Product Details

• Actors: Eddie Murphy, Lane Smith, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Joe Don Baker, Victoria Rowell
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DVD, Letterboxed, Widescreen, NTSC
• Language: English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround), French (Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround)
• Subtitles: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: R (Restricted)
• Studio: Walt Disney Video
• DVD Release Date: November 16, 1999
• Run Time: 112 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6305428441
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #23,626 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
• For more information about "The Distinguished Gentleman" visit the Internet Movie Database (IMDb)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential video

"Mr. Murphy Goes to Washington." As a sly con man from Florida, Thomas Jefferson Johnson (a name he enjoys reciting), Murphy seems just about perfectly cast. And the notion that a crook would be drawn to Capitol Hill like a fly to honey is a cheap, cynical idea that could be milked for a few belly laughs. The chief bad guy, a greedy lobbyist aptly named Dick Dodge (Lane Smith), is a perfect, smarmy target, but the movie loses its cool and turns earnest and patriotic, striking a high-minded attitude that it has scarcely earned. It may have seemed a clever idea hiring a Brit, Jonathan Lynn (Clue) to direct, but he doesn't bring a fresh eye to the material. Sheryl Lee Ralph and Joe Don Baker bat cleanup. --David Chute

Product Description

Comedy superstar Eddie Murphy (BOWFINGER, THE NUTTY PROFESSOR) brings down the house in THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN, the hilarious new comedy hit about a small-time con man who runs for Congress -- and miraculously wins! As Thomas Jeffferson Johnson, Murphy hustles his way to the big time and wins an elected seat in the U.S. Congress. But that's only the beginning -- with the perks and power of his new position, Murphy cons for cash and doesn't have to break the law to bamboozle the big bucks! You can be sure you'll love it when Eddie Murphy goes to Washington!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Required viewing for the voting public, February 1, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Distinguished Gentleman (DVD)

The movie should be on the required list for viewing by voters. It is spot-on about the 'ways and means' available in D.C. We weren't sure how it managed to get released until we realized that likely no one realized it was so close to the truth that it would only be seen as fiction. Excellent, funny, Murphy was great as the con artist, and was able to show his many talents as a mimic.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Political Satire meets Mr. Murphy, February 26, 2002

By 

MrWildCrazy101 - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Distinguished Gentleman (DVD)

Eddie Murphy is not well known for his bite at the US Government, so upon seeing "Distinguished Gentleman", you may either be shocked or impressed. Regardless, Eddie Murphy is dressed to impress in the politcal satire that takes bite out of politcs and crime. Kevin Kline put America at edge in his film "Dave," Tim Robbins made a couple great jabs with his movie, "Bob Roberts." "Distinguished Gentleman" has some extraordinary funny moments. Compared to other Eddie Murphy movies, you may get lost in the wickedness. "Distinguished Gentleman" wasn't made for the "Nutty Professor" or "Dr Dolittle" crowd. Murphy is at his sharp, witty best in "Distinguished Gentleman." Murphy proves not only is he gifted comic gem in movies today, but with good writing, we don't need to dwell into his blue mouth, in order to score laughs. Check out "Distinguished Gentleman," and fill out your politcal humor card for a superb satire.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Underrated, October 9, 2001

By 

L. Johnson (Bellingham, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Distinguished Gentleman (DVD)

I believe The Distinguished Gentleman to be underrated beyond belief. Eddie Murphy delivers his lines brilliantly in what is really a witty script. While the story is a reach, it's also a hilarious mockery of America's political system and the type of things that really go on in Washington.
The movie is a bit outdated, it has an 80's type of style (although I believe this movie was released in the early 90's), but honestly that's not a bad thing either. It takes an edge off things, and for the most part Eddie Murphy's crudeness is kept to a minimum.
If you like any of Murphy's work, at least give this one a shot...it's personally my favorite of the movies he's made.