Tanner '88

TV Mini Series
1988
Not Rated
5h 53m

IMDb RATING

YOUR RATING

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

989

YOUR RATING

Stars

See production info at IMDbPro

Won 1 Primetime Emmy
- 4 wins & 3 nominations total

Episodes11

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TopTop-rated Season 1988

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

Wendy Crewson

Joanna Buckley

Sandra Bowie

Stevie Chevalier

Kevin J. O'Connor

Hayes Taggerty

Richard Cox

David Seidelman

Greg Procaccino

Barney Kittman

E.G. Marshall

General John Tanner

Andy Stahl

Molly's Crew

Harry Anderson

Billy Ridenhour

Tom Mehigan

Priest

User reviews12

Featured review

10/10

Why isn't Maverick Altman running for President !!

Where the whole world is holding its breath because of the upcoming 2004 election, it is refreshing to watch this TV series. Not only because of the superb acting of Pamela Reed & Michael Murphy and each and every one of the ensemble (something we almost take for granted with Altman pictures, which always give sublime acting) and the great writing, but also because it gives non-Americans some insight in Political USA.

Inspiring and clarifying, it makes one wonder first of all why it's always the wrong movie people that get elected in politics. Wouldn't we all be much more relaxed if USA politics had a bit of the Altman-touch to it...

Unfortunately, the inspiration of this Maverick doesn't seem to reach the oligarchy in power. Altman DOES show us that TV can be fascinating and uplifting, even though he got curtailed, which will keep us wondering how that 12th episode that was never shot would be like.

Does this TV-series, which is over before one knows it and doesn't seem to take the 12x 30 minutes it says on the DVD jewelbox, draw a true picture of political USA ? Being from Europe I sincerely hope not, but I'm afraid it is even worse than Tanner is showing us. 'Let's not tell too much and focus on the face'.

And even worse, after globalization and sugarfrosted horrors for breakfast, the 'old world' is quickly picking up on this terrible excrescence too...

wobelix
Oct 30, 2004
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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.