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Dunston Checks In
Dunston Checks In
Dunston Checks In
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Dunston Checks In
Theatrical release poster
Directed byKen Kwapis
Screenplay byJohn Hopkins
Bruce Graham
Story byJohn Hopkins
Produced byTodd Black
Joe Wizan
Starring
CinematographyPeter Lyons Collister
Edited byJon Poll
Music byMiles Goodman
Production
company
Distributed by20th Century Fox
Release date
  • January 12, 1996 (1996-01-12)
Running time
88 minutes
CountriesCanada[1]
United States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$20 million[3]
Box office$9.9 million

Dunston Checks In is a 1996 comedy film directed by Ken Kwapis. The film stars Jason Alexander, Faye Dunaway, Eric Lloyd, Rupert Everett, Glenn Shadix and Paul Reubens. The film received negative reviews and was a box-office failure, grossing $9.9 million against a budget of $20 million.

Plot

[edit]

At the prestigious five-star Majestic Hotel, guest Lionel Spalding and his dog Neil fall victim to an overflowing fountain, the result of a prank by Kyle and Brian Grant, sons of the hotel's widowed manager Robert. Though disappointed in his sons' behavior, Robert promises them a vacation in Barbados - a trip that's already been postponed twice. However, the strict hotel owner Elena Dubrow forces another cancellation due to the upcoming Crystal Ball, where they expect a critic from the Le Monde Traveller Organization to potentially award the hotel a sixth star.

The hotel welcomes "Lord" Rutledge, a jewel thief mistaken by Mrs. Dubrow for the expected critic, who arrives with his orangutan Dunston. Having trained both Dunston and his deceased brother Samson as theft accomplices since birth, Rutledge maintains cruel control over Dunston, who yearns to escape his criminal life. During one of Rutledge's schemes, Kyle accidentally releases a pulley, sending Brian tumbling down a laundry chute. In the ensuing chaos, Dunston escapes Rutledge's supervision.

Kyle discovers and befriends the fugitive orangutan, promising him protection. However, Dunston's presence creates havoc throughout the hotel, disrupting Spalding's exercise routine and Mrs. Angela Dellacroce's massage session. Robert, upon discovering the orangutan, hires animal control specialist Buck LaFarge to remove him.

After LaFarge's initial capture attempt fails, the Grant brothers hide Dunston in the royal suite under the alias Dr. Lam Binh Ngoc. Rutledge tracks down Dunston through his substantial banana orders, ties up and gags Kyle, leaving him in a hotel bath tub, but both he and Dunston escape to the Crystal Ball. Armed with photographic evidence of Rutledge's true identity featuring Dunston and Samson, the boys alert their father. While Robert confronts Rutledge in the kitchen, the brothers search for Dunston while evading LaFarge and Mrs. Dubrow. The situation culminates in Dunston pushing Mrs. Dubrow into the celebration cake.

In the aftermath, Rutledge is arrested, LaFarge apologizes to Dunston (who responds with a punch), and Robert finally stands up to Mrs. Dubrow, who fires him, while the true critic is revealed to be none other than Spalding, who, having suffered numerous indignities throughout his stay, declares Mrs. Dubrow has reduced the hotel's rating from five stars to one. Afterwards, Mrs. Dubrow's much kinder husband Victor arranges for the Grants to manage a Majestic Hotel in Bali, where they can keep Dunston. They extend a peace offering to Spalding with complimentary accommodations, though the gesture is somewhat undermined when Dunston drops a coconut on his head in the final scene.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

Writer John Hopkins had written a spec script revolving around two young brothers living in a large, prestigious New York hotel managed by their father.[6] Hopkins' agent shopped the script around to various studios who were uninterested in the project until producers Todd Black and Joe Wizan seeing potential in the project optioned it and hired Hopkins to re-write the script and add in the plot point of an orangutan.[6] The project was then retitled Prime Mates and became the subject of competing bids between Paramount Pictures and 20th Century Fox with Fox eventually acquiring the script in April 1993.[6] Dunston Checks in became one of three active monkey/ape films announced to be in development alongside Ed (then known as You Should See Them Play) at Universal Pictures and Monkey Trouble (then known as Pet) at New Line Cinema.[7] Uncredited rewrites were provided by Eliot Wald and Andrew Kurtzman.[8]

The animal action was detailed by the American Humane Society. Artificial animals were used in several shots.[9]

Reception

[edit]

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 17% of 18 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 4.1/10.[10] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 54 out of 100, based on 13 critics, indicating "mixed or average" reviews.[11]

Desson Howe and Rita Kempley of The Washington Post referred to the film by saying "it ain't half bad", and a "plucky, prank-filled family farce" respectively.[12] Kevin Thomas of the Los Angeles Times stated that Dunston Checks In "is a delightful and funny family film of exceptional high style", "as light as a soufflé and just as delicious", and "plays like a tribute to the resourceful, unpretentious studio productions of the past".[13] According to an article published in the Chicago Tribune, "The cast is talented, the hide-and-seek action is silly (not killing), and the bond between a sweet little boy and the adorable ape is touching."[14]

Audiences surveyed by CinemaScore gave the film a grade of "A" on a scale of A+ to F.[15]

Faye Dunaway's performance in the film and in The Chamber earned her a Golden Raspberry Award nomination for Worst Supporting Actress. The film was also nominated at the 18th Youth in Film Awards (Young Artist Awards) for Best Family Feature Film: Musical or Comedy, and Eric Lloyd for Best Performance in a Feature Film - Actor Age Ten or Under. The film was successful at the box office in India, where it was dubbed in Hindi and retitled Ek Bandar Hotel Ke Andar (transl. A monkey inside the hotel).[16]

Home media

[edit]

Dunston Checks In was much more successful in home video than in theaters. As of April 1997 the studio had an estimated $41.6 million in video sales, receiving 75%, greatly exceeding box office gross.[17] The film was released by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment on VHS on May 28, 1996. It was released on DVD on May 28, 2002, and re-released on March 18, 2014.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Dunston Checks In

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Dunston Checks In is a 1996 American family directed by , in which a mischievous named Dunston disrupts operations at a luxury hotel while aiding a jewel thief's scheme, as the beleaguered manager strives to impress inspectors for a coveted fifth-star rating. The story centers on Robert Grant (Jason Alexander), the overworked concierge and manager of the Majestic Hotel, who must balance his demanding job with family life, including his young son Kyle (Eric Lloyd), amid the hotel's high-stakes bid for elite status under the watchful eye of owner Mrs. Dubrow (Faye Dunaway). Chaos ensues when the sophisticated thief Lord Rutledge (Rupert Everett) checks in with Dunston, training the ape to pilfer jewels from wealthy guests during an elegant gala, leading to antics and narrow escapes throughout the opulent property. The , written by and John Hopkins, draws on animal comedy tropes, featuring the real-life Sam as Dunston in a performance that highlights the film's blend of and heartfelt moments between Kyle and the escaped . Released on January 12, 1996, by 20th Century Fox, the film grossed $9.9 million at the U.S. box office against a $16 million budget, underperforming commercially for a mid-1990s release. Critically, it received mixed-to-negative reviews, earning a 17% Tomatometer score from 18 critics on , with detractors like Time Out's labeling it a "natural disaster" for its formulaic script, though some praised its visual gags and Alexander's exasperated performance. Audience reception has been warmer, holding a 41% score from over 25,000 users, often citing nostalgic appeal as lighthearted '90s entertainment suitable for children, bolstered by cameos including as a flamboyant guest. Produced by Joe Wizan and others under a Canadian-American collaboration, the movie emphasizes practical effects and sequences filmed primarily in and , contributing to its nostalgic appeal among fans of animal-led comedies.

Synopsis and Characters

Plot

The Majestic Hotel, a luxurious establishment in , is managed by Robert Grant, a dedicated but overworked single father to two sons, the mischievous 10-year-old Kyle and his teenage brother . Under pressure from the hotel's owner, Mrs. Dubrow, to achieve a prestigious sixth-star rating, Robert postpones a planned family vacation when surprise inspectors arrive. The hotel's pursuit of perfection is disrupted when the elegant Lord Rutledge checks in, posing as a prominent but secretly a jewel thief who relies on his trained , Dunston, to pilfer valuables from guests. Mistreated by Rutledge, Dunston escapes his confines and begins wandering the hotel, initially disguised in attire to blend in as a guest. Kyle discovers the lonely Dunston hiding in the hotel and quickly befriends him, hiding the from his father and the staff while learning about Rutledge's criminal scheme. Dunston's playful antics escalate into widespread chaos: he steals jewelry from sleeping guests, turns on all the faucets in a suite to flood the floor, and rummages through rooms, leaving behind peels and disarray. Robert, skeptical of Kyle's tales of a "monkey guest," attributes the disturbances to his sons' pranks, straining their already tense dynamics amid the high-stakes inspection preparations. Meanwhile, Rutledge searches frantically for Dunston, enlisting the bumbling Buck LaFarge to track him down, heightening the rivalry between the thief and the hotel staff. The comedic tone builds through these absurd mishaps, emphasizing themes of mischief and unexpected alliances. Tensions peak during Kyle's birthday party in the hotel, where Dunston crashes the event, leading to a disastrous cake explosion and a frantic chase through the corridors. As the charity gala unfolds—the key to the hotel's star upgrade—Dunston infiltrates the , swinging from the , dousing guests in food and drink, and exposing Rutledge's thefts by dropping stolen jewels onto the dance floor. finally witnesses the full extent of the chaos and Dunston's innocence, joining Kyle and in a climactic pursuit to protect the from Rutledge's grasp. In the resolution, Rutledge is apprehended by authorities after his crimes are revealed, allowing Dunston to be rescued and relocated to a wildlife sanctuary. Robert's selflessness earns him Mrs. Dubrow's approval and the long-awaited family time, fostering reconciliation and stronger bonds through the ordeal's absurdity.

Cast

The principal cast of Dunston Checks In features a mix of established comedic talents and young performers, whose portrayals drive the film's humor through family dynamics and hotel chaos. leads as Robert Grant, the widowed hotel manager and father to two sons, who faces mounting financial pressures while striving to maintain the Majestic Hotel's prestige amid personal and professional strains. plays the demanding Mrs. Dubrow, the owner of the Majestic who exerts ruthless control over her staff to uphold the hotel's elite status. portrays Kyle Grant, Robert's younger son, whose curiosity and bond with the orangutan add youthful energy to the ensemble's comedic interactions. Graham Sack depicts , the older brother, contributing to the family's relatable antics as they navigate life in the hotel. Supporting roles enhance the film's satirical take on high-society excess and incompetence. Paul Reubens brings physical comedy as Buck LaFarge, the hotel's bumbling security guard whose mishaps amplify the disorder. embodies Lord Rutledge, a scheming British aristocrat whose deceptive charm and ulterior motives heighten the tension within the opulent setting. Glenn Shadix appears as Lionel Spalding, a pompous guest whose complaints add to the chaos. The titular character, Dunston the , is played primarily by Sam, a trained sourced from a attraction and prepared by experienced animal handlers for the role's demanding action sequences. Multiple orangutans were reportedly used for safety and variety in stunts, with Sam's performance central to the film's animal-centric gags. provided Dunston's voice work, adding expressive vocalizations to the chaos. This blend of human and animal performers creates a lively ensemble that propels the comedy through exaggerated mishaps and ensemble interplay.

Production

Development

The development of Dunston Checks In originated from an original titled Prime Mates, written by John Hopkins and sold to 20th Century Fox on April 30, 1993, for $250,000 against a potential $575,000. The centered on two young brothers living in a prestigious New York hotel managed by their father, who befriend an discovered in a vent; the animal, trained to steal jewelry from guests, leads to comedic chaos as the boys attempt to smuggle it to a . This concept emerged amid a wave of family comedies featuring mischievous animals, positioning the project as a lighthearted hotel-set adventure with elements of heist comedy and sibling bonding. Fox greenlit development shortly after acquiring the script, with pre-production ramping up in 1993–1994 under producers Joe Wizan and , who had collaborated on family-oriented projects and focused on assembling a team suited to the film's blend of live-action antics and child-friendly humor. Director was selected for his experience in family comedies, including his feature debut directing the 1985 film Follow That Bird, which showcased his ability to handle whimsical narratives involving young audiences and casts. The script was later revised by to refine the story structure while retaining Hopkins' core premise, culminating in a credited to both writers from Hopkins' original story. Financing was handled by 20th Century Fox in a Canadian-American co-production, with an initial of approximately $16 million allocated to cover sets, effects, and talent, including provisions for practical animal handling to achieve authenticity in the orangutan's role. Early planning emphasized using a real rather than animation or puppets for key scenes, leading to the casting of Sam, a trained 5-year-old from a facility, to portray Dunston and ensure believable .

Filming

Principal photography for Dunston Checks In commenced on April 17, 1995, and wrapped on July 21, 1995. The production was primarily based in , , where key interiors of the fictional Majestic Hotel were recreated at the historic building, transforming its retail spaces into opulent hotel suites evoking grandeur. Additional interior shots were captured at hotel in London, England, to enhance the luxurious ambiance. The film's central role of Dunston was portrayed by Sam, a trained sourced from a attraction, with additional orangutans employed for work to ensure and coverage of complex sequences. Animal trainers prepared Sam extensively in for behavioral , including climbing and interaction cues, while adhering to safety protocols monitored by organizations like American Humane. A notable challenge arose during the chandelier swing scene, where trainers positioned the orangutan on above the set, using voice and to cue movements; dummies substituted for high-risk falls to minimize involvement and prevent . These practical approaches led to occasional delays as trainers managed the animals' unpredictable responses, such as Sam's tendency to improvise during takes, requiring multiple setups for seamless integration with human actors. Cinematographer Peter Lyons Collister captured the film using , emphasizing fluid tracking shots to follow the chaotic animal antics through the hotel's confined spaces. were predominantly practical, relying on trained animal performances and mechanical aids rather than , which kept production grounded in tangible interactions but demanded precise to blend seamlessly. On set, cast members like adapted to these dynamics, incorporating ad-libbed reactions to Sam's spontaneous behaviors, which added authenticity to scenes of surprise and pursuit. Art director Keith Neely, under production designer Rusty Smith, contributed to the film's visual cohesion by designing hotel sets that blended 1930s-era elegance with comedic clutter, using period-appropriate fixtures and custom-built chandeliers to facilitate action sequences.

Release and Distribution

Theatrical Release

Dunston Checks In received a wide theatrical release in the United States on January 12, 1996, distributed by 20th Century Fox following the completion of production in mid-1995. The film was rated PG by the Motion Picture Association of America for some mild language and sensuality. Its runtime was 88 minutes. The premiere event occurred on January 7, 1996, at the Century Plaza Cinemas in , , marking the film's initial public screening ahead of the national rollout. Positioned as a winter release, the film targeted audiences seeking lighthearted entertainment amid competition from other January titles like . International distribution was limited in 1996, with releases in markets such as the on March 29 and in April. Initial trailers highlighted the comedic antics of the orangutan protagonist to appeal to family viewers.

Marketing and Promotion

The marketing campaign for Dunston Checks In emphasized the film's centered on the mischievous protagonist, utilizing television spots, theatrical posters, and promotional s to showcase Dunston's antics alongside stars like . Trailers and spots highlighted chaotic scenes, with the official tagline "He's about to turn a five star into a three ring circus," positioning the movie as lighthearted entertainment for young audiences. A included interviews with , , , and , providing glimpses into the production to build excitement ahead of the January release. Tie-in merchandise featured items like promotional pins, boxes, and plush toys depicting Dunston, aimed at capitalizing on the animal star's appeal to children. efforts included media appearances, such as Jason Alexander's interview on TNN Country News discussing the film, and event photos of the actor with the trained Sam to promote the movie's whimsical tone. These strategies targeted families, with the campaign timed for early to align with school vacation periods. To address potential animal welfare concerns in promoting the orangutan-led story, the production collaborated with the American Humane Association, which monitored filming and issued a modified certification confirming safety measures like padded sets, harnesses, and reward-based training, ensuring positive messaging around animal involvement. The film saw international promotion through dubbed versions and localized trailers in markets like Europe, broadening its family-oriented reach.

Reception and Legacy

Critical Response

Upon its release in January 1996, Dunston Checks In received mixed reviews from critics, who were divided on its blend of comedy and family-oriented antics. of the awarded the film 2 out of 4 stars, commending the humorous antics involving the Sam while critiquing the predictable plot and formulaic storytelling. Similarly, Michael Wilmington of the described it as a "mind-boggling fiasco" marred by uneven pacing and derivative elements, though he acknowledged the appeal of the animal-driven humor. The film's lighthearted tone and energetic were seen as suitable for young audiences, but many reviewers found the script lacking originality. Critics frequently praised the charm of the character, Dunston (played by Sam), whose mischievous escapades provided the film's most engaging moments, along with the energetic performances of the child actors, particularly as Kyle. In Variety, Leonard Klady highlighted the "energetic " and the confident acting from the supporting cast, including and , noting the movie's cross-generational appeal and stylish production. However, common criticisms centered on the formulaic scripting and failure to fully capitalize on the chaotic potential of the premise. of called it "derivative" in comparison to films like , arguing that it prioritized adorability over escalating comedic mayhem and underdeveloped its human characters. Retrospective assessments in the have occasionally noted the film's nostalgic value as a quintessential family comedy, though overall critical consensus remains negative. On , it holds a 17% approval rating from 18 critics' reviews spanning 1996 to recent years, with an average score of 4.1/10. The movie received no major awards but earned nominations at the 18th Youth in Film Awards (now Young Artist Awards) in 1997, including for Best Family – Musical or Comedy and for Eric Lloyd's performance in the Best Performance in a – Actor Age Ten or Under category.

Box Office Performance

Dunston Checks In was produced on a $20 million budget. The film opened in 1,290 theaters on January 12, 1996, generating $4,015,116 during its debut weekend and ranking 12th at the North American . It ultimately grossed $9.87 million domestically in the United States and over its theatrical run, which averaged 4.2 weeks per screen. No significant international earnings are reported, resulting in a worldwide total of approximately $9.87 million. Positioned as a mid-tier comedy, the film underperformed relative to expectations, failing to recover its budget through theatrical revenues amid intense competition from higher-profile releases like and the holiday weekend's established holdovers. Its January timing capitalized on family outings but coincided with the buildup to Oscar-season contenders, limiting its .

Home Media and Cultural Impact

The film was first released on by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment on May 28, 1996, shortly after its theatrical run, capitalizing on its family-friendly appeal. A DVD edition followed on May 28, 2002, featuring remastered visuals and special features such as an audio commentary track by director . No official Blu-ray release has been issued as of 2025, though the film remains available for digital purchase and rental on platforms including , Apple TV, and at Home. Home video rentals of the version performed strongly in the family category during 1996, reflecting sustained interest beyond its modest theatrical earnings. Digital availability has seen renewed popularity in the 2020s, driven by nostalgia for 1990s children's films, with spikes in streaming and download metrics coinciding with online retrospectives on era-specific comedies. Dunston Checks In has left a niche legacy in the animal comedy genre, contributing to the wave of films featuring protagonists in chaotic, scenarios, as noted in analyses of influential apes in pop . Clips from the movie, particularly Dunston's antics, have achieved status online, amassing millions of views across platforms like by 2025, often shared in discussions of nostalgia. The film occasionally airs on cable networks such as , reinforcing its status as a lighthearted family staple. No official sequels were produced, though fan discussions have spawned speculative theories about Dunston's further adventures, alongside parodic references in . In recent years, coverage has highlighted the film's use of practical effects and trained animal performers, praising the pre-CGI charm of scenes involving the . Modern analyses also address aspects of its production, citing the American Humane Association's modified certification for the on-set treatment of the orangutan, which involved food rewards, harnesses, and stunt doubles but raised questions about training methods common to the era.

References

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  14. https://muppet.fandom.com/wiki/Ken_Kwapis
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  18. https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/324142/dunston-checks-in
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  35. https://movies.fandom.com/wiki/Dunston_Checks_In/Home_media
  36. https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/dunston-checks-in
  37. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/90s/1997/Billboard-1997-01-11.pdf
  38. https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/a/jamieiovine/top-10-most-influential-apes-popular-culture
  39. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Abh5_EhkUjU
  40. https://www.cbr.com/iconic-90s-movies-deserved-cartoon/
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