Synopsis

A cash-strapped surfer and would-be inventor unexpectedly inherits a controlling stake in a major corporation from a wealthy stranger. As he tries to run the company in his own unconventional way, his jealous rival plots to seize control. When a suspicious scandal threatens the business, the unlikely chairman must use his inventive talents to uncover the deception and save the company.

Factoids & Trivia

• Chairman of the Board marked Carrot Top's feature-film debut and remains his only lead role in a feature-length movie.

• The film became widely associated with Norm Macdonald's May 15, 1997, appearance on Late Night with Conan O'Brien. While Courtney Thorne-Smith was promoting the movie, Macdonald improvised a series of jokes about its title and Carrot Top. Thorne-Smith later said she enjoyed the segment and was relieved that Macdonald took over the promotion.

• The movie received only a brief theatrical run. It opened in 196 theaters and earned $181,233 during its opening weekend, eventually taking in approximately $306,715 domestically.

• Carrot Top was nominated for Worst New Star at the 1998 Golden Raspberry Awards, while Raquel Welch received a nomination for Worst Supporting Actress.

• The film's central gimmick is reflected in its production design: many of Edison's inventions are deliberately elaborate novelty devices, including a television-equipped dinner and clothing that functions as a lie detector.

• The screenplay was written by Alfredo Septien, Turi Meyer, and Alex Zamm. Its 95-minute running time and PG-13 rating reflect the film's mixture of broad physical comedy, crude humor, and workplace satire.