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Fletch

  • 1985
  • PG
  • 1h 38m
IMDb RATING
6.9/10
60K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
4,370
1,339
Chevy Chase in Fletch (1985)
Bumbling DetectiveComedyCrimeMystery

While working undercover wisecracking newspaper reporter Irwin "Fletch" Fletcher is offered a large sum by a millionaire with a terminal disease to kill him. Intrigued, Fletch decides to une... Read allWhile working undercover wisecracking newspaper reporter Irwin "Fletch" Fletcher is offered a large sum by a millionaire with a terminal disease to kill him. Intrigued, Fletch decides to unearth the full story behind the offer.While working undercover wisecracking newspaper reporter Irwin "Fletch" Fletcher is offered a large sum by a millionaire with a terminal disease to kill him. Intrigued, Fletch decides to unearth the full story behind the offer.

  • Director
    • Michael Ritchie
  • Writers
    • Gregory McDonald
    • Andrew Bergman
    • Phil Alden Robinson
  • Stars
    • Chevy Chase
    • Joe Don Baker
    • Dana Wheeler-Nicholson
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.9/10
    60K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    4,370
    1,339
    • Director
      • Michael Ritchie
    • Writers
      • Gregory McDonald
      • Andrew Bergman
      • Phil Alden Robinson
    • Stars
      • Chevy Chase
      • Joe Don Baker
      • Dana Wheeler-Nicholson
    • 161User reviews
    • 60Critic reviews
    • 68Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 1 nomination total

    Videos1

    Fletch
    Trailer 1:25
    Fletch

    Photos86

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    Top cast99+

    Edit
    Chevy Chase
    Chevy Chase
    • Fletch
    Joe Don Baker
    Joe Don Baker
    • Chief Karlin
    Dana Wheeler-Nicholson
    Dana Wheeler-Nicholson
    • Gail Stanwyk
    Richard Libertini
    Richard Libertini
    • Walker
    Tim Matheson
    Tim Matheson
    • Alan Stanwyk
    M. Emmet Walsh
    M. Emmet Walsh
    • Dr. Dolan
    George Wendt
    George Wendt
    • Fat Sam
    Kenneth Mars
    Kenneth Mars
    • Stanton Boyd
    Geena Davis
    Geena Davis
    • Larry
    Bill Henderson
    Bill Henderson
    • Speaker
    William Traylor
    • Mr. Underhill
    George Wyner
    George Wyner
    • Gillet
    Tony Longo
    Tony Longo
    • Detective #1
    Larry Flash Jenkins
    Larry Flash Jenkins
    • Gummy
    Ralph Seymour
    Ralph Seymour
    • Creasy
    Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
    Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
    • Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
    James Avery
    James Avery
    • Detective #2
    Reid Cruickshanks
    Reid Cruickshanks
    • Sergeant
    • Director
      • Michael Ritchie
    • Writers
      • Gregory McDonald
      • Andrew Bergman
      • Phil Alden Robinson
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews161

    6.960.2K
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    Featured reviews

    7paul_m_haakonsen

    This is pure Chevy Chase gold...

    I have always enjoyed this 1985 classic comedy crime mystery gem starring Chevy Chase, and I have watched it several times over the years, and trust me, the movie never gets old. It is one of those movies that have that special ingredient to it that makes it possible to watch it again and again.

    Writer Andrew Bergman came up with a very enjoyable and entertaining storyline that incorporated elements of the typical Chevy Chase comedy and elements of crime and thriller as well. And the result it just great. The storyline is pretty straight forward and easy to follow, but it never actually becomes too predictable, nor does the pacing of the movie ever slow down.

    "Fletch" showcases a lot of Chevy Chase's talent and his ability to portray various characters, and there were plenty of characters in the movie, many of which just makes me laugh hard every time. But the movie also has the likes of Joe Don Baker, Geena Davis, Tim Matheson, M. Emmet Walsh and George Wendt on the cast list, so there are a good amount of familiar faces if you watched movies or TV during the 1980s.

    There are lots of funny situations throughout the movie, and Chevy Chase delivers some hilarious characters that really compliment the situations and scenes quite well, as well as providing the correct type of comedy needed to spruce up each scene. Personally, I am always busted up with laughing when he tries to evade the angry Doberman dog, where he sits inside the car with a camera and the dog is on the hood of the vehicle barking like mad, and Fletch says "Smile, say flesh. Look, defenseless babies" and the dog stops to check.

    The dialogue in the movie is also good, and it feels like Chevy Chase was allowed to just make up names for his characters as they filmed. The way he comes up with names on the fly is just hilarious, and results in some wonderfully absurd and funny names.

    If you haven't seen "Fletch" and find yourself with the opportunity to do so. I can warmly and highly recommend that you so, because this is definitely the embodiment of Chevy Chase comedy.

    My rating of this timeless comedy classic is a solid seven out of ten stars. It is well worth a watch, and most certainly well worth your time, money and effort.
    7jillwolensky673

    Fletch is decent

    "Fletch" is a reasonably entertaining thriller parody. It's cleverly scripted, containing some truly hilarious moments and colourful supporting characters. Chevy Chase and the other cast suit their roles perfectly and the various disguises provides the film's most delicious laughs as the licentious conductor. Unfortunately, the fun gets a bit tamer towards the end. Good amusement, nevertheless.

    They don't make films this light any more unfortunately. We need more feel good movies and less in your face ones that are made for 18 year olds.

    Writing is the key.
    8mrme1013

    A refreshing change of pace!

    Fletch is a refreshing departure from most modern crime/mystery flicks, and cop comedies. Chevy Chase plays Fletch, an undercover journalist with a penchant for clever disguises.

    The film takes itself seriously, as we see Fletch run from place to place making up names and solving the mystery. What makes this film great is that it's not a comedy by nature, but that the character Fletch is a comical man.

    Thus, we laugh at him and the situations he makes for himself. The film doesn't need to poke fun at itself, we have enough fun watching Fletch.

    It's hokey at times, and some of the supporting actors can be a little flimsy, but if you're interested in a great light-hearted mystery from the 80's, Fletch is a great watch!
    7TBJCSKCNRRQTreviews

    I have to admit, it won me over

    I don't particularly care for Chase. I simply usually don't really find him funny. But I did like this. I have not read any of the books. It happened somewhat gradually, but long before this was over, I was enjoying myself. In the long run, the thing's just difficult to resist. Some of the comedy is from sexual matters, but it's never explicit. There is also a little bit of gross-out material. Most of the jokes and gags are based on Fletch's way of handling situations, and his personality as well as in general how he relates to his surroundings. Chevy(the man, I... wouldn't know about the car) carries it rather well, and I found myself quite interested in the whole thing. The plot is good, and keeps developing nicely throughout. Pacing is great, it never gets boring. The music is another quality area. The script is, as well, I wouldn't claim any of this to be predictable, at least not enough to bother. Funny, charming, not at all without tension and may very well keep you guessing until the end. I recommend this to fans of Chevy Chase and possibly(inquire elsewhere would be my suggestion) the title character. 7/10
    8Coxer99

    Classic Chevy

    Chevy Chase's finest comedy. It's the part that he really sunk his teeth into. It's a perfect blend of humor, mystery and drama. Although Chase gets more mileage out of it because of the laughs, it's an intriguing character in all respects.

    Michael Ritchie directs nicely and the supporting cast works well, particularly Libertini as Fletch's noisy and brassy editor in chief. This is a film that is filled with more classic one liners than any film in the 1980's. It's one that makes us miss the old Chase and wonder why he's planning to make yet another "Vacation" movie.

    We miss you, Chevy!

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    Related interests

    Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez in Only Murders in the Building (2021)
    Bumbling Detective
    Will Ferrell in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
    Comedy
    James Gandolfini, Edie Falco, Sharon Angela, Max Casella, Dan Grimaldi, Joe Perrino, Donna Pescow, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Tony Sirico, and Michael Drayer in The Sopranos (1999)
    Crime
    Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway in Chinatown (1974)
    Mystery

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Chevy Chase has mentioned in interviews that this is his favorite of his movies, because it let him be himself.
    • Goofs
      The ticket agent informs Fletch, who she thinks is Mr. Stanwyk, the seat beside his on the next-day flight to Rio is occupied by Sally Ann Cavanaugh, who is connecting from Provo. Later, when Fletch calls his newspaper office, he asks Larry to check LA hotels for Sally Ann Cavanaugh. Why would she need a hotel if she is on a connecting flight? Because she has a very long connection, about 30 hours, so she must spend the night in LA. Fletch knows this because the guy with the shotgun told him she moved out in the morning a day before the evening flight to Rio.
    • Quotes

      Dr. Joseph Dolan: So where do you know Alan from?

      Fletch: We play tennis at the club.

      Dr. Joseph Dolan: Really? California Racquet Club?

      Fletch: Right.

      Dr. Joseph Dolan: That's my club too. I don't remember seeing you there.

      Fletch: Well, I haven't been playing in a while because of these kidney pains.

      Dr. Joseph Dolan: Right. Now, how long have you had these pains, Mr. Barber?

      Fletch: No, that's "Babar".

      Dr. Joseph Dolan: Two B's?

      Fletch: One B. B-A-B-A-R.

      Dr. Joseph Dolan: That's two.

      Fletch: Yeah, but not right next to each other. I thought that's what you meant.

      Dr. Joseph Dolan: Arnold Babar. Isn't there a children's book about an elephant named Babar?

      Fletch: I don't know. I don't have any.

      Dr. Joseph Dolan: No children?

      Fletch: No elephant books.

    • Alternate versions
      The German DVD version (which has a "12" rating) omits Fletch's line "Yeah, go down to the gym and pump each other" - after Karlin asks the arresting officers, "Why don't you two leave us alone?", there is a cut and the two just leave the room.
    • Connections
      Edited into Meet the Mormons (2014)
    • Soundtracks
      Bit By Bit
      (Theme From Fletch)

      Performed by Stephanie Mills

      Written by Harold Faltermeyer and Franne Golde

      Produced by Harold Faltermeyer

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    FAQ18

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • May 31, 1985 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official sites
      • Official Facebook
      • Universal Pictures Home Entertainment (United States)
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Fletch, el extraordinario
    • Filming locations
      • Mountain View Motel - 563 w 24th Street, Ogden, Utah, USA(motel where Fletch stayed)
    • Production companies
      • Universal Pictures
      • Vincent Pictures
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $8,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $50,612,888
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $7,022,970
      • Jun 2, 1985
    • Gross worldwide
      • $59,612,888
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 38m(98 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Stereo
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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