Mrs. Doubtfire is a 1993 American comedy-drama film directed by Chris Columbus, written by Randi Mayem Singer and Leslie Dixon, based on the 1987 novel Madame Doubtfire, by Anne Fine. The film was produced by Mark Radcliffe, Marsha Garces Williams and her then-husband Robin Williams, who also starred in the lead role. The film co-stars Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan, Harvey Fierstein, and Robert Prosky. It follows a recently divorced voice actor who disguises himself as an elderly female housekeeper in order to spend time with his children.

Plot

Daniel Hillard, a freelance voice actor in San Francisco, adores his three children—14-year-old Lydia, 12-year-old Chris, and five-year-old Natalie—but often struggles with responsibility and follow-through. His wife, Miranda, who carries much of the household and financial load, has grown increasingly frustrated with Daniel’s impulsiveness and tendency to avoid difficult decisions. After quitting a gig following a disagreement over a morally questionable script, Daniel returns home to throw Chris a chaotic birthday party, despite Miranda's objections due to Chris's poor grades. Miranda arrives home from work early to break up the party after receiving a noise complaint from a neighbor, and in the ensuing argument, Miranda tells Daniel she wants a divorce. Due to Daniel's unemployed and homeless status, Miranda is granted sole custody of the children, with Daniel having visitation rights every Saturday; shared custody is contingent on Daniel finding a steady job and suitable residence within three months.