The Accidental Tourist

1988 Drama

Director Lawrence Kasdan and Frank Galati adapted their screenplay for The Accidental Tourist from Anne Tyler's novel. William Hurt plays Macon Leary, a well-known "travel advisor" headquartered in Baltimore. The tragic death of Leary's son causes him to withdraw from the world, which in turn prompts his wife (Kathleen Turner) to walk out on him. Recuperating from a broken leg, Leary moves in with his sister (Amy Wright) and brothers (Ed Begley Jr., David Ogden Stiers)-staid middle-aged intellectuals all. Discipline problems with his dead son's dog lead Leary to hire flaky professional dogwalker/trainer Muriel Pritchett (Geena Davis, who won an Oscar for her performance). The only non-uptight person within shouting distance, Muriel begins to melt Leary's self-protective shell. Once his wife realizes that she has some competition, she makes moves to get him back. But he has by now become accustomed to Muriel's unfettered lifestyle. more..

Director: Lawrence Kasdan

Starring: William Hurt, Geena Davis, Kathleen Turner, Amy Wright

Reviews

  • Irresistibly funny... Just about the best holiday gift imaginable.

    Sheila Benson - Los Angeles Times

    27 April 2013

  • I've never seen a movie so sad in which there was so much genuine laughter. The Accidental Tourist is one of the best films of the year.

    Roger Ebert - The Chicago Sun-Times

    27 April 2013

  • The chief delight is Kasdan. "Body Heat" was appropriately slick, but "The Big Chill" and "Silverado" too much so. Tourist is edgier - also the work of a genuine craftsman. Frankly, I didn't think Kasdan had it in him.

    Mike Clark - USA Today

    27 April 2013

  • Slow, sonorous and largely satisfying.

    - Variety

    27 April 2013

  • Hurt's performance is remarkably assured, and Davis beautifully captures her character's insouciance. Less than perfect is Turner, whose capable performance presents a figure somewhat hollow at the center.

    - TV Guide

    27 April 2013

Awards

  • Best Actress in a Supporting Role

    Academy Awards (1989)

  • Best Screenplay - Adapted

    BAFTA Awards (1990)

     
  • Best Motion Picture - Drama

    Golden Globes (1989)

     
  • Best Foreign Actor

    Golden Horse Film Festival (1989)

  • Lawrence Kasdan

    Moscow International Film Festival (1989)