My Fellow Americans (released in theaters on Dec. 20, 1996) centers on the bitter rivalry between two former U.S. Presidents: the thrifty, uptight Republican Russell P. Kramer (Jack Lemmon) and the libidinous, smooth-talking Democrat Matt Douglas (James Garner). For decades, they have traded insults and political barbs, but their mutual loathing is forced aside when a scandal threatens to destroy both their reputations.
The current President, William Haney (Dan Aykroyd)—who served as Kramer’s Vice President—is embroiled in a massive bribery scandal involving a defense contractor. To save himself, Haney and his calculating Chief of Staff, Carl Witnaur (Bradley Whitford), attempt to frame Kramer and Douglas.
When a high-stakes assassination attempt by rogue NSA agents (Everett McGill) forces the two ex-presidents to flee for their lives, they find themselves “on the lam” across the American heartland.
John Heard also stars as Haney’s Vice President, Ted Matthews.
Wilford Brimley, Esther Rolle, Jeff Yagher, Marg Helgenberger and Michael Pena round out the cast.
Lauren Bacall shines in a brief role as Kramer’s long-suffering wife.
Ultimately, the two rivals must infiltrate the White House to expose corruption and reclaim their legacies.
While originally intended as a reunion for Lemmon and Walter Matthau, Garner stepped in when Matthau bowed out for health reasons, and the result was comedic gold.
Peter Segal (Tommy Boy, Anger Management, Naked Gun 33+1⁄3: The Final Insult, The Longest Yard, Grudge Match) directed the film.
Lauren Bacall, Jack Lemmon and James Garner in My Fellow Americans (Photo/Warner Bros.)
Reception for My Fellow Americans
My Fellow Americans grossed $2.9 million on its opening weekend, finishing ninth at the box office.
The film would gross $22.3 million in its theatrical run.
Roger Ebert gave the film two and a half out of four stars in his review.
Legacy
The film’s legacy is built on the effortless, rhythmic chemistry between Lemmon and Garner; their “odd couple” dynamic feels authentically seasoned, blending sharp political satire with genuine heart.
The movie is remembered as a lighthearted time capsule of 1990s bipartisanship.
It mocks the pomposity and perks of the presidency while celebrating the “real” Americans the leaders have long ignored.
While the political landscape has become much more polarized since 1996, My Fellow Americans survives as a comforting reminder that common ground can be found, usually through shared adversity and a well-timed insult.
It remains a staple of cable television, praised for its sharp script and the rare opportunity to see two Hollywood titans at the top of their comedic game, proving that you’re never too old (or too partisan) to do the right thing.
