I have been sick as a dog for the past week. Last weekend, I was down and out. I was looking for a comfort movie, so I decided to fire up one of my all-time favorite comedies, 1985’s “Fletch.”
“Fletch” stars Chevy Chase as investigative reporter Irwin M. Fletcher, or “Fletch” for short. The film is loosely based on a novel by Gregory McDonald, though the novel is much more serious and dark. If you’re expecting Chase’s Clark Griswold, go watch one of the “Vacation” films. In “Fletch,” Chase plays a confident, charming ladies’ man (if you can believe that). He wears a host of disguises in the film as he chases a story about a drug ring.
At the start of the film, Fletch is offered a large sum of money to kill millionaire Alan Stanwyck (Tim Matheson), who claims to have terminal cancer. Fletch becomes suspicious when he finds out Stanwyck is not ill. He begins to investigate by meeting with the man’s friends, family and even doctor, using a plethora of pseudonyms along the way.
“Fletch” is ripe with one-liners, and many of the jokes are subtle, so pay attention. When Fletch cons his way into a hospital’s records room by pretending to be a doctor (Dr. Rosenpenis!), he faints when asked to assist in the morgue. A nurse asks Fletch if she can get him anything and he simply deadpans: “Do you have the Beatles’ ‘White Album?’ Never mind, just get me a glass of hot fat and bring me the head of Alfredo Garcia while you’re out there.” OK, so it doesn’t make much sense, but the way Chase delivers it is simply priceless.
Over the course of the investigation, Fletch charms Stanwyck’s wife, Gail (Dana Wheeler-Nicholson). The two become romantically involved, unbeknownst to Mr. Stanwyck, of course.
In addition to some fantastic one-liners and sight gags, there’s a great cast of characters along for the ride. Look for a young Geena Davis as Fletch’s assistant, Larry. M. Emmet Walsh (the old crotchety neighbor in “Christmas with the Kranks”), George Wendt (Norm on “Cheers”) and Joe Don Baker also have bit roles in the film.
One of the best scenes in “Fletch” is a dream sequence when Fletch takes on the role of a Los Angeles Laker. He dreams about not only being on the team, but getting introduced with the team (“he’s actually 6-5, 6-9 with the afro”) and scores a bucket before waking from the dream.
“Fletch” has become a cult classic of sorts. It’s a great 1980s comedy film that doesn’t get mentioned with the likes of “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” “The Breakfast Club,” “Back to the Future” or “The Goonies.” However, “Fletch” can hold its own with any of those classics.
“Fletch” did well with critics and at the box office — it was among the top 50 grossing domestic films in its first year of release. It even spawned a sequel, 1989’s “Fletch Lives,” which strays even more from the McDonald novels and isn’t nearly as entertaining. There’s a new film, “Confess, Fletch,” with Jon Hamm taking over the role of Fletch. I haven’t watched it yet, but it’s hard to imagine anyone but Chase playing the role.
If you’re just looking for something fun to watch, check out “Fletch” — it’s a lighthearted romp and it’s classic Chase.
Fletch is rated PG for adult themes, drug references and mild language. It’s available on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Vudu, Google Play and YouTube.
Chris Morelli is the assistant editor of The Centre County Gazette.
