Protocol

Protocol

Year: 1984

Runtime: 96 min

Language: English

Director: Herbert Ross

Comedy

A nightclub waitress inadvertently stops an assassination, leading the State Department to recruit her as an unexpected asset. As Sunny Ann Davis navigates the complexities of diplomatic protocol, her charm captivates both government officials and rebel leaders. Her presence unexpectedly ignites a rebellion in Othar, potentially destabilizing international relations and creating unforeseen consequences.

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Timeline & Setting – Protocol (1984)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Protocol (1984). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Modern Day

The story takes place in contemporary times, reflecting the dynamics of modern American politics and international relations. The events highlight the complexities of diplomatic exchanges and the role of individuals in the political arena. The modern setting also emphasizes issues relevant to society today, such as media influence and public perception.

Location

Washington, D.C., El Othar, Diamond Junction, Oregon

Washington, D.C. is the vibrant heart of American politics, known for its iconic monuments and as a hub for diplomatic activity. El Othar, a small but strategic Middle Eastern country, serves as a focal point for international relations, particularly with the United States. Diamond Junction, Oregon is a quaint hometown that represents Sunny's roots and her eventual return to local politics.

🏛️ Government 🌍 Middle East 🏡 Hometown

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:08

Main Characters – Protocol (1984)

Meet the key characters of Protocol (1984), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Sunny Ann Davis (Goldie Hawn)

Sunny is portrayed as a bubbly yet naive cocktail waitress who unintentionally becomes a heroine. Her charm, intelligence, and sense of humor shine through her seemingly ditzy exterior. As the plot unfolds, Sunny demonstrates resilience, ultimately navigating complex political landscapes and embracing her role in public life.

👩‍🎤 Protagonist 🌈 Quirky 🦸‍♀️ Heroine

Michael Ransome (Chris Sarandon)

Michael is a sophisticated State Department official who provides guidance and support to Sunny during her press conferences. His character transitions from a professional ally to a romantic partner, showcasing his commitment to Sunny and his discontent with political manipulations. He serves as a moral compass, pushing back against the darker sides of government actions.

🤵 Supportive 💔 Romantic Interest 💼 Political

Emir (Richard Romanus)

The Emir represents the political intrigue and complexity of international diplomacy. His desire to marry Sunny as part of a trade agreement illustrates the intersection of personal lives with national interests. Through his character, the film explores themes of power, tradition, and the consequences of manipulation.

👑 Authority 🌍 Diplomatic 📜 Traditional

Ambassador St. John (Gail Strickland)

Ambassador St. John is a shrewd, politically savvy character who sees the potential in leveraging Sunny's fame for political dealings. Her perspective reveals the ethical ambiguities often at play in government decisions. She is a strong female presence, embodying the complexities of leadership and manipulation.

👩‍⚖️ Ambitious 🎭 Strategic 🔍 Influential

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:08

Major Themes – Protocol (1984)

Explore the central themes of Protocol (1984), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌟 Heroism

The theme of heroism is central to Sunny's journey, as her drastic actions inadvertently prevent an assassination and thrust her into the public eye. Her naive yet brave response to life-threatening situations showcases how ordinary people can become heroes in unexpected ways. This theme explores bravery mixed with absurdity, reflecting on how societal views of heroism can evolve.

💼 Political Manipulation

Throughout the film, characters manipulate situations for political gain, highlighting themes of power and sacrifice. Sunny becomes an unwilling pawn in a diplomatic scheme, raising questions about ethics and individual consent. This theme illustrates the complexities of political gamesmanship and the personal impact on those involved.

❤️ Love and Relationships

Sunny's romantic entanglements and friendships are set against a backdrop of personal struggles and professional turmoil. Her evolving relationships, particularly with Michael Ransome, showcase the interplay between personal ambition and emotional connection. This theme emphasizes how love can provide support amidst chaos, ultimately leading to personal growth.

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:08

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Political comedies with unlikely heroes like Protocol

Where everyday people cause delightful chaos in the high-stakes world of politics.If you enjoyed the naive charm of Protocol's heroine causing diplomatic chaos, you'll love these other movies. This collection features comedies where ordinary people stumble into high-stakes political situations, using their unconventional methods to hilariously shake up the establishment.

satiricalcharmingupliftingchaoticnaiveoptimisticdisruptive

Narrative Summary

These stories typically follow a 'fish out of water' arc, where a protagonist with no formal training navigates a world of strict rules and protocols. Their journey involves a series of misunderstandings and accidental successes, leading to a climax where their unique perspective solves a problem that stumped the professionals, culminating in personal triumph.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared lighthearted tone, fast-paced comedic pacing, and the core premise of an unlikely individual disrupting a serious system. They blend political satire with a character-driven focus on personal growth and optimism.

Charming political satires with a light touch like Protocol

Humorous stories that playfully mock the absurdities of bureaucracy and authority.Fans of Protocol's whimsical take on diplomatic chaos will find more to enjoy here. These movies are lighthearted satires that poke fun at powerful systems—like government or media—without becoming dark or cynical, keeping the mood upbeat and the endings happy.

quirkysatiricalcharmingupliftingfarcicalwhimsicalbureaucratic

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a satirical premise where a systemic flaw or absurd rule is exposed through the actions of a charismatic or naive character. The plot builds through a series of escalating, humorous events that critique the system, but the conflict is resolved with charm and wit rather than anger, reinforcing a hopeful view of humanity.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their primary goal of delivering satire through a lens of lightheartedness and charm. They share a specific mix of a quirky tone, fast pacing, and straightforward plots that make complex topics accessible and entertaining, avoiding heavy emotional weight.

Unlock the Full Story of Protocol

Don't stop at just watching — explore Protocol in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Protocol is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Protocol Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Protocol, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Protocol Summary

Protocol Timeline

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Protocol Timeline

Protocol Spoiler-Free Summary

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Protocol Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Protocol

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Protocol: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Protocol

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