A San Francisco librarian picks up a hitchhiker whose car has broken down, which leads to her being stalked and hunted by shady individuals. A cop she briefly met during a function eventuall... Read allA San Francisco librarian picks up a hitchhiker whose car has broken down, which leads to her being stalked and hunted by shady individuals. A cop she briefly met during a function eventually comes to her rescue.A San Francisco librarian picks up a hitchhiker whose car has broken down, which leads to her being stalked and hunted by shady individuals. A cop she briefly met during a function eventually comes to her rescue.
- Nominated for 1 Oscar
- 9 nominations total
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
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Featured reviews
There are some really action-filled moments along the way but most of the suspense derives from wondering how Goldie will survive the various attempts on her life.
DUDLEY MOORE is memorable in a laugh-filled seduction scene where he misinterprets what Goldie is saying as she peers through the curtains of his apartment window. His attempt to seduce her in an apartment filled with sex devices is one of the film's funniest moments.
The scary parts are fun too, especially when she's being menaced by a sinister looking albino and a midget--dispatching both when the need arises. She plays the part with a vigorous wide-eyed disposition that really belies her role as a shy librarian encouraged to get out and meet people...but it's all so funny you don't care about details after awhile. Just sit back and enjoy.
The San Fransico location shots add a lot of visual interest to the tale and it's all directed at a mad pace by Colin Higgins, winding up with some wild scenes in an opera house.
Strictly for laughs, it's well worth viewing for Goldie's charming performance.
I can't think of a better movie that puts the late seventies in to perspective; the comedy is simple, the relationships between the characters is lighthearted; heck, even funnier to me is Chevy's offering of a 'joint' to goldie, then saying, "you know they say the cops have the best dope", an ironic pre "war on drugs" line when people had perspective on such things.
The acting is really quite good, Chevy looks great as a young man, and Goldie is absolutely stunning. The cinematography is well done, crisp and clear lighting with that seventies film stock quality that seems better in many ways than the heavily digitally processed look of today. It's refreshing to see, AND to hear- the 5.1 surround was surprisingly good, very clear, and well thought out.
If you are like me, and remember seeing this movie in the late seventies, and would like a treat, rent or buy Foul Play on DVD, a true pleasure indeed.
This is a beautiful movie--shot on location in San Francisco. The stars are likable; the script is interesting, if all little too confusing and there are many funny--and suspenseful--moments throughout. I saw this back in 1978 and loved it and it still holds up beautifully. A lot of people says this plagiarizes Hitchcock. It does a little but it's so entertaining it doesn't really matter.
Chase is good in his first film after leaving "Saturday Night Live" and Hawn is just delightful. There's also strong support from Burgess Meredith, Brian Dennehy and Dudley Moore. Also there are some beautiful shots of San Francisco all through the movie. And it starts off great with the Barry Manilow song "Ready To Take A Chance Again". Just basically a great big fun commercial film. Well worth catching. I'm only giving it a 9 because it IS a little too long.
Did you know
- TriviaFarrah Fawcett was in line for the role of Gloria. The studio opted for Goldie Hawn when Spelling-Goldberg Productions, the producers of Charlie's Angels (1976), warned all the studios that "they would be sued for damages if they employed me," Fawcett told The Associated Press in 1979. She was still under contract with Spelling-Goldberg when she left the show. Fawcett is visible in the background at the party scene where Hawn's character is introduced.
- GoofsDuring the chase across town in the limo with the Japanese couple in the back, the car jumps over a pile of sand, and a movie camera is visible in the passenger seat.
- Quotes
Fergie: Why did he want to kill you?
Gloria Mundy: Who?
Tony Carlson: The man with the scar.
Gloria Mundy: I'm not sure, but I think it was because of the cigarettes.
Tony Carlson: He wanted a - a cigarette?
Gloria Mundy: No, he wanted the whole pack!
Fergie: Kinda greedy.
- Crazy creditsEsme the snake is played by Shirley Python.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Hollywood: The Gift of Laughter (1982)
- SoundtracksCopacabana (At the Copa)
Written by Jack Feldman, Bruce Sussman, and Barry Manilow
Sung by Barry Manilow
Courtesy of Arista Records
- How long is Foul Play?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Juego sucio
- Filming locations
- 430 Vallejo Street, Telegraph Hill, San Francisco, California, USA(Gloria Mundy's house.)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $5,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $44,999,621
- Gross worldwide
- $44,999,621