MOVIE: Americathon 1979

"Americathon" (1979) is an American satirical comedy film directed by Neal Israel, starring John Ritter, Harvey Korman, and Fred Willard. Set in a dystopian 1998, it depicts a bankrupt United States on the brink of being repossessed by wealthy Native American creditors. President Chet Roosevelt hires a young TV consultant to organize a massive coast-to-coast telethon to raise $400 billion and save the nation. Amid absurd celebrity performances and chaotic behind-the-scenes drama, the story unfolds through narrative flashbacks, blending high-concept humor, cameos from Elvis Costello and Meat Loaf, and commentary on economic collapse and consumerism. Narrated by George Carlin, the film critiques American excess and political incompetence in a farcical race against foreclosure.