25th Anniversary of Man with a Plan
Sep 24, 2021 02:53PM ● By By John O’Brien
Photo from IMBD website.
Where were you 25
years ago? It’s 1996 in New England and if you went to the movies on a Saturday
night in October, these would have been your options: Dear God starring
Greg Kinnear, The Associate starring Whoopi Goldberg, Michael Collins
starring Liam Neeson, High School High starring Jon Lovitz, and Man
with a Plan starring Fred Tuttle.
If you noticed on the poster that Man with a Plan was endorsed by a Vermont politician called “Bernie,” and you then spotted, in the lobby, the star of the film—a 77-year-old non-actor who looked a lot like Mr. Magoo, perhaps that would have convinced you to take a chance on this movie.
Fred, wearing a baseball cap that said “FRED,” would have been surrounded by an adoring throng, signing autographs, telling stories, and loving every minute of it. He would have been joined in the lobby by the director of the film. (That would be me.) The producer, cinematographer, editor, and distributor of the movie would have also been there. (Me again.) Fred Tuttle’s chauffeur was also there. (Me as well.)
If you noticed on the poster that Man with a Plan was endorsed by a Vermont politician called “Bernie,” and you then spotted, in the lobby, the star of the film—a 77-year-old non-actor who looked a lot like Mr. Magoo, perhaps that would have convinced you to take a chance on this movie.
Fred, wearing a baseball cap that said “FRED,” would have been surrounded by an adoring throng, signing autographs, telling stories, and loving every minute of it. He would have been joined in the lobby by the director of the film. (That would be me.) The producer, cinematographer, editor, and distributor of the movie would have also been there. (Me again.) Fred Tuttle’s chauffeur was also there. (Me as well.)
As you enjoy looking back 25 years and remembering the movie and Fred, take a moment to listen to the Starline Rhythm Boys singing “Memory of Fred.”
To continue reading this story please see page 66 in the Image Magazine fall 2021 digital edition.
Memory of Fred
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