Tanner '88

TV Mini Series
1988
Not Rated
5h 53m

IMDb RATING

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A behind-the-scenes look at a former Michigan U.S. Representative's campaign as he vies for his party's Presidential nomination.A behind-the-scenes look at a former Michigan U.S. Representative's campaign as he vies for his party's Presidential nomination.A behind-the-scenes look at a former Michigan U.S. Representative's campaign as he vies for his party's Presidential nomination.

Stars

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.8/10

974

YOUR RATING

Stars

See production info at IMDbPro

Won 1 Primetime Emmy
- 4 wins & 3 nominations total

Episodes11

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TopTop-rated 1 Season 1988

Photos15

+ 9

Top cast99+

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Michael Murphy

Jack Tanner

Pamela Reed

T.J. Cavanaugh

Daniel Jenkins

Stringer Kincaid

Matt Malloy

Deke Connors

Ilana Levine

Andrea Spinelli

Cynthia Nixon

Alex Tanner

Jim Fyfe

Emile Berkoff

Veronica Cartwright

Molly Hark

Frank Barhydt

Frank Gatling

Sandra Bowie

Stevie Chevalier

Wendy Crewson

Joanna Buckley

Kevin J. O'Connor

Hayes Taggerty

Richard Cox

David Seidelman

Greg Procaccino

Barney Kittman

E.G. Marshall

Gen. John Tanner

Andy Stahl

Molly's Crew

Harry Anderson

Billy Ridenhour

Stephen Kelly

Molly's Crew

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Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
Aaron Sorkin has acknowledged that this miniseries had an influence on The West Wing (1999), which he created, in its underlying idealism, and in its view of political staffers as people who at least struggle to do the right thing.

Quotes
[making a toast at his son's wedding rehearsal dinner]
Tanner's Father: One hundred years ago, William Gladstone, after a particularly acrimonious debate in Parliament, bellowed across the floor at his arch-rival Benjamin Disraeli, "You, sir," he said, "will one day end your days on the gallows or of venereal disease." Disraeli raised himself up and replied, "That, sir, would depend on whether I embrace your principles or your mistress."
Alex Tanner: Grandpa.
Tanner's Father: I tell this humorous story because it hasn't been altogether clear to me this past year exactly what my son is embracing.
Jack Tanner: Dad!
[Jack's fiancee gets up from the table and leaves]

Alternate versions
As a prelude to the first screening of the sequel _"Tanner on Tanner" (2004) (mini)_, the original mini-series was shown again on the Sundance Channel (in the US) and BBC 4 (in the UK). The re-release was subtitled "Once More in '04", and each episode was preceded by a newly filmed introduction, in which one of the main characters talks to camera about their memories of the '88 campaign, 16 years on.

Connections
Featured in Luck, Trust & Ketchup: Robert Altman in Carver Country (1993)

User reviews12

Review

Featured review

"The Player" for politics

Robert Altman and Garry "Doonesbury" Trudeau teamed up to create this unforgettable look at American politics -- an ongoing series about Tanner, a fictional candidate for president, filmed against the backdrop of the real race (primaries, conventions, etc.) with real politicians playing themselves and interacting with the characters.

This one is as brilliant, funny and thought-provoking as the best of the writer and director's solo projects. All the performances are terrific -- Pamela Reed, in particular, shows why she's one of the most interesting American actresses working today.