Born Yesterday

Born Yesterday

Year: 1993

Runtime: 100 mins

Language: English

Director: Luis Mandoki

ComedyRomance

A wealthy businessman enlists a cultured journalist to coach his brash show‑girl girlfriend, fearing her lack of polish will tarnish his social standing. As she learns etiquette and sharpens her speech, she discovers confidence and begins to assert her own strong opinions, turning the lesson on its head.

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Timeline & Setting – Born Yesterday (1993)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Born Yesterday (1993). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

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Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:07

Main Characters – Born Yesterday (1993)

Meet the key characters of Born Yesterday (1993), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Paul Verrall (Don Johnson)

An ambitious reporter who is recruited to educate Billie Dawn about politics. He mentors Billie to appear informed and socially savvy, while secretly falling in love with her. He uses the opportunity to uncover Harry Brock’s corruption and publish the resulting exposé. His charm and calculating nature drive the romance and the political drama.

🗞️ Journalist 🧠 Cunning 💘 Romantic

Billie Dawn (Melanie Griffith)

A naïve showgirl thrust into elite political circles. Educated by Paul, she becomes aware of the manipulation around her and struggles with her autonomy. Her warmth and honesty clash with the scheming world of her partner and Harry’s plans. She ultimately chooses to align with Paul and reclaim control over her life.

🎭 Showgirl 🧠 Naive 💬 Learner

Harry Brock (John Goodman)

A ruthless businessman and political fixer who exploits Billie to advance his schemes. He tries to control Billie by demanding signatures on papers that hide illegal activities. His temper and domineering attitude reveal the moral rot behind political ambition. His eventual downfall comes when Billie and Paul expose his corruption.

💼 Tycoon 🧪 Corrupt 🗳️ Political

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:07

Major Themes – Born Yesterday (1993)

Explore the central themes of Born Yesterday (1993), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎭 Power & Manipulation

Harry uses Billie as a tool to influence politics, while Paul trains her to project intelligence. Billie’s new persona sways elite audiences at parties, exposing how appearances can mask real motives. The dynamic of control and affection unfolds as Paul and Billie grow closer, complicating Harry's plans. The plot centers on who holds the power to shape public perception.

💬 Language & Identity

Billie’s improvised phrases make her seem educated, turning words into leverage in a political social scene. Paul teaches her lines primarily to win approval, not for truth, highlighting how language can mask ignorance. As Billie learns to speak, she begins to question who she is beyond the performances. The tension between authentic self and crafted persona drives the drama.

💼 Corruption

Harry signs papers that create companies in Billie’s name and bribes senators to protect his interests, revealing a corrupt web of influence. Paul uncovers the illegal activity and uses it to publish a story, turning private wrongdoing into public exposure. The theft of documents from the safe and Billie’s decision to reclaim her agency marks a shift in power. The narrative critiques how money and politics intersect to control outcomes.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:07

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Born Yesterday Summary

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Born Yesterday Summary

Born Yesterday Timeline

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Born Yesterday Timeline

More About Born Yesterday

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Born Yesterday (1993) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

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Born Yesterday (1993) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow