful romp you'll want to watch again and again.Overall rating: 8 out of 10..
This film is delightful and worth watching if you never had the good fortune to see it.
I'm actually surprised the overall rating isn't much higher because it's hard for me to think of anything I didn't like about the film.One of the things that made this movie stand out from other 80s flicks was the script, which was more original and well thought out than other films of its time.
It moves very quickly across a broad arc with lots of little twists and turns along the way.Basically, if you haven't seen this film, you owe it to yourself to find a copy and watch it.
If you've never had the good fortune of seeing Tim Conti in a leading role then you definitely should make time to see it as soon as possible..
A major key to an excellent film is the chemistry between the leading actors, in American Dreamer, JoBeth Williams and Tom Conti, are simply great together, you sit riveted to your seat watching every turn and twist, and you aren't certain whether you'll be laughing, intrigued or shocked in the following scene.The portrait of the underestimated, under-appreciated housewife, who believes there is more to life than just being patronized is deftly presented.
There are several reasons why I think this movie didn't make a great impression at the time.
The direction is flat, and there is seldom a shot in the movie that looks like it took serious time to plan and shoot.
These fans all seem to be women who buy the lead character's fantasy throughout the movie.
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!
But it's worth seeing for the very funny "Rebecca Ryan fantasy hour.".
JoBeth Williams is hilarious as "Rebecca Ryan".
From start to end, Great!!Watch out for these classic scenes:1)The egg scene when Cathy is in her kitchen cooking the big dinner.2)The embassy party scene with "Rebecca" and the Russians.3)Chasing Vitor Marchand through Paris.
It wasn't funny, it wasn't interesting, and the acting and story were just good enough to make this movie incredibly lame.
The movie really is a waste of time.
You'll feel like a loser for watching this 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.
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.
Also JoBeth Williams has the similar older sexy lady vibe and both movies start with a closed-off reserved American woman.
This is a movie for anyone who ever dreamed of adventure, anyone who ever dreamed of getting more out of life, or anyone who enjoys watching JoBeth Williams.Cathy Palmer (JoBeth Williams) is about as bored as a housewife can be.
She treasures a secret desire to write detective novels like the ones she enjoys about Rebecca Ryan.
This unhappy balance changes when Cathy enters a contest to come up with a short story based on the Rebecca Ryan character.
Strangely enough, this leads into an actual case, and along the way she meets French minister Victor Marchand (Giancarlo Giannini), and author Alan McCann (Tom Conti), who actually authors the Rebecca Ryan books under a pseudonym.
Tom Conti makes a delightful, if a bit unorthodox, leading man.
And this is a great shame, as it's a charming and funny film about a romance writer that will appeal to both men and women.JoBeth Williams plays a frustrated woman who reads a lot of romance novels--particularly those involving a character named "Rebecca Ryan".
However, once there, she is hit on the head (a familiar plot device, I know) and she believes she IS Rebecca Ryan!!
He (played by Tom Conti) realizes she's a very disturbed woman, but JoBeth Williams is SO convincing as Ms. Ryan that people don't believe him and think she really is an international woman of mystery and battler of evil!!!
JoBeth Williams IS Rebecca Ryan.
Cathy Palmer (JoBeth Williams) enters a writing contest (two-thousand words written in the style of the famous `Rebecca Ryan' adventure-thriller series) and wins a week-long trip for two to Paris, France, to attend a luncheon to be given in her honor.
Actually, it's the home of Alan McMann (Tom Conti), son of Margaret McMann (Coral Browne), the author of the `Ryan' series.
`American Dreamer' is light, breezy fare; it's well made and delivered with plenty of fun, thanks mostly to Williams, with an able and noteworthy assist from both Conti and Rosenthal.
Catherine Palmer, (JoBeth Williams) a frustrated housewife who dreams of being a mystery writer enters and wins a contest to write a chapter for an upcoming installment in the Rebecca Ryan detective series.The comedic element is developed once she arrives in Paris though the multiple vehicles of amnesia, mistaken identity, and a madcap roller coaster ride through a steadily thickening plot involving real criminals and real crime.The first time I encountered this movie, I stumbled upon it during the airport scene near the end.
If you enjoy romantic adventures like "Romancing the Stone" then you need to give this a look.
All time favorite movie!.
All time favorite movie!.
So watchable and delightful I can't even count how many times I have re-watched this movie.