Romantic Paris is the main setting for this fun romp through France in a film that features mistaken identities, amnesia and the yearning for something more than an ordinary life. A throwback to the screwball comedies of the 30's, this 80's gem is the perfect blend of international intrigue and pratfall humor, even adding a little twist at the end that you won't see coming! Jo Beth Williams is an amnesiac who believes she is the real-life heroine of a series of mystery books, and she acts accordingly. Tom Conti, who is the author of the books, becomes an unwilling accomplice to the amnesiac's delusions. Mayhem ensues as a result of Jo Beth Williams' actions and two actual villains are swept up in the chaos that ensues.All of the actors are outstanding. Tom Conti shines as the haplessly overwhelmed straight man to Jo Beth Williams' delightfully outrageous amnesiac. The actors who played the Spanish diplomat and French politician couldn't have been more perfect for their roles. Their performances had us laughing so hard we had tears streaming. The secondary characters were well-cast and gave excellent performances. JoBeth Williams and Tom Conti play their roles to perfection. There is an hysterical scene in the police station that you have to see, and his mother, who Williams takes for "Aunt Edna" in the mystery series, handles her few lines with an unmatched elegance, and beautiful timing. There is enough material here for a whole series of movies, but they packed it into this one delightful romp you'll want to watch again and again.Overall rating: 8 out of 10.

I watched this movie on cable ages ago and never forgot it. It was/is delightful and engaging. It is one of those movies that you can watch over and over again. The plot line and character interactions make the perfect comedy.JoBeth Williams is delightful and one of the funniest scenes is when she goes out to have some fun in Paris. I won't elaborate more because it would be a spoiler.The ending is also wonderful with a sort of moral/life lesson being learned by the audience in regard to settling or merely existing in your life instead of actually "living."

My wife and I watched this movie with a new convert last night. This may well be my favorite movie of all time, but, it certainly our favorite movie. Why? First because it is a complex soufflé of whimsy, cerebral humor, physical humor and a wonderful story. Second, because it has very tangible street scenes in Paris. Third, it is a nice jumble of buddy movie, boy meets girl, adventure, hero story. Rebecca Ryan is "supercompetent", which always appeals to me. My previous favorite movie was Butch Cassidy and the Sundance kid. While the great parts are still great, there are the self indulgent and incongruous musical numbers which I had edited out of my memory. No problem with American Dreamer. I have seen it 4 time since I get the DVD last fall. The movie is very well paced and should keep the attention of today's teens. The cars and airlines and fashions are totally 80's, but, the humor and characters are timeless. I strongly believe this is JoBeth Williams and Tom Conti's best work and I have a fantasy about a sequel - perhaps a metaphor for the mending of relations between France and the States.

Jobeth Williams: Sultry, sexy, mystifying, and quirky in this outstanding tale of madness and romance in the midst of chaos during a woman's trip to France. Williams was a Hollywood noise-maker when she was running from those pesky ghosts in "Poltergeist", but here, she's not running, she's chasing! Cathy Palmer, is a desperate housewife in her own, yearning for a life of adventure, and when she enters a contest for a murder/mystery sweep stake, she wins! Ignoring her chauvinistic husband, Cathy immediately flies to Paris to meet the author of the most famed mystery novels around, the Rebecca Ryan novels. An incidental blow on the head leaves her in a hospital, but once she wakes up...she IS Rebecca Ryan! Now, she is determined to uncover the scandals and mysteries of the undercover spies in Europe. Along for the ride, is the son of the Rebecca Ryan novels Alan McMann, whom Cathy believes is Rebeccas side-kick Demitri. Together, they will take on murder, madness, and some funny conquests that will leaving your stomach aching for more! Williams is so passionate, and enduring as Cathy Palmer, and she really makes us believe that she is trapped in two worlds, and loving it! Tom Conti doesn't get any better, as his vulnerability to nonsense turns to a romantic interest for the bewildered Palmer. Trouble is around any door, and mystery lurks in the shadows of Paris! Director Rosenthal also directed "Halloween II". A fun, and delightful treat for young, and older audiences alike! "American Dreamer" is a joyous adventure with witty dialogue and quick development that will only impress with every viewing! 10/10