Ruthless People **** (1986, Bette Midler, Danny DeVito, Judge Reinhold) – Classic Movie Review 8232

Directors Jim Abrahams, David Zucker and Jerry Zucker’s 1986 Ruthless People is a hugely entertaining black comedy starring Danny DeVito as Sam Stone, a horrible hubby scheming to bump off his strident wife Barbara (Bette Midler), who is after his money. She is kidnapped and he cheerfully refuses to fork out the money for the ransom to get her back.

There is a high laughter quota in Dale Launer’s screenplay, with loads of big guffaws, complemented by great comic playing from an ideal cast and real bite in the direction from the Airplane! (1980) people, keeping the fun swift, and nice and nasty.

DeVito was Golden Globe nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical. He was also nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical for Throw Momma from the Train (1987). He won a tied Golden Globe as Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Television Series for Taxi (1978). He has no actor Oscar nominations, though he was nominated (shared) as producer for Best Picture for Erin Brockovich (2000).

There is some nudity and swearing.

Also in the cast are Judge Reinhold, Helen Slater, Anita Morris, Bill Pullman, William G Schilling and Art Evans.

Midler replaced Madonna after artistic differences.

© Derek Winnert 2019 Classic Movie Review 8232

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