The Tall Guy

The Tall Guy is a 1989 romantic comedy written by Richard Curtis, directed by Mel Smith and produced by London Weekend Television for theatrical release. The farcical yet tender-hearted film stars Jeff Goldblum and Emma Thompson, with costars Rowan Atkinson and Geraldine James.

Related Topics:
1989 - Romantic comedy - Written - Richard Curtis - Mel Smith - London Weekend Television - Farcical - Jeff Goldblum - Emma Thompson - Rowan Atkinson - Geraldine James

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The title character and narrator is Dexter King (Goldblum), an American actor living and working in London. He is stuck in a career rut as a straight man in a two-man, long-running revue starring (and dominated by) Ron Anderson. Anderson is played by Atkinson, in an egotistic and nasty version of Atkinson's own persona.

Related Topics:
London - Straight man - Revue - Persona

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Dexter's love life as he approaches his 40th birthday has been mostly a disaster. Chronic allergies prompt him to see a doctor, where he meets and falls quickly in love with Kate (played by Thompson), who works there as a nurse.

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Soon after meeting Kate, Dexter is fired by Ron. After growing somewhat desperate for employment, Dexter is given what becomes the title role in a new Royal Shakespeare Company musical about Joseph Merrick the Elephant Man, called Elephant! (an over-the-top production featuring a song called ?He?s Packing His Trunk? and ending with the lyric "Somewhere in heaven there's an angel with big ears!"). The couple, who are already living together, are happy that the tough times are over.

Related Topics:
Royal Shakespeare Company - Musical - Joseph Merrick

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Complications ensue as Dexter fails to resist the advances of a married co-star, Cheryl (Kim Thomson). Kate picks up on subtle clues of the affair, and leaves Dexter without further ado.

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After seeing a scene in a televised award show that suggests Ron is now dating Kate, Dexter gives up his role in Elephant! to make an impassioned plea to Kate to take him back, and in the end, she does.

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