| Mr. North | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Danny Huston |
| Produced by | John Huston Steven Haft Skip Steloff Tom Shaw |
| Screenplay by | John Huston James Costigan |
| Based on | Theophilus North by Thornton Wilder |
| Starring | Anthony Edwards Robert Mitchum Lauren Bacall Harry Dean Stanton Anjelica Huston Mary Stuart Masterson Virginia Madsen |
| Music by | David McHugh |
| Cinematography | Robin Vidgeon |
| Editing by | Roberto Silvi |
| Studio | Heritage Entertainment Inc. Showcase Productions International |
| Distributed by | The Samuel Goldwyn Company |
| Release date(s) | July 22, 1988 |
| Running time | 93 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Box office | $1,221,366 [1] (limited release) |
Mr. North is a 1988 American comedy-drama film starring Anthony Edwards, based on the 1973 novel Theophilus North by Thornton Wilder.
Directed by Danny Huston, the film became a family project; produced by John Huston, it also stars Anjelica Huston, Danny's future wife Virginia Madsen, and Allegra Huston.
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Set in 1920s Newport, Rhode Island, the film tells the story of Theophilus North (Anthony Edwards), an engaging, multi-talented middle class Yale graduate—who spends the summer catering to the wealthy families of the city. He becomes the confidant of James McHenry Bosworth (Robert Mitchum), and a tutor and tennis coach to the families' children. He also befriends many of the city's servant class including Henry Simmons (Harry Dean Stanton), Amelia Cranston (Lauren Bacall), and Sally Boffin (Virginia Madsen).
Complications arise when some residents begin to ascribe healing powers to the static electricity shocks that Mr. North happens to generate frequently. Despite never claiming any healing or medical abilities he is accused of quackery and must, with the help of those he has befriended, defend himself.
In the end he accepts a position of leadership at an educational and philosophical academy founded by Mr. Bosworth, and begins a romance with Bosworth's granddaughter Persis.
Director Danny Huston brought the original script by James Costigan to his father for feedback, and John Huston rewrote it with his Prizzi's Honor coauthor Janet Roach.[2] Eugene Lee was the Production Designer.
Originally John Huston was to play James McHenry Bosworth; but just after filming began, the illness that eventually killed him forced his withdrawal. He was quickly replaced by family friend Robert Mitchum.[2]