‘90s FAMILY : Few Doubts About ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’

Media Monitor examines the family issues raised in current films, books and television shows. It appears regularly on the ‘90s Family page.

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What’s Playing: “Mrs. Doubtfire,” a PG-13 comedy starring Robin Williams, available on video.

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Family Portrait: Daniel Hillard is an impulsive, slightly irresponsible actor married to Miranda, a workaholic interior designer. They have three children: Chris, Lydia and Natalie.

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Back story: After 14 years, the Hillards’ marriage has finally ended. Daniel loves his children, but he’s more a buddy than a parent to them. Jobless and living in a ratty apartment, he is limited by the court to Saturday-only visitation until he gets his life together. Daniel can’t stand to be apart from his kids. He dons makeup, a wig and buxom bodysuit to become 60ish Mrs. Doubtfire and gets the nanny job Miranda has advertised.

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Defining Moment: As Daniel lives in the Mrs. Doubtfire persona, he becomes a more responsible parent who cleans and cooks and insists his kids do their homework. Although Miranda is angry when she discovers his ploy, she realizes that he has been transformed and she persuades the court to grant liberal visitation.

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Telling Quote: “In regards to my behavior, I can only plead insanity,” Daniel tells a judge after his disguise is revealed. “Ever since my children were born, the moment I looked at them, I was crazy about them.”

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Prescription Pad: “Mrs. Doubtfire” has a positive message for children, said Elaine Rodino, a Santa Monica psychologist.

It tells viewers that “when parents are separated or divorced, they continue to love their children passionately,” Rodino said. “They will do anything to be with them and know that they are happy and healthy.”

It bothered Rodino that Miranda, as a working mother, was shown as rigid and humorless. But she noted that Miranda seems to be that way in response to Daniel’s goofiness, and that’s an interaction that happens in many families. “When one parent is more uptight, controlling or worrying, the other balances it by being more relaxed, more easygoing,” she said.

Unfortunately, “Mrs. Doubtfire’s” good messages are mingled with situations and dialogue laden with sexual innuendo, Rodino said, which might make a parent think twice about letting a young child see it.