A rich millionaire hires a sophisticated journalist to bring his somewhat dim-witted girlfriend up to the level of his peers. He fears that the showgirl's lack of etiquette may damage his own social reputation and tries to change her — but fails to realise that her enhanced eloquence will empower her to voice her own strong opinions.
Reviews
The rude, selfish and arrogant businessman Harry Brock (John Goodman) travels to Washington with his mistress Billie Dawn (Melanie Griffith), his adviser Ed Devery (Edward Herrmann) and his assistant JJ (Max Perlich) to have business meetings with senators. Billie is a former showgirl from Las Vegas and does not have culture, embarrassing Harry in the social events. He hires the journalist Paul Verrall (Don Johnson) to teach Billie that is an intelligent woman and soon she does not accept the treatment spent by Harry toward her. Further, Billie and Paul disclose dirty businesses of Harry and fall in love with each other. "Born Yesterday" is a remake of the 1950 film with a storyline inspired in "Pygmalion" (1938) and "Educating Rita" (1983). The romance is entertaining and funny and the gorgeous Melanie Griffith shows a great chemistry with her husband Don Johnson. John Goodman completes the cast with great performance. My vote is seven.Title (Brazil): "O Renascer de Uma Mulher" ("The Rebirth of a Woman")
Watching this movie is not the waste of time most movies entail; I am not a Melanie Griffith fan, but it's worth watching for (1) script (2) camera work (4) de Tocqueville (5) (above all) the 1st ten amendments of a hallowed document.
I think this remake of 1950's "Born Yesterday" with Judy Holliday is better than the original! Melanie Griffith is great as Billie Dawn, because she's so sweet and soft-spoken at the end...you can really see the transformation! And I think John Goodman is really funny when he goes on his tirades. I especially like the part when Paul arrives after going to the newspaper office. He and Billie are carrying on a simple conversation about each other's health. Harry (Goodman) keeps looking and them, then says abruptly, "OK, can the tea party crap!!". I just think that's so funny! =)I also think Don Johnson is great as Paul. He should wear those glasses all the time! But even though I like this version better, I still think William Holden was better in the original.Therefore, I give "Born Yesterday" a 10 out of 10!
Despite the bad reviews this movie received, I didn't think it was that bad. Maybe it's just because it's a remake and it's a known fact that people just don't like remakes. I don't remember ever having encountered a remake that people liked more than the original. And nostalgia for the originals plays a huge part in this, trust me.But I don't think they changed too much of the script, and it's the script which I really liked anyway. While for the other aspects, well, I guess I have to admit that most of the acting wasn't particularly good, the only character I really felt was played with sparkle was Melanie Griffith as Billie.Anyway, it is worth a watch especially if you haven't seen the original version (same title, 1950) in which case you might be kinder on your comments. If you loved the original, don't like remakes, then be cautious!
