Stuart
Saves His Family is
a 1995 American comedy film directed
by Harold Ramis, and based on
a series of Saturday Night Live sketches
from the early to mid-1990s. The film follows the adventures of would-be
self-help guru Stuart Smalley, a creation
of comedian Al Franken, as he attempts
to save both his deeply troubled family and his low-rated public-access television show.
Some of the plot is inspired by Franken's book, I'm Good Enough, I'm
Smart Enough, and Doggone It, People Like Me!: Daily Affirmations by Stuart
Smalley. The film was produced by Lorne Michaels. Co-stars include Laura San Giacomo, Vincent D'Onofrio, Shirley Knight, Lesley Boone and Harris Yulin. Julia Sweeney, Joe Flaherty, Robin Duke, Richard Riehle, future WWE ring
announcer Justin Roberts and Kurt Fuller have cameo roles. Stuart Smalley (Al Franken), the disciple of the 12-step program, is challenged by life's injustices. He loses
his public-access cable television show, must beg his manipulative overbearing
boss for his job back, rehabilitate his alcoholic father and drug abusing
brother (Vincent D'Onofrio), and
support his overweight mother (Shirley Knight) and sister (Lesley Boone) in their lack of
ability in handling their relationships with their husbands. Stuart is
supported by his 12-step sponsors as he regresses to his negative behaviors
each time he faces these challenges.