The Accidental Tourist (1988)

79% of critics liked it
(28 reviews)
57% of users liked it
(5,773 ratings)

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… More 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. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 2 hr. 1 min.
Directed By: Lawrence Kasdan
Written By: Anne Tyler, Frank Galati, Lawrence Kasdan
Genres: Drama, Romance, Comedy

In Theaters: Dec 23, 1988 Wide
On DVD: Jun 1, 2004
Studio: Warner Home Video

Critic Reviews

Wesley Lovell, Oscar Guy
The film tries so hard to be funny, but ends up feeling like a rejected Woody ALlen script idea.
Randy White, Common Sense Media
A mature, well-made film for teens and adults.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Kasdan's film lacks the spirit of Tyler's novel; he seems to be the wrong director to translate the author's affectionate and humorous treatment of the characters. Fortunately, Geena Davis as the eccentric dog-walker elevates the otherwise morose mood.
Gregory Weinkauf, ÜberCiné
A genuinely beautiful and human story out of the Hollywood mills. Subtly amazing work from all concerned.
Nick Davis, Nick's Flick Picks
This is a warm movie told in the temperature of almost-recognizable life; it's a believable love story, joked up a bit but not too much.
Rob Thomas, Capital Times (Madison, WI)
Beautifully-acted comedy-drama that doesn't overdose on its quirks.

Read all 6 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Cynthia S

William Hurt sure made some really great movies back in the 80s and 90s. I cant say that I have watched anything lately that he has starred in. This movie was very good. I had a hard time getting past Geena Davis and her horrible 80s fashion, but I guess that I cant blame the movie… More
William Hurt sure made some really great movies back in the 80s and 90s. I cant say that I have watched anything lately that he has starred in. This movie was very good. I had a hard time getting past Geena Davis and her horrible 80s fashion, but I guess that I cant blame the movie itself...just the era. This movie had a very nice ending, which is always a plus for me.
Mason W

The Accidental Tourist starring Geena Davis, William Hurt and Kathleen Turner is a very good film based on the best selling novel. William Hurt and Kathleen Turner play a couple who's child passes away which places a lot of strain on the marriage. The couple divorces and in… More
The Accidental Tourist starring Geena Davis, William Hurt and Kathleen Turner is a very good film based on the best selling novel. William Hurt and Kathleen Turner play a couple who's child passes away which places a lot of strain on the marriage. The couple divorces and in comes an off the wall lady into his ife (Geena Davis). She re introduces a new passon in his life...Geena Davis won the Oscar for the Best Supporting Actress and rightfully so.
Alice S

The thing I really love about Kasdan's scripts is that he tells us what happened without TELLING us what happened. A little slow past the first half but still neatly wrapped with great underscored humor. I love Welsh Corgis!
Dean M

Average gentle, wryly amusing study of love triumphing over indifference.
Mark A

A marvelous cast and an interesting story pretty much insures that this film would strike a chord with this viewer. Geena Davis as Muriel Pritchett, William Hurt, as Macon Leary, and Kathleen Turner as Macon's ex-wife, Sarah, headline, but the supporting cast, including Amy… More
A marvelous cast and an interesting story pretty much insures that this film would strike a chord with this viewer. Geena Davis as Muriel Pritchett, William Hurt, as Macon Leary, and Kathleen Turner as Macon's ex-wife, Sarah, headline, but the supporting cast, including Amy Wright, Bill Pullman and Ed Begley, Jr. are outstanding as well. The tale revolves around a travel writer who slides through life trying to remain unaffected by his travels and inspires others to do the same. But, the murder of his son devastates his world and it takes the prodding of a quirky dog trainer to force him to awaken from his resulting stupor. There were many lighter moments in the film, mostly supplied by Macon's eccentric siblings, but the loss of a child hung over the film like a pall, and was accentuated by Macon's inability to connect to his feelings, or the wider world as he passed through it. There were some poignant moments in the film, when the camera revealed the otherwise masked feelings of some of the characters. There were also moments of deep frustration when it appeared that Macon was not going to make it out of his funk. This turned out to be an emotional ride, and a story of growth through what has to be one of the most devastating events any parent can endure.
Byron B

William Hurt's character, Macon Leary, is the opposite of Anthony Bourdain. He's a world traveler, but unwilling to try new things or actually experience other cultures.
Erin C

I didn't like this movie. I thought it was really boring, especially with Hurt's performance, and Davis just annoyed me.
Barry L

Great film.....

Read all 8 featured audience ratings

Cast

            William Hurt as Macon Leary

            Kathleen Turner as Sarah Leary

            Geena Davis as Muriel Pritchett

            Amy Wright as Rose

            David Ogden Stiers as Porter Leary

            Ed Begley Jr as Charles Leary

            Bill Pullman as Julian

            Robert Hy Gorman as Alexander Pritchett

            Bradley Mott as Mr. Loomis

            Seth Granger as Ethan

            Amanda Houck as Debbie

            Caroline Houck as Dorrie

            London Nelson as Caroline

            Gregory Gouyer as Paris boy

            Bill Lee Brown
            
            Donald Neal as 2nd Morgue Detective

            Peggy Converse as Mrs. Barrett

            Maureen Kerrigan as Laura Canfield

            Jake Kasdan
            
            Paul Williamson as London Hotel Manager

            Walter Sparrow as Hot Dog Vendor

            Todd Adelman as Macons Doctor

            Meg Kasdan
            
            David Q. Combs as Minister

            Jon Kasdan as Boy at Doctor's Office

            Thomas Paolucci as Taunting Boy

            Neana N. Collins as Taunting Girl

            Roland Riallot as Paris Cab Driver

            Audrey R. Rapoport as Girl on Plane

            Aaron Michael Lacey as Restaurant Patron
See full cast

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