Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star

Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star

Year: 2003

Runtime: 98 min

Language: English

Director: Sam Weisman

Budget: $17M

Comedy

Having faded from the spotlight, former child star Dickie Roberts now works as a parking valet and dreams of returning to acting. Desperate to revive his career, he devises a unique and unusual strategy: he hires a family to pose as his adoptive parents. Dickie hopes that by reliving his childhood, he can rediscover the innocence and charm that made him famous and ultimately land the role that will bring him back to the big screen.

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Timeline – Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star (2003)

Trace every key event in Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star (2003) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Dickie's Rise to Fame

Dickie Roberts becomes a beloved child star on the popular 1970s television sitcom *The Glimmer Gang*. Known for his catchy phrase, 'This is Nucking Futs!', he captivates audiences and secures his place in pop culture.

1970s
2

Career Decline

With the cancellation of *The Glimmer Gang*, Dickie's career takes a downturn, leaving him feeling lost and forgotten. As years pass, he struggles to find purpose and work, ending up as a parking attendant.

Morton's restaurant
3

Celebrity Boxing Appearance

Seeking to reignite his fame, Dickie appears on *Celebrity Boxing*, where he faces Emmanuel Lewis. The match ends in humiliation for Dickie, reinforcing his public image as a washed-up star.

4

A Heartfelt Conversation

In a moment of reflection, Dickie has an honest talk with his old friend Leif Garrett. This conversation ignites a spark in Dickie, motivating him to pursue a role in Rob Reiner's upcoming film, *Mr. Blake's Backyard*.

5

Determined to Audition

Despite his agent's skepticism, Dickie is determined to land an audition for the film. His eagerness leads him to joyride in a customer's car, resulting in an unexpected interruption at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.

Alcoholics Anonymous meeting
6

The Lamaze Class Incident

Kicked out of the AA meeting, Dickie devises a plan to pretend to be drunk, leading him into a Lamaze class. Here, he encounters Brendan Fraser, who finds Dickie's antics amusing and decides to help him contact Rob Reiner.

Lamaze class
7

Rob Reiner's Rejection

After contacting Rob Reiner, Dickie is shocked to learn that he is deemed unfit for the role due to his lack of real-life experience. This rejection stings, as it highlights how his childhood stardom has hindered his maturity.

8

Selling the Autobiography

In a bold move to reinvent himself, Dickie writes and sells his risqué autobiography for $30,000. This decision marks a turning point, as he becomes even more determined to prove he has lived a life worthy of a leading role.

9

Joining a Surrogate Family

To gain real-life experiences, Dickie hires a surrogate family to help him prepare for the role. Initially hesitant, George and Grace eventually agree to take him in, and Dickie begins to embrace his new family dynamics.

10

Learning Important Lessons

As Dickie adapts to living with his new surrogate family, he discovers valuable life lessons through the script of *Mr. Blake's Backyard*. He begins mentoring George's children, Sam and Sally, becoming a positive influence in their lives.

11

Cyndi's Return

Cyndi reappears in Dickie's life and is impressed by his newfound maturity. Their rekindling relationship adds complexity as Dickie navigates his emotions and commitments to his adopted family.

12

George's Betrayal

In a twist of events, George betrays Dickie, leading to a dramatic confrontation. In the aftermath, Dickie finds the strength to act selflessly when he donates a kidney to Rob Reiner, who has been injured in a bizarre incident.

13

Securing the Role

With his brave act of donation, Dickie finally secures the coveted role in *Mr. Blake's Backyard*. This pivotal moment signifies his transformation and ability to rise above his past insecurities.

14

Creating a New Sitcom

In a twist of fate, Dickie launches his own sitcom, featuring his old friends and his new family members. This new venture symbolizes his success in blending his past and present into a fulfilling life.

15

The Comedic Finale

As the film concludes, a humorous homage to classic TV show theme songs unfolds, with Dickie and his cast performing 'Child Stars on Your Television'. This joyful moment highlights the importance of supporting former child stars.

Last Updated: November 21, 2024 at 09:33

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Narrative Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star

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