Alright fellow tapeheads, let's rewind to a time when Goldie Hawn wasn't just a movie star, she was practically bottled sunshine, radiating pure, unadulterated charm right through the fuzzy static of our CRTs. Remember stumbling upon those oversized Warner Home Video clamshell cases? Nestled amongst the action heroes and horror icons, you might have found a brightly-colored box featuring Goldie looking slightly overwhelmed but undeniably optimistic. I'm talking about Protocol (1984), a film that feels like finding a surprisingly sweet treat tucked away in the comedy section of the old video store. It wasn't the loudest movie on the shelf, but it had that Hawn magic, didn't it?
### Sunny Side Up in D.C.
The premise is pure, delightful 80s high-concept: Sunny Ann Davis (Goldie Hawn), a relentlessly cheerful cocktail waitress working in a kitschy D.C. lounge, accidentally foils an assassination attempt on a visiting Middle Eastern Emir. Overnight, she becomes a national hero, albeit a completely naive one. The State Department, embodied by the smooth but potentially slippery Michael Ransome (Chris Sarandon, who always played suave ambiguity so well), sees an opportunity. They hire Sunny as a Special Assistant in the Office of Protocol, essentially using her folksy, all-American appeal as a pawn in complex international relations. It’s Mr. Smith Goes to Washington meets Private Benjamin, filtered through a distinctly Reagan-era lens.
This was prime Goldie Hawn territory. Following her massive success with Private Benjamin (1980), a film that cleverly subverted expectations about female roles in comedy and earned her a second Oscar nomination, Protocol felt like an attempt to recapture that specific lightning in a bottle. Hawn even served as executive producer, clearly invested in shaping Sunny's journey. While it doesn't quite reach the satirical heights of Benjamin, Hawn's performance is the film's beating heart. She imbues Sunny with such infectious optimism and genuine kindness that you can’t help but root for her, even when the script saddles her with moments of almost unbelievable cluelessness. Remember that scene where she redecorates her sterile government office with fuzzy dice and posters? Pure Goldie.
### Navigating the Beltway Maze
Directed by the versatile Herbert Ross, who could jump from dance flicks like Footloose (released the same year – talk about prolific!) to touching dramas like Steel Magnolias (1989), Protocol has a polished, competent feel. It looks like a mainstream 80s comedy – bright lighting, clear visuals, nothing too gritty. Washington D.C. provides a suitably grand backdrop, contrasting sharply with Sunny's down-to-earth personality. There's a certain pleasure in watching her navigate the stuffy corridors of power, armed only with good intentions and a killer smile.
The script, credited to a team including Buck Henry (of The Graduate and Get Smart fame) alongside Nancy Meyers and Charles Shyer (who co-wrote Private Benjamin with Harvey Miller), apparently went through significant rewrites. You can almost feel the different voices sometimes – moments of sharp satire bumping against broader, almost slapstick comedy. It's reported that Buck Henry was brought in later to punch up the satirical elements, aiming for something perhaps a bit more biting than the final product. Still, there are genuinely funny moments, often stemming from the culture clash between Sunny's world and the buttoned-down realm of diplomacy. Richard Romanus also deserves a nod as the slightly exasperated Emir, adding another layer to the comedic chaos.
### More Charm Than Chaos
While not an action film by any stretch, the inciting incident – the assassination attempt – has that classic 80s feel. No hyper-edited shaky cam here. It’s staged clearly, relying on practical staging and reactions rather than digital trickery. It feels grounded in a way that even simple action beats often did back then. Sunny’s subsequent journey through the D.C. machine is less about physical danger and more about navigating treacherous political waters, but Hawn’s physical comedy provides its own kind of kinetic energy. She throws herself into the role, embodying Sunny’s occasional awkwardness and eventual determination with gusto.
The film was a modest success at the time, pulling in around $26.3 million, but it didn't quite ignite the cultural conversation like Private Benjamin did. Critics were mixed, some finding it charming, others deeming the satire too soft-pedaled or the plot predictable. Watching it now, through the warm glow of nostalgia, its flaws are apparent – the political commentary feels a bit gentle, some jokes haven't aged perfectly – but its strengths, primarily Hawn's effervescent performance, still shine. It’s a comfort food movie, a reminder of a time when star power and a feel-good premise could carry the day. I distinctly remember renting this one weekend, probably as part of a double feature, and just enjoying the sheer likability of it all.
Rating: 6.5 / 10
Justification: Protocol coasts heavily on Goldie Hawn's undeniable star wattage and innate comedic timing. She makes Sunny endearing even when the script falters. The premise is fun, and there are enough chuckles and moments of gentle satire to keep things moving. However, it lacks the sharp edge of Private Benjamin and sometimes feels a bit too formulaic and politically naive, even for its time. It’s a pleasant, well-made 80s comedy, but not quite a classic.
Final Take: A quintessential slice of 80s star-vehicle comedy that feels like slipping on a comfortable old sweater – maybe a little worn, but undeniably warm and fuzzy, powered entirely by the supernova charm of its leading lady. Perfect for a rainy afternoon when you crave something light, optimistic, and unmistakably from the VHS era.