FLETCHÂ (PG)
D: Michael Ritchie
Universal (Alan Greisman & Peter
Douglas)
USA 🇺🇸 1985
96 mins
Â
Comedy/Mystery
Â
W: Andrew Bergman [based on the novel by
Gregory McDonald]
DP: Fred Schuler
Ed: Richard A. Harris
Mus: Harold Faltermeyer
Â
Chevy Chase (Irwin M. Fletcher), Dana
Wheeler-Nicholson (Gail Stanwyck), Tim Matheson (Alan Stanwyck), Joe Don Baker (Chief Jerry), Richard Libertini (Frank Walker), Geena Davis (Larry)
Â
Chevy Chase plays journalist Irwin M. "Fletch"
Fletcher, who goes undercover as a drifter to find out more about a beachfront drug-dealing operation. Whilst undercover, he is approached by a playboy who, claiming he has a terminal
illness, hires him for his own murder, so his wife can benefit from an inheritance that a suicide won't cover.
Wrought with suspicion, Fletch does his own digging into
the matter, aided by a number of disguises, and discovers a link between his two investigations.
The film is very much tailored for Chase's persona, so the
enjoyment factor depends heavily on whether or not you like the actor. Â Those who do are treated to his best screen performance, giving comedy value to practically every line the script
asks him to deliver with an almost deadpan humour style. 1980's guilty pleasure stuff.
7/10