The Distinguished Gentleman (1992)

The Distinguished Gentleman Poster

A Florida con man uses the passing of the long time Congressman from his district who he just happens to share a name with, to get elected to his version of paradise, Congress, where the money flows from lobbyists. But soon he learns the nature of the game and decides to fight back the only way he knows how, with a con.

Film Overview
"The Distinguished Gentleman" (1992) is an American political comedy movie directed by Jonathan Lynn. The script was conceived by Marty Kaplan and features Eddie Murphy in the lead role, alongside a cast including Sheryl Lee Ralph, Joe Don Baker, Lane Smith, and Grant Shaud. The movie uses humor to represent political corruption in the U.S. federal government, and Murphy's protagonist makes use of scam strategies to expose the pervasive deceit within the system.

Plot Summary
Eddie Murphy stars as Thomas Jefferson Johnson, a small-time bilker from Florida. His deceitful operations pertain to an abrupt end when his team got busted for running prohibited operations. Nevertheless, when a regional congressman called Jeff Johnson (whose name is incredibly similar to his own) dies, Thomas sees a window of opportunity.

He legally changes his name to "Jeff Johnson" to take advantage of the name acknowledgment and win the election to Congress-- essentially deceiving citizens into thinking he's the incumbent. Thomas's only interest in ending up being a congressman is to make money. His tactic works, and he becomes the brand-new congressman, in spite of having no political experience or knowledge.

Ascent to Power
Once in Washington, D.C., Johnson rapidly ends up being familiarized with the advantages of his new position. As he befriends other members of Congress, consisting of Speaker Eli Hawkins (played by James Garner), he discovers the ropes of political life, involving fundraising, lobbying, and graft. His lack of ethical limits becomes an asset, as he is more than ready to play along with the status quo.

Realization and Transformation
Nevertheless, things alter when he satisfies Celia Kirby (played by Victoria Rowell), a passionate environmental activist. Through her, Johnson learns about a power business's plan to build facilities using carcinogens in Florida, which will inevitably cause severe damage and death to his constituents. Confronted with this reality, he starts questioning his own actions and the more comprehensive political landscape.

Resolution
Johnson decides to utilize his con man skills for good, taking down the jeopardized committee Chairman Dodge (Lane Smith). He sets up a sting operation, which results in discovering the corruption within the political ranks. The power plant plan is exposed to the general public, and its funding is blocked. Johnson's actions result in the arrest and disgrace of Dodge, along with prominent power brokers.

Conclusion
"The Distinguished Gentleman" is a satirical yet impactful exploration of the American political device. It uses humor to expose the corruption and deceit that can fester in the corridors of power, while also showing the capacity for personal transformation and the pursuit of justice. Although it's a funny, the film eventually delivers a thought-provoking commentary on the vulnerability of politics to adjustment and greed. Eddie Murphy convincingly portrays a character whose initially self-serving intentions develop into a real desire to result positive change. This movie not just captivates however likewise prompts audiences to ponder the integrity of those elected to serve the public.

Top Cast

  • Eddie Murphy (small)
    Eddie Murphy
    Thomas Jefferson Johnson
  • Lane Smith (small)
    Lane Smith
    Dick Dodge
  • Sheryl Lee Ralph (small)
    Sheryl Lee Ralph
    Miss Loretta Hicks
  • Joe Don Baker (small)
    Joe Don Baker
    Olaf Andersen
  • Victoria Rowell (small)
    Victoria Rowell
    Celia Kirby
  • Grant Shaud (small)
    Grant Shaud
    Arthur Reinhardt
  • Kevin McCarthy (small)
    Kevin McCarthy
    Terry Corrigan
  • Charles S. Dutton (small)
    Charles S. Dutton
    Elijah Hawkins
  • Victor Rivers (small)
    Victor Rivers
    Armando
  • Chi McBride (small)
    Chi McBride
    Homer
  • Sonny Jim Gaines
    Van Dyke