“Kenny, don’t paint your sister!”
This is a really funny line from a really funny film – and it was my choice a few years back when I took part in a “(Aaron) Spellingverse” Blogathon!
The legendary Producer Aaron Spelling had an incredible career, including “Mr. Mom” with Michael Keaton – and I had a unique meeting with Spelling once as well!
Spelling started as a Writer and as we all know, became one of the most successful TV Producers in history…from Charlie’s Angels to The Love Boat, Hart to Hart, Dynasty, Beverly Hills 90210, Melrose Place and more!
He also branched into many other areas of entertainment, like when he Executive Produced this 1983 comedy smash hit!
Michael Keaton’s Star-Making Turn As “Mr. Mom!”
Spelling Executive Produced this hilarious and touching film.
Michael Keaton is an Iconic Actor today, but in 1983, he was getting his first shot at a starring role. It’s the story of a husband who takes care of the kids at home after he loses his job, and what happens when his wife is pursued by her Boss.
According to wikipedia:
“The premise came about when Writer John Hughes told Producer Lauren Shuler Donner about a disastrous experience he had looking after his two children while his wife was away. Donner found it hilarious. Hughes asked if that could make a good movie, and Donner replied that “it sure sounds funny to me”. Hughes wrote the film, and flew to Los Angeles to re-write the script with Donner.
Keaton had shown his comedic chops in the film “Night Shift” the year before, and “Mr. Mom” – directed by Stan Dragoti from the Hughes script – made him a star.
First, check out the film’s trailer:
Michael Keaton owns this film from beginning to end – it’s not only filled with hilarious moments with him and the kids, but he also brings heart and humanity to the role…not only showing how tough it is to raise kids, but how men need to step up and be more of a proactive part of it.
In 1983, this was a fairly new way of thinking.
Teri Garr is terrific as his wife, and Martin Mull is her slimy Boss, who makes a move on her…he and Keaton, Jack Butler in the film, meet this way – with Keaton toting a chainsaw!
- Jack Butler: [Enters scene revving chainsaw] How ya doin’. You must be Ron Richardson. I’m Jack Butler, nice to meetcha.
- Ron Richardson: Pleased to meet you.
- Jack Butler: Huh?
- Ron Richardson: I say I’m pleased…
- [Jack Turns chainsaw off]
- Ron Richardson: …to meet you. I’m just waiting for Caroline.
- Jack Butler: Well, uh, you know women.
- Ron Richardson: Yeah, I’d like to think I do.
- Jack Butler: Wanna beer?
- Ron Richardson: It’s 7 o’clock in the morning.
- Jack Butler: Scotch?
While trying to act manly about projects around the house, Keaton clearly has no idea of what he’s talking about – like when Mull asks him about what power supply he’s planning to install:
There are terrific, heartwarming moments between Keaton and his kids, like this one:
- [Trying to get Kenny to give up his security blanket]
- Jack Butler: “I understand that you little guys start out with your woobies and you think they’re great… and they are, they are terrific. But pretty soon, a woobie isn’t enough. You’re out on the street trying to score an electric blanket, or maybe a quilt. And the next thing you know, you’re strung out on bedspreads Ken. That’s serious!”
The film is funny and heartwarming in equal measure and was a massive hit, grossing almost $100 million.
The film propelled Keaton to stardom – but guess what? Keaton turned down the smash hit film “Splash” to do this film!
And get this: “Night Shift” Director Ron Howard wanted to work with Keaton again, but Howard had to turn down the chance to direct “Mr. Mom” so he could make…you guessed it. “Splash!”
My “White Glove” Encounter With Aaron Spelling!
Now, for my Aaron Spelling encounter: in the late 90’s I was running programming for E! Entertainment Television, and we were considering going into fictional programming. I got a call from an Agent suggesting we meet with Spelling, who happened to have his offices right next door to us!
Of course I wasn’t going to pass on the chance to meet this legend, so I walked across the courtyard at the appointed time with a co-worker and entered his offices…which were beautifully appointed with posters of many of his TV shows and films – at the exact time of the appointment we were led into his office. It was a massive, opulent office sort of like this:
Our “White Glove” Treatment!
Here’s how I knew I was walking into a meeting with True Hollywood Royalty: we were seated opposite a massive table with shelves of awards and photos behind it, and a Butler – YES, A BUTLER – entered the room. He was in a Tuxedo and had on white gloves. He asked us what we would like to drink. We chose water and he returned quickly with a silver tray holding two glasses of water – served in crystal glasses!
Spelling entered and was effusively nice and gracious. He asked us to tell him what we were looking to do: he was engaged, perceptive and asked all the right questions. At one point the Butler, still wearing the white gloves, entered and offered up a silver tray of cookies!
We spent almost an hour in his office, and in the coming weeks we continued to discuss projects with his development team…he didn’t need to be part of those, and ultimately a few ideas were developed…but it all began with our “white glove” encounter with a Hollywood Icon.
As for Keaton, he became one of film’s most iconic characters:
Keaton only starred in two “Batman” films but they are beloved classics of the superhero genre!
From Jack Nicholson’s scene-chewing performance as The Joker to Prince’s iconic soundtrack, “Batman” continues to be enjoyed by new generations…and it wasn’t Keaton’s only time as a Superhero:
He Was “Birdman” Too!
Keaton was nominated for the Best Acting Oscar for his role as a fading star trying to make a comeback on Broadway! The film won Best Picture and it is a masterpiece – films as one long take!
See the trailer and much more here:
Keaton of course went on from “Mr. Mom” to make such smash hits as “Batman” and “Beetlejuice” – and he ended up working again with Ron Howard in this terrific movie:
Look at that cast! This is a really funny film about a day in the life of a New York newspaper – really terrific and worth a look – check it out here:
Since Keaton was Batman, did you know another Icon, Nicolas Cage, was going to play Superman?
Yes, “Beetlejuice” and “Batman” Director Tim Burton was going to make a “Superman” movie – and look who was going to play Clark Kent! Click here for that fascinating story:
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Let me know your favorite Keaton role – and if you like this story please share on social media!
Categories: Academy Awards, Action Films, Art, Comedy Movies, Cult Movies, Film Fight Club, Great Films, Hollywood, Movies, Pop Culture, Talent/Celebrities
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