Foul Play

Released: 1978

Reviewed: 12.28.09
Star rating: 3 out of 5

Goldie Hawn (Gloria), Chevy Chase (Tony), Burgess Meredith (Mr. Hennessey), Rachel Roberts (Delia/Gerda), Eugene Roche (Archbishop), Dudley Moore (Stanley), Brian Dennehy (Fergie), Billy Barty (J.J.).
 
Gloria is a sweet, happy librarian who uncovers a plot to kill the Pope. Fearing for her life she stumbles across Stanley and enlists the aid of local cop, Tony. And while Tony and Gloria fall in love the mystery gets more and more strange.


This one kicks off with some silliness and mystery and just keeps the silly coming throughout the film. There is a plot but really it is just an excuse for some comedy. With a bit of slapstick, one-liners, sexual innuendo, and racism there is a bit of something for everyone to laugh at and be offended by. There isn't anything complicated here, just fun energy between the characters and plenty of laughs.

Acting was okay but this wasn't so much about performance as it was comedy. It was nice though to see Hawn and Chase when they were both younger. Hawn was so cute back then and Chase was great at delivering lines with a straight face. Moore was hilarious in this one as well.

Film quality is 1970's at its best. Soft filming, steady camera work, with decent sets and backgrounds. There were some bonuses like Hawn driving down the coast. The soundtrack was good with some songs by Manilow.

Looking back at this film now it is amazing how many awards it won at the time. Although a good 70's genre film along the lines of Overboard or Modern Problems, I think there were others that were better.

This is a good choice for family movie night or if you just want something light and fun without all the CGI and special effects for a change. No nudity, foul language, or much of anything else to limit the audience so preens and above should be fine with this one.