'Mrs. Winterbourne' is a highly improbable take on the Cinderella "rags to riches" story about 18 year-old Connie Doyle (Ricki Lake), who finds herself enceinte, unmarried, and homeless. Her criminal rat of a boyfriend, Steve DeCunzo (Loren Dean), wants nothing to do with her or the baby. But fate has a better future in store for Connie, and the heavily pregnant girl finds herself, almost miraculously, on a train bound for Boston from New York. There she shares a compartment with a young married couple, Hugh and Patricia Winterbourne (Susan Haskell and Brendan Fraser), who are also expecting a little bundle of joy. But one little innocent action, followed by one horrifying accident, lands Connie in the hospital, mistaken for Patricia Winterbourne. She and her baby, who survived, are both whisked off to the massive Winterbourne estate in Boston. Connie decides to carry on the charade (it's almost ironic that her her name is Connie, since she's "conning" everyone) even after coming face to face with her coddling "mother-in-law" (Shirley MacLaine) and Hugh's twin brother, the cold and unfriendly Bill Winterbourne (also Brendan Fraser).

For a fluff film like this, the cast is surprisingly good. Loren Dean is convincing enough and makes you want to jump into your TV and strangle the jerk. The Winterbourne butler, Paco (Miguel Sandoval), is a delight to watch, especially when he's drunk. But Fraser and MacLaine really make the film worthwhile to see. Why either talented actor would want to participate in a film like this is a mystery to me, but maybe it's for the best. Fraser especially plays twins very well, and his transition from part antagonist to full protagonist is believable. But I have a difficult time understanding why Ricki Lake was cast as Connie. She has a tendency to overact in many scenes, she doesn't make a convincing 18 year-old at all (she was 28 when cast), and her transition from sharp-tongued teenager to polite young socialite bride-to-be is too fast and unbelievable.

Overall, 'Mrs. Winterbourne' is a good film for a boring Friday night. This is definitely a chick flick. It's heartwarming and the cast is a joy to watch. Just don't expect anymore than that.

This may only be good if you're expecting it to be very terrible. I

was. The beginning wasn't promising. But as soon as Ricki Lake

gets on the train, this movie starts to get watchable, and as soon

as she moves in with the Winterbournes, it starts to get honestly

funny.

Brendan Fraser is really a great actor, isn't he? He's too good

looking to be as talented as he is. Some fairly hackneyed scenes

in this film are made compelling and realistic because Fraser's so

good.

But there are lots of genuine laugh out loud moments in this

sweet, gentle comedy. If the end is too long, too complicated and

too stupid, by that time you'll like it too much to care.

This was a great film. Just because Ricki Lake stars in this movie doesn't automatically make it bad. It's a sweet story about a girl who had a rough life and accidentally finds herself with a ton of possibilities just unfortunately, as someone else. Ricki Lakes character has a lot of integrity and is truly a good mom along with all the chaos. Brendan Fraser is very lovable and Shirley Mclain was fabulous as only she could be. This is a definite rental if you haven't seen it and are looking for a sweet romantic comedy. You won't be disappointed.

So Ricky Lake is not the world's greatest actress, but she does well enough. The romance is reasonably believable. The story is friendly. And you get to watch Brendan Fraser for a long while - who is actually even more dishy as Hugh than as Bill, so do pay attention during the act in the train.

I watched it twice on television. I could easily bear watching it a third time. Believe me- that's high praise.

Mrs. Winterbourne is perhaps the epitome of romantic comedies, in the requirement that you suspend disbelief. It almost commands that you not think about the plot too much, because if you do, the entire movie falls apart.

The plot is simple. Connie Doyle is thrown out by her boyfriend when she becomes pregnant, and she ends up on a train with the Winterbournes, a wealthy young couple on their way to Boston. The train derails, and both Winterbournes are killed. However, as Connie was trying on Mrs. Winterbourne's ring at the time of the accident, she is mistaken for her, and her baby for the Winterbourne grandchild. What follows is what always happens in romantic comedies, Connie is taken in by the Winterbourne family and falls in love with the dead Winterbourne's twin brother, who is initially suspicious of her, but then grows to love her. Complications arise, but everything works out in the end.

Shirley MacLaine is quite winning at Grace Winterbourne, and Miguel Sandoval steals most of his scenes. The problem is that neither Ricki Lake or Brendan Fraser have much chemistry with each other, and Ricki Lake seems miscast in general. Of course, there are also massive plot holes here, and even in the end, no one really seems to care that the real Mrs. Winterbourne and the real Winterbourne grandchild are off buried somewhere under someone else's name. This is not a bad movie, it's perfectly pleasant, but you really are required to not think about the plot at all to really enjoy it.

Connie (Ricki Lake) lost her mother at twelve in Hoboken, New Jersey. Because she did not get along with her father, Connie left NJ at 18 and went to NYC. Unfortunately, she immediately hooked up with a low-life named Steve and became pregnant. Steve was less than thrilled with the news and threw Connie out of the house. Although she works as a waitress for awhile, when her delivery date draws near, she finds herself broke and homeless. The next day , Connie boards a train she thinks is the subway but which turns out to be a railway to Boston. There, she is befriended by handsome, rich Hugh and his new and very pregnant wife Patricia. The train derails. Hugh and Patricia are killed. But, by a twist of fate, Connie is mistaken for Patricia and finds herself and her new baby in a private hospital, as befitting the wife of a member of the rich Winterbourne family. She meets her new mother-in-law (Shirley MacLaine) and her "husband's" twin brother, Bill (Brendan Fraser) and goes home to a posh, Boston mansion, complete with servants. Just how long will she be able to fool everyone into thinking she really is a part of the family? This is a nice little film for the proverbial romcom fan. MacLaine is wonderful as the matriarch of the wealthy family and Fraser is his usual handsome, quirky, affable self. Lake seems a bit miscast as the girl with a big secret but fulfills her role adequately. The sets, costumes, and production values are very high. Do you love improbable plots and unexpected, humorous romance? Make a date to see Mrs. W. and you will be in your element, absolutely.

I've always wanted to see this movie but I have to admit it was disappointing. It's just so completely implausible and without logic that it's difficult to enjoy. Yeah, I know that fluffy romantic comedies aren't supposed to be realistic, but this one just stretches credulity too much. The worst deficiency is Brendan Frasier's chilly WASP suddenly and inexplicably melting into a nice guy. He not only changes his opinion about Ricki Lake but seems to completely change personality as well. One moment he's rudely questioning her every move and investigating her and virtually the next he's romancing her, tangoing her around the room and kissing her, and then proposing marriage! He goes from aloof to gooey in 6 seconds flat. It's just too much to swallow. What was it exactly that caused him to fall in love - her charming use of the words "tits" and "ass" at the dinner table? The haircut? (Actually, I liked her hair better long and curly). Don't get me wrong, I love Ricki Lake, and I don't think she was bad here, she just wasn't given anything to do, and we were never given any reason why Frasier should experience such a dramatic sea-change. If perhaps they'd shown that a few months had passed, or something to explain the abrupt turnaround. Frankly, everyone in this movie goes around like their brains are made of mush. I suppose Maclaine's alcoholic character has an excuse, but really, the extremely simplistic and downright stereotypical characterizations of everyone involved (rich people, poor people, gay latino butlers) were insulting. Maclaine, Frasier and Sandoval are excellent comedic actors, and do the best with what they can here, but the characters are not even close to real people. The only real thing I got out of it was drooling over Brendan Frasier, and frankly there are many other superior movies that can be used for that purpose.

I watched this for the first time after I bought it at my video store. I'm a fan of Brendan Fraser and usually enjoy his films. Shirley McLaine and Fraser shine in this movie. I loved both their characters and of course Paco, he was just too funny. I think all the characters fit the actors except Ricki Lake. I feel they could have cast, not necessarily a better actress, but just one who fit into this role more properly. I just can't seem to take Lake as a serious actress. Plus I'm used to her John Waters' film roles. She portrays wacky weirdo characters alot better than a single, pregnant, pennyless outsider. This, in my opinion, is a great feel good flick, perfect for those who crave silly romance comedies. I know my mother couldn't stop talking about it and loves the movie, as do I. All in all... the storyline was cliche - but I tend to like simple movies. Lake's acting could have been better - she did alright considering the films she's appeared in in the past. Simply put, this is a must see for any fans of Fraser or McLaine, who deliver wonderful performances. I give it an 8/10.

Because Brendan Fraser and Shirley Maclaine make it surprisingly bearable. Ricki Lake, God bless her, was, in a word, miscast; without the strength of Fraser and Maclaine, this movie is a two, at best a three. She's brings no life to the role, no reality. At best, she was an over-actor. At worst... well, she was a bad over-actor. A really, really bad over-actor. Still, for a movie that had so much potential (if not for the sometimes unbelievable -yet entertaining- storyline, then definitely for the two aforementioned lead actors) that was lost beneath the looming shadow that is Lake, I'd watch it again. If it were on cable TV... and if nothing else is on.

"Mrs. Winterbourne" is the kind of movie I almost hate myself for liking. As a person who likes a little reality in her movies, I get fidgety when a movie pretty much tosses reality out the window. But if Brendan Fraser is involved, I'm willing to take that plunge.

Ricki Lake is the heroine as the pregnant Connie Doyle, who is fleeing her typically no-good dirtbag boyfriend Steve. During her escape, she meets a couple that seem nice enough. Alas, the train crashes and Connie is mistaken for the wife in the duo after Connie gives birth in all the confusion. She realizes she's considered the wife of Huey, a young man who was very wealthy but on the outs with his family.

With baby in tow, Connie arrives at the Winterbourne estate and meets Mrs. Winterbourne (McLaine) and her dead "husband's" brother Bill (Fraser), who smells a rat from the beginning. Mrs. W is so glad to have a grandbaby she'll believe anything. The rest of the movie is rather predictable with the usual boy falls for girl/girl tries to do noble thing and leave with baby/girl comes back/boy asks girl to marry him/peril ensues/everyone confesses/couple marries.

However, there are plenty of entertaining moments to enjoy. The aforementioned tango scene is worth renting it alone. Brendan Fraser personifies a REAL MAN! I wish there were more actors like him who can portray masculinity with a sense of humor and without a submachine gun. I'll take Mr. F over Brad Pitt any day. The scene where Connie's trying to leave and he makes the list is indeed charming. Well written and well acted. Ms. Lake tends to stick within a small range of emotions (shock, confusion, joy, fear) but seems to hold her own. It's good to see her in something other than a John Waters film.

This is a great date video. Lightweight fluff but very palatable!

Excruciating, impossible comedy, an adaptation of Cornell Woolrich's story "I Married a Dead Man", concerns homeless, pregnant, incredibly naive young woman (Ricki Lake, three years after debuting as a TV chat-show hostess) coming in contact with a wealthy Bostonian family who believe she's an in-law of theirs. The wonderful cast includes Brendan Fraser, Shirley MacLaine and an unbilled Paula Prentiss, but not even their lively efforts can make this script easy to swallow. Story previously filmed several times over, most notably in 1950 with Barbara Stanwyck as "No Man of Her Own", however this version seems to have a case of "While You Were Sleeping"-itis. Unfortunately, Lake isn't the polished comedic actress that Sandra Bullock is; she certainly tries hard, but doesn't have the soft charm or the innate presence to carry a major role such as this. *1/2 from ****

I almost embarassed to say it, but I ended up falling in love with this film. I'm not one for romantic comedies or whatever this falls under, and I usually require more reality in the setup of a film to buy it, but there is just something so sweet about this film. And Brendan Fraser, god, I have never been able to stand that guy, and he was just wonderful. So, so wonderful. Very reminiscent of a leading man from another time when men were men and women were, well, women. Ricki Lake fares relatively well, especially considering she has to go up against Shirley MacLaine (no small task) and Frasier. My favorite though was the Winterbourne's driver, Paco. A wonderfully colorful role that the actor fitted in the best way possible.

Not the tightest story you'll ever find, nor the most credible, but the movie has heart and old fashioned romance. Watch out for it, you might be finding flaws all over the beginning, but if you're not careful, it'll creep up on you and tickle your heart.

First off, if you want to enjoy this one, be prepared to suspend disbelief. The plot hinges on a number of incredibly unlikely coincidences, in the manner of '30's screwball comedies. It doesn't always work, but parts of it are so hysterically funny I'd definitely recommend seeing it. The script is uneven, with the first 20 minutes slow and somewhat depressing. But with the introduction of Fraser and MacLaine it perks up a whole lot. The central problem of this movie is that Ricki Lake simply isn't a strong enough actress to carry a lead role. Her Connie comes across as merely dumb, rather than vulnerable, and she's just not all that funny. To see how Connie should have been played, watch Sandra Bullock in "While You Were Sleeping", playing a very similar role infinitely better. MacLaine is terrific as the iron-willed, acid-tongued Winterbourne matriarch, but Fraser steals the show! He has a deadpan delivery that enhances the good lines he's given, but even when he's silent, he's funny. He has terrifically versatile facial expressions that can push a scene from amusing to hilarious. Also, Miguel Sandoval is great as the bossy, flamboyant butler. There is some great side-business between MacLaine, Fraser and Sandoval as the two men conspire to try and keep her healthy, and she sneaks around smoking and drinking. It's fluffy stuff, but these 3 experienced comic performers milk it for everything it's worth. That could pretty much sum up the whole movie: light on plot, light on plausibility, but very very funny. With a different actress exploiting Connie's comic potential this one could have been a gem. As it is, it's flawed but definitely worth seeing. The "tango" scene alone is worth the price of the video.

I just finished watching this movie and I enjoyed it very much. The plot is implausible but there are some excellent performances and memorable scenes.

Brendan Fraser is gorgeous (as always) and there were many entertaining moments where he shines in his dual roles as identical twin brothers. Shirley MacLaine is excellent as an incorrigible matriarch and Miguel Sandoval hilarious as the devoted butler.

Ricki Lake plays Connie, the title character, who is mistakenly identified as Mrs. Winterbourne after an accident. Being a homeless, unwed mother she allows herself to be taken in by the Winterbourne family but is a fish out of water and in constant fear of being unmasked. The family have their own fears and pains but Connie and the Winterbourne's manage to be positive influences on each other allowing healing, growth and romance.

Of course I've seen it all before but this movie is definitely worth a look if feel good comedy romances are your thing.

I remember when this movie first came out, I was very anxious to go and see it. Unfortunately, neither my boyfriend or any of my friends showed any interest. Well, I finally caught it the other day on HBO Signature and it was so awful, I felt like calling my friends and thanking them for saving me the price of a movie ticket!

Shirley MacLaine was wonderful, but when isn't she? But even she didn't have enough screen time to save this dog. In my opinion, the miscast person here was Ricki Lake, I mean let's face it, she was way too old to play the young and innocent TEENAGE girl from NJ. When she met the future father of her baby and told him that she was only 18, I laughed out loud! Plus, there wasn't a drop of chemistry between them or between her and Brendan Fraser.

I don't think the script was very well-written either, the characters weren't fleshed-out enough and there were big gaping holes in the story. All in all I give this flick a "D".

OH my god.

I just watched this. The tango scene is worth BUYING this movie for. I am surprised I do not see more about this movie on many of the Brendan websites. He is extremely hot in this.

All the other actors are really good in it as well.

But Brendan? *sigh*

Mrs Winterbourne is another in a line of modern Cinderella, a rags-to-riches story. It serves as a reminder that every so often we still hanker after Romance with a capital "R". It's fun and doesn't have pretensions of taking itself seriously. It's a lovely idea that a stiff young man would fall in love with a woman he initially disdains but Ricki Lake as the girl in question doesn't always pull it off. Shirley McLaine is, as always, wonderful to watch and just as delightful is Brendan Fraser.

Most would either flip for Brendan Frasers good looks and quirky acting or his increasing acting ability. But than not look at the plot and other actors. Lake does a so-so acting job (but can you blame her... she's a talk show host). McLain does (as always) a superb job with her small side role. But the main focus to keep the ball moving in this film is Fraser. Can you blame anyone? This is a romantic comedy, and who watches those? WOMEN! So of course he's going to be keeping it rolling in this film. Now don't get me wrong the movie rolls fine with the plot and quirky twists but it was casted with Fraser on intent. I still give it an 8 despite it's deficances.

Oh WOW, I just saw this movie on Lifetime and I thought it was the best movie I have seen in a long time. Brendan Frasier is absolutely gorgeous. I would only dream of having a family like that. It was great

I love this movie Saw it years ago and many times afterwards whenever it came out on TV Even hired it several times The story is simple and sweet WARNING MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD If you haven't seen the movie rather watch first A abused girl (read exploited girl) Connie by a rat of a man who gets her pregnant then dumps her She's assisted by a homeless man who directs her to a home for unmarried mothers She is "crowd" forced onto a train where she meets Hugh Winterborne who is coming home after marrying a woman called Patricia Hugh assists her and introduces her to Patricia The two bond and Patricia lets Connie put her wedding ring on Unfortunately the train is derailed and both Patricia and Hugh are killed and Connie lands up in hospital and gives birth When she awakens she discovers that she has been mistaken for Patrica Winterborne She is frantic and wants out but the fates don't blow the way she wants it to and she lands up farther and farther in a deception that she cannot get out of without hurting her "mother in Law" who has taken totally to her new "grandson" The movie is sweet and very down to earth Loved all four of the main characters Ricki Lake (Connie) Brendon Fraiser as both the deceased brother and the two brothers, Shirley McLain as the new grandmother and Paco as the chauffeur All four deliver a good performance and each in their own way is well cast I loved the movie and as soon as I can find a copy it will definitely be added to my prized DVD Collection

The opening scene of Mrs. Winterbourne is gripping. I don't really want to reveal any of the plot, because it unfolds so beautifully if you have no idea what's coming.

Barbara Stanwyck starred in the original in 1950, entitled No Man of Her Own, and while the black-and-white version is also very entertaining, I like the remake a little better. The pace is a little quicker, and it keeps your attention better. In this version, Ricki Lake, Brendan Fraser, and Shirley MacLaine are the leads, and they play off each other very well.

Mrs. Winterbourne is a romance, a thriller, a mystery, and an all-around cute flick from the 90s. While I won't tell you the premise, the movie centers on a young woman trying to fit into a higher class than she was born into. If you like those kinds of movies, you'll really like this one!

To be honest, Shirley McClaine is what made this movie at least somewhat entertaining at parts. Shirley McClaine shines in all of her scenes, as she always does in literally every movie she is involved in. The only real problem with this movie is that sometimes the writing can become dull and as a result, the scene and the comedic value in it suffers from it. Yes you have Shirley McClaine's wonderful witty humor and great acting abilities, but sometimes the writing can be underwhelming and then that just brings the whole scene down. Ricki Lake was pretty good in the lead role as Connie Doyle, I don't think that she's a bad actress and I don't think at all that she gave a poor performance here. Like I said, I think one of the movies main problems is the underwhelming writing that can come up sometimes, but I think another problem with Mrs. Winterbourne is Brendan Fraser. Now I don't mean to hate on Brendan Fraser, and I think he has given some good acting performances in other films, but to be honest, I just didn't think he was a good fit in this movie. I didn't like the way he came across in most scenes, and I just didn't like him as a character until the very end, and even then he seemed to me like he was stuck in some cheesy run-of-the-mill Hallmark movie, I just thought he gave a poor performance here. 6/10 overall for Mrs. Winterbourne seems fair.

The stolen life plots of the thirties and forties centered around the romantic mishaps of a girl at first destitute who changes her identity and with it finds a new chance at a romance with a wealthy fella. In this 90's outing Ricki Lake is the protagonist as the central girl. It is however her two redoubtable co-stars, Brendan Fraser and Shirley Maclaine who steal the show and are obviously on screen at almost all of the movie's best moments. The story starts in New Jersey and ends up in Massachussets generally following the old plots of many parallel thirties and forties movies with switches from pure movie melodrama to pure movie physical comedy.

Mrs. Winterbourne (1996): Dir: Richard Benjamin / Cast: Ricki Lake, Shirley MacLaine, Brendan Fraser, Loren Dean, Jane Krakowski: Intriguing romantic comedy that has its charm before surrendering to stupid situations that derail any richness it had. Ricki Lake moves to New York and meets a guy on her birthday but he throws her out of her apartment upon pregnancy. She encounters a couple on the subway who are expecting their first child. When she is allowed to try on their wedding band tragedy strikes. Lake awakens to learn that her baby was born and she is mistaken for someone else. Intriguing introduction becomes predictable with a nonsensical ending. Directed by Richard Benjamin who previously made Milk Money and Mermaids. First issue with this film is its weak performance by Lake. Another actress might have saved this mediocre delivery. Shirley MacLaine is a compelling actress but as Mrs. Winterbourne she is just a presence playing a type who will save the day. The best performance goes to Brendan Fraser as twins. He will accept Lake when it is learned that his brother died but their relationship is no surprise. Loren Dean as Lake's ex is the typical scheming guy whom wants back in her life for the wrong reasons. Theme of family unity falls into foolish situations that becomes more a sideshow fiasco than a decent romance. Score: 5 ½ / 10