Mrs. Doubtfire

Mrs. Doubtfire is a 1993 American comedy-drama film directed by Chris Columbus, written by Randi Mayem Singer and Leslie Dixon, based on the 1987 novel Madame Doubtfire, by Anne Fine. The film was produced by Mark Radcliffe, Marsha Garces Williams and her then-husband Robin Williams, who also starred in the lead role. The film co-stars Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan, Harvey Fierstein, and Robert Prosky. It follows a recently divorced voice actor who disguises himself as an elderly female housekeeper in order to spend time with his children.

Mrs. Doubtfire was released in the United States by 20th Century Fox on November 24, 1993. It grossed $441.3 million on a $25 million budget, making it the second-highest-grossing film of 1993 behind Jurassic Park. While critical reception was mixed, the film won the Academy Award for Best Makeup, and the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. Williams was awarded the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.

Plot

Freelance voice actor Daniel Hillard lives in San Francisco and is a devoted father to three children – 14-year-old Lydia, 12-year-old Chris, and five-year-old Natalie – although his workaholic wife Miranda considers him immature and unreliable. After quitting a gig following a disagreement over a morally questionable script, Daniel throws Chris a chaotic birthday party, despite Miranda's objections due to Chris's poor grades. In the ensuing argument, Miranda says she intends to divorce. Due to Daniel's unemployed and homeless status, Miranda is granted sole custody of the children, with Daniel having visitation rights every Saturday; shared custody is contingent on Daniel finding a steady job and suitable residence within three months.