Fletch *** (1985, Chevy Chase, Joe Don Baker, Dana Wheeler-Nicholson, , Tim Matheson, Joe Don Baker, Richard Libertini, Kenneth Mars, M Emmet Walsh) – Classic Movie Review 10,087

Director Michael Ritchie’s very popular 1985 comedy-thriller Fletch stars Chevy Chase as Irwin M ‘Fletch’ Fletcher, an obnoxious, wisecracking reporter who assumes all manner of disguises to expose a Los Angeles drugs ring.

Fletch is offered $50,000 to shoot cancer-ridden millionaire Alan Stanwyk (Tim Matheson) so his wife will get the insurance money. But soon Fletch becomes suspicious when he finds out the man is healthy. He continues to investigate, his life is threatened and he goes on the run, finding clues to the man’s connection with drug dealing.

The hit and miss laughs and the action are almost non-stop, the mystery is pretty involving, and a wryly funny Chase is on top form: all he needs is to show a little more charm, though, to be fair, that is not the role here.

It was a huge hit in the US, costing $8,000,000 and grossing $50,612,888. Home video added another $24.4 million in rentals. The public demanded more and got it in Fletch Lives (1989).

In 2004 Chase said Fletch was his favourite and most successful role. He said he enjoyed it because it allowed him to play a wide variety of different characters: ‘I love props, like wigs and buck-teeth and glasses. At one point I wear an Afro and play basketball with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. There were some scenes where I didn’t recognise myself.’

Andrew Bergman’s screenplay is based on Gregory McDonald’s novel.

Also in a strong cast are Dana Wheeler-Nicholson, Tim Matheson, Joe Don Baker, Richard Libertini, Kenneth Mars, M Emmet Walsh, Geena Davis, George Wendt, Tony Longo, Ralph Seymour, and William Sanderson.

Fletch is directed by Michael Ritchie, runs 98 minutes, is made by Vincent Pictures and Universal Pictures, is released by Universal, is written by Andrew Bergman, is shot in colour and widescreen by Fred Schuler, is produced by Alan Greisman and Peter Douglas, is scored by Harold Faltermeyer, with production designs by Boris Leven.

In July 2020 it was announced that Fletch lives again as Jon Hamm signs on to star in and produce a reboot. Greg Mottola is set to direct and Zev Borow is writing the film, to be based on the second book in the Fletch series, Confess, Fletch.

Chase is an active environmentalist and philanthropist, known for his outspoken liberal political views.

© Derek Winnert 2020 Classic Movie Review 10,087

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