IMDb >
The Accidental Tourist (1988)
Watch It
Buy it at Amazon
Rent it at blockbuster.com
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
BETA
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotesOverview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv scheduleAwards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage boardPlot & Quotes
plot summaryplot synopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotesFun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQOther Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDeskPromotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo galleryExternal Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clipsThe Accidental Tourist (1988) More at IMDbPro »
| Photos (see all 9 | slideshow) | Videos |
Overview
User Rating:
Release Date:
23 December 1988 (USA) morePlot:
An emotionally distant writer of travel guides must carry on with his life after his son is killed and his marriage crumbles. full summary | add synopsisAwards:
Won Oscar. Another 3 wins & 8 nominations moreUser Comments:
Pleasing concoction of light drama and lively romance with terrific leading performances. moreCast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| William Hurt | ... | Macon Leary | |
| Kathleen Turner | ... | Sarah Leary | |
| Geena Davis | ... | Muriel Pritchett | |
| Amy Wright | ... | Rose Leary | |
| David Ogden Stiers | ... | Porter Leary | |
| Ed Begley Jr. | ... | Charles Leary | |
| Bill Pullman | ... | Julian | |
| Robert Hy Gorman | ... | Alexander Pritchett (as Robert Gorman) | |
| Bradley Mott | ... | Mr. Loomis | |
| Seth Granger | ... | Ethan Leary | |
| Amanda Houck | ... | Debbie | |
| Caroline Houck | ... | Dorrie | |
| London Nelson | ... | Caroline | |
| Gregory Gouyer | ... | Paris Boy | |
| Bill Lee Brown | ... | Morgue Detective #1 (as W.H. Brown) |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Add content advisory for parentsRuntime:
121 minCountry:
USALanguage:
EnglishColor:
Color (Technicolor)Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 moreSound Mix:
DolbyCertification:
Australia:PG | Brazil:12 | South Korea:15 | Sweden:Btl | USA:PG (Certificate #29469) | Iceland:L | Singapore:PG | UK:PG | West Germany:12Fun Stuff
Trivia:
Edward the dog is a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. moreGoofs:
Continuity: The shaving cream on Macon's face changes as he talks with Sarah. moreQuotes:
Julian: While armchair travelers dream of going places, traveling armchairs dream of staying put. moreSoundtrack:
I'M GONNA LASSO SANTA CLAUS moreFAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more
Message Boards
Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for The Accidental Tourist (1988) moreRecommendations
If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
Show more recommendations
|
|
|
|
|
| Gone with the Wind | Eye for an Eye | Big Fish | The Kite Runner | Sideways |
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
Related Links
| Full cast and crew | Company credits | External reviews |
| News articles | IMDb Drama section | IMDb USA section |
| Add this title to MyMovies |











Usually films about recovery after tragedy are very heavy-handed and sometimes slightly manipulative (Ordinary People etc.). But `The Accidental Tourist' manages to simultaneously be humane to this subject manner and take a more entertaining light approach to it. The script moves along at a slow pace, but it is consistent in its timing.
A drama without good acting is nothing, and that'' where `The Accidental Tourist' really capitalises. William Hurt was a great choice as the depressed downbeat man, recently divorced and still feeling the repercussions of his son's death. Kathleen Turner appears at the start of the movie only to hastily disappear and then make a mark halfway through. Even though she could have done with bit more screen-time, she is also brilliant as the equally depressed ex-wife.
But Geena Davis really takes advantage of each moment and lights up every scene she's in. She's perfectly cast as the kitschy, free-spirited dog trainer and was well deserving of her `Best Supporting Actress' Oscar win. There's some genuine support from the supporting players including Bill Pullman, Amy Wright and David Ogden Stiers. But they don't receive much limelight, nor do they demand it.
At the halfway mark the movie turns into more of a muchly familiar dilemma, of choosing between two women. Either moving on with your life or hanging onto memories while you still can. This has been used many times before but it is handled very well here.
With terrific performances, a compelling script and a good narrative, `The Accidental Tourist' hits a bullseye in all categories. It engages the audience in it gentle yet charming manner. 7.5/10.