Goldie Hawn gives a delicious comic performance as a San Francisco librarian who's been living like a hermit, encouraged by a friend to get out there and shake her pom-poms; instead, she becomes indirectly involved with a pack of nefarious criminals who plan to assassinate the Pope (!) on his visit to the Opera House. The picture has some real ringers (Dudley Moore and his apartment full of sex toys, two little old ladies playing Dirty Scrabble), but Hawn is very appealing, especially while sitting in a movie theater with her black-rimmed glasses watching a film-noir about a detective and a Chinese sailor. Chevy Chase, in his debut as a leading man following his departure from "Saturday Night Live", plays the lovestruck cop on the case and he's very green; some of his lines fall flat (especially a tasteless bit about a government official wearing make-up), however his love scenes with Goldie are low-keyed and sweet. The bungled car-chase finale is a complete waste, yet the movie is buoyed by a terrific supporting cast, including funny Billy Barty, handsome Brian Dennehy (who gets lost in the action), scene-stealing Burgess Meredith and kinky, salacious Rachel Roberts (as "Delia Darrow"). A fitfully fun time. *** from ****
132 Reviews
A comedy thriller that comes out a winner
ODDBear19 October 2004
Cute looking Hawn gets mixed up in a big conspiracy and detective Chase is assigned to the case.
This Hitchcockian comedy thriller is a truly wonderful little film. It's cleverly written, expertly acted by the entire ensemble, suspenseful and outrageously funny when it wants to be. This happens to be one of the few movies that can successfully balance comedy and suspense and come out a winner.
The plot isn't easily spotted and old Hitchcock's influence are apparent, but the film feels completely original. Hawn is just wonderful here, Chase in his best ever role but Dudley Moore steals the show as a...well, likable pervert. The Bee Gees song Stayin' Alive will probably best be remembered here, rather than in Saturday Night Fever. You'll know when you see it.
Highly recommended.
This Hitchcockian comedy thriller is a truly wonderful little film. It's cleverly written, expertly acted by the entire ensemble, suspenseful and outrageously funny when it wants to be. This happens to be one of the few movies that can successfully balance comedy and suspense and come out a winner.
The plot isn't easily spotted and old Hitchcock's influence are apparent, but the film feels completely original. Hawn is just wonderful here, Chase in his best ever role but Dudley Moore steals the show as a...well, likable pervert. The Bee Gees song Stayin' Alive will probably best be remembered here, rather than in Saturday Night Fever. You'll know when you see it.
Highly recommended.
Kojak, bang, bang!!
CKCSWHFFAN22 February 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I remember going to see this film in the theater.
Have always loved this film.
Another good selling point to me with films is quotable lines. And, like this film when you have more than 1.
"Jungle Training." "Kojak, bang, bang!!" "The punch of power!" "Far Out." Dudley Moore in the first of the 3 notable film roles he ever did. Course, BEST BY FAR WAS "ARTHUR".
The only opera scenes I have ever liked on film. :) Sorry, I am a rock & roll person.
Just watched the film again this morning, never get tired of it.
Have always loved this film.
Another good selling point to me with films is quotable lines. And, like this film when you have more than 1.
"Jungle Training." "Kojak, bang, bang!!" "The punch of power!" "Far Out." Dudley Moore in the first of the 3 notable film roles he ever did. Course, BEST BY FAR WAS "ARTHUR".
The only opera scenes I have ever liked on film. :) Sorry, I am a rock & roll person.
Just watched the film again this morning, never get tired of it.
Chevy-Hawn magic
bodhisattva1322 December 2002
I saw this film when I was nine years old. And I loved it. From the opening shot of Goldie Hawn's VW bug driving along to Barry Manilow's "Ready to Take a Chance Again" to the Pope tapping his foot to "Three Little Maids From School Are We," this movie is pure entertainment. What makes it so funny is it seems an exercise in lateral thinking. A snake that eats cigarettes? An albino hit man? Billy Barty? I love the music in this film and watching Dudley Moore sing "I feel the earth move under my feet" ... while he tries to seduce Hawn, who was the very model of wholesome cuteness in the '70s and '80s. Her pairing with Chase gave us some of the funniest shows of the era. (I also enjoy "Seems Like Old Times.") The only downside to this film - if you see it when you're an impressionable child, you'll always be wondering if someone will stab you through the theater seat. Argh!
Goldie shines in clever comedy thriller...
Doylenf30 August 2006
GOLDIE HAWN is at her wide-eyed prettiest in this enjoyable comedy-thriller, a romp that has her trying to avoid one dangerous situation after another when she finds out that she's being stalked by killers anxious to get their hands on a roll of film she has. Her efforts lead to unraveling an assassination plot on the Pope! CHEVY CHASE is her detective boyfriend who gets caught up in the intricate plot, which leads eventually to a mad car chase through the streets of San Francisco. BURGESS MEREDITH is her friendly neighbor with a penchant for pet snakes with some funny scenes as well.
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.
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.
An entertaining espionage thriller - clever and funny
MovieAddict201612 October 2005
Chevy Chase is not a great comedian, at least not anymore, but at one point in his career he WAS funny. He had talent. This film proves it. Although most of us today remember him fondly as the dad from the "Vacation" movies, he plays a different type of character here, and it is effective. He's still humorous (I've never seen him play a 100% serious dramatic role) but less stupid than usual, and his character - a police officer - calls for a more realistic attitude.
He's assigned to help Goldie Hawn's character in the film, who is being pursued by an albino and the Catholic church after a microchip is given to her by a dying man on the street. After a failed assassination attempt, she calls the police, but only Chase believes her.
Hawn lives in an apartment building maintained by the late Burgess Meredith. This was two years after the success of "Rocky" and Meredith was making a name for himself with the younger crowds. The film, as a result, lends him a solid role that he fulfills.
The film isn't an uproarious comedy but it is very entertaining and occasionally quite funny. Best viewed late at night on the weekend.
He's assigned to help Goldie Hawn's character in the film, who is being pursued by an albino and the Catholic church after a microchip is given to her by a dying man on the street. After a failed assassination attempt, she calls the police, but only Chase believes her.
Hawn lives in an apartment building maintained by the late Burgess Meredith. This was two years after the success of "Rocky" and Meredith was making a name for himself with the younger crowds. The film, as a result, lends him a solid role that he fulfills.
The film isn't an uproarious comedy but it is very entertaining and occasionally quite funny. Best viewed late at night on the weekend.
One of the best comedies of the seventies!
bobwht22 December 2006
Goldie Hawn is gorgeous as always. Dudley Moore is unforgettable as the sex mad Englishman and a very young Chevy Chase is terrific as the handsome cop. A very funny comedy with well chosen music from Gilbert and Sullivan and Barry Manilow. Look out for the two old ladies playing Scrabble......hilarious. The plot revolves around Goldie and a gang of assassins who get her and the cops very confused and results in a great many hilarious moments and a great deal of action. The film is, in some places, reminiscent of the slapstick comedies of the 30's and 40's and the car chase is similar to the many car chases that have been filmed on the streets of San Francisco e.g. Bullitt and What's Up Doc? Highly recommended.
I play Detective. You play Lady In Distress.
hitchcockthelegend30 January 2017
Foul Play is written and directed by Colin Higgins. It stars Goldie Hawn, Chevy Chase, Burgess Meredith, Rachel Roberts, Dudley Moore and Brian Dennehy. Music is by Charles Fox and cinematography by David M. Walsh.
San Francisco librarian Gloria Mundy (Hawn) inadvertently gets embroiled with mobsters who are out to assassinate The Pope. Hooking up with cheeky copper Tony Carlson (Chase), she hopes to stay alive long enough to find out why people are trying to kill her!
Comedy thrillers are tough to get right, you gotta make people laugh and also grip them with drama, thankfully Colin Higgins gets it right in this delightful late 1970s production. He kind of plays safe by literally throwing many of the conventions of the genres into the mix, with weird villains, an odd couple (hello romance), pratfalls, near misses, McGuffin, bonkers situations (both dicey and funny) and etc etc. Boosted by a damn fine cast (Hawn and Chase are fun, charming and sexy together, while the supports excel), some superb Frisco scenery and a toe tapping 70s soundtrack, it rounds out as a breezy effort across the board. Where else you going to see Burgess Meredith and Rachel Roberts in a martial arts smack down? 7/10
San Francisco librarian Gloria Mundy (Hawn) inadvertently gets embroiled with mobsters who are out to assassinate The Pope. Hooking up with cheeky copper Tony Carlson (Chase), she hopes to stay alive long enough to find out why people are trying to kill her!
Comedy thrillers are tough to get right, you gotta make people laugh and also grip them with drama, thankfully Colin Higgins gets it right in this delightful late 1970s production. He kind of plays safe by literally throwing many of the conventions of the genres into the mix, with weird villains, an odd couple (hello romance), pratfalls, near misses, McGuffin, bonkers situations (both dicey and funny) and etc etc. Boosted by a damn fine cast (Hawn and Chase are fun, charming and sexy together, while the supports excel), some superb Frisco scenery and a toe tapping 70s soundtrack, it rounds out as a breezy effort across the board. Where else you going to see Burgess Meredith and Rachel Roberts in a martial arts smack down? 7/10
"The bad guys are after your ass. It's my job to get there first."
dennisayers20 January 2001
Perky librarian Gloria Mundy (Hawn) has stumbled on to a plot to assassinate the pope. Now she has an albino, a dwarf and a scarfaced killer "after her ass." She turns to Det. Tony Carlson (Chase) and together they crack the case. The plot, including the obligatory car chase through the streets of San Francisco, is totally by the numbers, but this movie has a lot of minor delights. Witty dialog and a brilliant supporting cast help a lot. As for the leads, Hawn was in her prime. Even in the bad seventies makeup, hairdos and clothes she is adorable. Chevy Chase doesn't have a lot to do, as the script gives most of the heroic moments to Hawn. Even so, he turns out to be quite a charmer. I'd forgotten that, back when he was young and handsome, his bumbling schtick actually worked. The best part of seeing Foul Play now is spotting the multitude of 70's anachronisms. Just a few that stand out: Gloria thinks nothing of picking up a hitchhiker. She's a non-smoker but lets someone light up in her car. Chevy Chase's character, a police detective, smokes a joint now and then. Ah, those were the days. If this movie appeals to you, I would strongly suggest "Silver Streak" (1976), another comedy/romance/thriller also written by Colin Higgins. These two films share a similar sensibility, and I'd love to see them at a revival house as a double feature.
Good fun
aldri-3957618 February 2017
It's a little hard going all the way back to 1978 as I had to tonight watching foul play again for about the dozenth time. I've always enjoyed this movie, and felt like it really symbolized that era well. Chevy Chase and Goldi Hawn were both in their prime then, and their little affair had a lot of good chemistry. As a comedy suspense thriller, this movie suits the genre really well. The pacing seemed a little slow to me this time around, and the dialogue weaker than I expected. But there are so many memorable scenes here. This was back when feminism, political correctness and the swinger lifestyle were all sort of new and topical. And so some of the best scenes revolved around those themes. Also, we have a lot of colorful characters to offset goldie's ditsy blandness. In fact, one of the characters was actually devoid of any color at all in a literal sense i.e. he was an albino. This guy's albino eyes really gave him an unusually sinister quality. And then there was Dudley Moore who almost stole the comedy spotlight from Chevy Chase. No small feat there. But the circus like cast of villains was important to the plot, as early on Goldie comes across as a lunatic for mentioning plots to kill her involving unseen dwarfs, albinos, etc. All very funny. Anyway, in retrospect, Goldie is not given much of a script though, while the dwarf and Dudley Moore provide the best comic relief aside from Chevy who plays his usual droll self.
A spoiler would be needed to talk about what happens near the end. There is not much meat to the murder suspense subplot, but thankfully, there are other surprises here and there that will make you smile. Rounding out this blast from the past is Barry Manilows famous song about going for it.
If you've ever seen the classic horror thriller "wait until dark" starring Audrey Hepburn, Foul Play is at times reminiscent of it early on, only not so terrifying. It's a good thing, as Foul Play is really more about comedy than suspense, and the Batmanesque cast of villains encourages you to not take it all too seriously. And with Dudley Moore famous swinger pad scene early on, you're definitely laughing more than you are clutching your chair. I've played a clip of that on YouTube many, many times and never tire of Dudleys performance.
So, two thumbs up. Vintage Chevy and Goldie, while Brian Dennehy also puts in a nice appearance.
A spoiler would be needed to talk about what happens near the end. There is not much meat to the murder suspense subplot, but thankfully, there are other surprises here and there that will make you smile. Rounding out this blast from the past is Barry Manilows famous song about going for it.
If you've ever seen the classic horror thriller "wait until dark" starring Audrey Hepburn, Foul Play is at times reminiscent of it early on, only not so terrifying. It's a good thing, as Foul Play is really more about comedy than suspense, and the Batmanesque cast of villains encourages you to not take it all too seriously. And with Dudley Moore famous swinger pad scene early on, you're definitely laughing more than you are clutching your chair. I've played a clip of that on YouTube many, many times and never tire of Dudleys performance.
So, two thumbs up. Vintage Chevy and Goldie, while Brian Dennehy also puts in a nice appearance.
Hitchcock-Like Comedy/Thriller
AaronCapenBanner26 November 2013
Colin Higgens wrote and directed this comedy/thriller clearly inspired by director Alfred Hitchcock. Goldie Hawn stars as a lonely young woman who gets mixed up in espionage and murder after a man she was seeing dies, and leaves a microfilm with her which some crooks want, and will do anything to obtain. Chevy Chase plays a San Francisco detective who meets her in his investigation, and is immediately attracted, and they must team up to stop a sinister assassination plan involving the Pope. Burgess Meredith costars as a wacky neighbor of Goldie's, as does Dudley Moore as a love interest. Though a hit at the time, this film goes on too long, becoming increasingly ridiculous.
*****I simply adore this movie, and never tire of revisiting it!*****
Gwendylan29 July 2006
I've lost track of how many times I've seen this gem.. but at least 2 or 3.. er, well, okay, 4 or 5 times every year!
Now, my 10 Stars aside, if you're looking for an intellectually stimulating, sprawling epic, enriching to mind, body and soul, forget it!
...Ahh, but if you're looking for an endlessly entertaining, fun movie with a terrific cast throughout, and phenomenally choreographed hijinks, scene after scene.. a movie that's a kaleidescope of cinematic deliciousness from one end of the comedic spectrum to the other!--Everything from slapstick spoofs on classic gangster films, with a bit of suspense; some high-karate; an unbeatable car-chase scene, to a little old-fashioned romance; some actually factual tidbits thrown in! And my-oh-my, would you believe, even some classic opera to boot!--THEN HEY! THIS MOVIE is for YOU!!
It's a screeeam!! Not to mention some of the best work Chevy Chase and Goldie Hawn have ever done, together OR separately! In addition, if you're a Bee Gee's and/or Barry Manilow fan, well, hurry up and RENT it! BUY it!! SEE IT!!!
It has two of the sweetest, most perfectly done kissing scenes of any movie, romantic or otherwise, I've ever seen before or since. NO slimy "suck-face" grossness HERE! So tasteful, so romantic, so rare~ The chemistry between these two is so magical~ Right up there with Bogie and Bacall! you could just reach out and TOUCH it.. Sheer MAGIC!
There are countless class-acts here. I love Marilyn Sokol in ANYthing she does.. Dudley Moore.. such comic genius, Billy Barty, Burgess Meredith! The two little ol' ladies, {not sure of their names}, playing Scra.. well, you'll see! Hilarious!! Everybody is just SUPER! The whole thing is just so well orchestrated!
I've loved nearly everything Chevy and Goldie, {who needs their last names?}, have done, {with the exception of "..Vegas Vacation", and the updated "The Out-of-Towners"..eeeshh!} ..But this, this priceless jewel of wonderful silliness takes the cake!
Years from now, when all are watching the 'classic' "Titanic" of the '90's, I'll be in my easy chair crankin' up the old video machine, watching MY classic "Foul Play", relishing every millionth-time-watched moment!:)
Now, my 10 Stars aside, if you're looking for an intellectually stimulating, sprawling epic, enriching to mind, body and soul, forget it!
...Ahh, but if you're looking for an endlessly entertaining, fun movie with a terrific cast throughout, and phenomenally choreographed hijinks, scene after scene.. a movie that's a kaleidescope of cinematic deliciousness from one end of the comedic spectrum to the other!--Everything from slapstick spoofs on classic gangster films, with a bit of suspense; some high-karate; an unbeatable car-chase scene, to a little old-fashioned romance; some actually factual tidbits thrown in! And my-oh-my, would you believe, even some classic opera to boot!--THEN HEY! THIS MOVIE is for YOU!!
It's a screeeam!! Not to mention some of the best work Chevy Chase and Goldie Hawn have ever done, together OR separately! In addition, if you're a Bee Gee's and/or Barry Manilow fan, well, hurry up and RENT it! BUY it!! SEE IT!!!
It has two of the sweetest, most perfectly done kissing scenes of any movie, romantic or otherwise, I've ever seen before or since. NO slimy "suck-face" grossness HERE! So tasteful, so romantic, so rare~ The chemistry between these two is so magical~ Right up there with Bogie and Bacall! you could just reach out and TOUCH it.. Sheer MAGIC!
There are countless class-acts here. I love Marilyn Sokol in ANYthing she does.. Dudley Moore.. such comic genius, Billy Barty, Burgess Meredith! The two little ol' ladies, {not sure of their names}, playing Scra.. well, you'll see! Hilarious!! Everybody is just SUPER! The whole thing is just so well orchestrated!
I've loved nearly everything Chevy and Goldie, {who needs their last names?}, have done, {with the exception of "..Vegas Vacation", and the updated "The Out-of-Towners"..eeeshh!} ..But this, this priceless jewel of wonderful silliness takes the cake!
Years from now, when all are watching the 'classic' "Titanic" of the '90's, I'll be in my easy chair crankin' up the old video machine, watching MY classic "Foul Play", relishing every millionth-time-watched moment!:)
Enjoyable mixture of comedy and suspense
jrs-814 February 2005
The late Colin Higgins knew how to make a funny thriller. He had successfully done this two years earlier with the screenplay for "Silver Streak" and he did it again here with "Foul Play" his directorial debut.
The film stars Goldie Hawn as a shy librarian who unwittingly gets caught up in an assassination plot. Chevy Chase plays the cop assigned to the case who falls in love with her. A nice supporting cast is headed by Burgess Meredith as Hawn's karate expert landlord. His fight with the villainous Rachel Roberts is a highlight. Brian Dennehy (in a very early role) plays Chase's partner. Finally one must mention Dudley Moore who is a scene stealer in a small role that, no doubt, helped his getting cast in "10." The first act of the film sets up the thriller aspect of the story as Hawn repeatedly gets into trouble and runs for her life. There are a couple of legitimate scares early on. Higgins wisely (after a meet cute pre-title scene) keeps Chase off screen for almost 30 minutes so we can get into the main story and care about Hawn. When Chase re-enters the film he is surprisingly laid back in the role and comes off fairly believable. Again credit must go to Higgins for keeping Chase at bay. Had he run amok like his SNL persona it would have killed the movie. Save for one pratfall off a pier Chase pretty much keeps in character.
The other key element to the success of the film is that Hawn and Chase have terrific chemistry together. It's apparent in their first scene together. A sweet scene in front of a fireplace where the two discuss their thoughts on the other when they first meet is one of the best scenes in the film. It's clear to see why they would team up again two years later in the less successful "Seems Like Old Times." I would love to see some writer come up with a good story for the two of them to do now.
Of course in comedy/suspense films you have to have your share of humor to offset the suspense and thrills. Higgins does a good balancing act between the two so as to not make it so jarring it feels like two movies altogether. As with his other films similar to this (Silver Streak and Nine to Five) we have an enjoyable film and nothing more. We won't look back on it as a classic but we can always tune into it for two hours of pure entertainment.
The film stars Goldie Hawn as a shy librarian who unwittingly gets caught up in an assassination plot. Chevy Chase plays the cop assigned to the case who falls in love with her. A nice supporting cast is headed by Burgess Meredith as Hawn's karate expert landlord. His fight with the villainous Rachel Roberts is a highlight. Brian Dennehy (in a very early role) plays Chase's partner. Finally one must mention Dudley Moore who is a scene stealer in a small role that, no doubt, helped his getting cast in "10." The first act of the film sets up the thriller aspect of the story as Hawn repeatedly gets into trouble and runs for her life. There are a couple of legitimate scares early on. Higgins wisely (after a meet cute pre-title scene) keeps Chase off screen for almost 30 minutes so we can get into the main story and care about Hawn. When Chase re-enters the film he is surprisingly laid back in the role and comes off fairly believable. Again credit must go to Higgins for keeping Chase at bay. Had he run amok like his SNL persona it would have killed the movie. Save for one pratfall off a pier Chase pretty much keeps in character.
The other key element to the success of the film is that Hawn and Chase have terrific chemistry together. It's apparent in their first scene together. A sweet scene in front of a fireplace where the two discuss their thoughts on the other when they first meet is one of the best scenes in the film. It's clear to see why they would team up again two years later in the less successful "Seems Like Old Times." I would love to see some writer come up with a good story for the two of them to do now.
Of course in comedy/suspense films you have to have your share of humor to offset the suspense and thrills. Higgins does a good balancing act between the two so as to not make it so jarring it feels like two movies altogether. As with his other films similar to this (Silver Streak and Nine to Five) we have an enjoyable film and nothing more. We won't look back on it as a classic but we can always tune into it for two hours of pure entertainment.
Hitchcock spoof that goes on too long
Leofwine_draca12 September 2023
FOUL PLAY is an ostensible Hitchcock spoof that should have been called THE GIRL WHO KNEW TOO MUCH (I believe this was the film's title in Sweden, in fact). Goldie Hawn, still at that career-making point in her life, plays an ordinary library assistant who accidentally comes into possession of a typical MacGuffin and thereafter finds herself pursued by some evildoers, including an albino. This is one of those films which needed some judicious trimming because it goes on way too long and loses a lot of steam in the second half. Hawn is likeable but Chase falls flat a bit, although the supporting players like Meredith and Moore are funnier.
Foul Play is good clean fun
stubotnyc5 December 2004
The movies served as my babysitter in the late seventies, and watching the new DVD release of Foul Play bought back memories of good times, and the very well done DVD transfer was a joy to watch and listen to.
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.
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.
Clever Comedy Thriller with Hitchcockian Touches
dglink30 October 2017
With several nods to Alfred Hitchcock, Colin Higgins's romantic-comedy-thriller, "Foul Play" is a clever entertainment from the late 1970's. The film was both written and directed by Higgins, who also helmed the amiable musical "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" and the comedy, "9 to 5," in his tragically brief career. After an opening party scene, stars Goldie Hawn and Chevy Chase work well together as Higgins's screwball-comedy plot unfolds and takes unexpectedly bizarre turns.
Along the California coast highway, Goldie picks up a stranger, who appears to be having car trouble, and she drives him to San Francisco; unbeknownst to her, he slips a roll of film into a cigarette pack and, because he is trying to cut back on smoking, asks her to hold the pack until they meet again that evening for a movie. Arriving late in the theater, the mystery man drips blood into Goldie's popcorn, whispers "beware of the dwarf," and dies in his seat. Goldie's act of kindness and subsequent naivete immerse her in a string of events that involve an albino, a scarface, and the aforementioned dwarf, who are plotting with the city's archbishop, his housekeeper, the chauffeur... But who is keeping score, and what they are plotting is only the "McGuffin," because the fun is in the journey.
Chevy Chase as the police detective investigating Hawn's outlandish claims is amusing, and Goldie herself is an especially endearing heroine. The duo are supported by Burgess Meredith as Hawn's friend and landlord, who is quite good, as are Brian Dennehy, Rachel Roberts and Marilyn Sokol. However, Dudley Moore in his American film debut manages to steal his few scenes, which admittedly have little to do with the plot. As Stanley, a Hugh Hefner wannabe with a Vegas-style bachelor pad, Moore does a wonderful John Travolta disco strip tease to "Stayin' Alive." Higgins has evidently seen more than his share of Hitchcock movies and incorporated several of the master's touches such as slow suspenseful build-ups, disappearing corpses, and a climactic scene during "The Mikado." Higgins's romantic-comedy-thriller succeeds fairly well on all three counts, although the attempts at slapstick fail to click, and the requisite chase is predictable and unfunny. Nevertheless, "Foul Play" is generally fun and an entertaining two-hour diversion with two comedic stars, who are pleasant company indeed.
Along the California coast highway, Goldie picks up a stranger, who appears to be having car trouble, and she drives him to San Francisco; unbeknownst to her, he slips a roll of film into a cigarette pack and, because he is trying to cut back on smoking, asks her to hold the pack until they meet again that evening for a movie. Arriving late in the theater, the mystery man drips blood into Goldie's popcorn, whispers "beware of the dwarf," and dies in his seat. Goldie's act of kindness and subsequent naivete immerse her in a string of events that involve an albino, a scarface, and the aforementioned dwarf, who are plotting with the city's archbishop, his housekeeper, the chauffeur... But who is keeping score, and what they are plotting is only the "McGuffin," because the fun is in the journey.
Chevy Chase as the police detective investigating Hawn's outlandish claims is amusing, and Goldie herself is an especially endearing heroine. The duo are supported by Burgess Meredith as Hawn's friend and landlord, who is quite good, as are Brian Dennehy, Rachel Roberts and Marilyn Sokol. However, Dudley Moore in his American film debut manages to steal his few scenes, which admittedly have little to do with the plot. As Stanley, a Hugh Hefner wannabe with a Vegas-style bachelor pad, Moore does a wonderful John Travolta disco strip tease to "Stayin' Alive." Higgins has evidently seen more than his share of Hitchcock movies and incorporated several of the master's touches such as slow suspenseful build-ups, disappearing corpses, and a climactic scene during "The Mikado." Higgins's romantic-comedy-thriller succeeds fairly well on all three counts, although the attempts at slapstick fail to click, and the requisite chase is predictable and unfunny. Nevertheless, "Foul Play" is generally fun and an entertaining two-hour diversion with two comedic stars, who are pleasant company indeed.
I like Goldie
iva-brun2 July 2017
Likable comedy murder mystery. Gloria Mundy (Goldie Hawn) gets involved with an assassination attempt. Cop Chevy Chase is hired to protect her. There's more to the plot but that's the basics.
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.
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.
Lots of fun
preppy-329 October 2005
Likable comedy murder mystery. Gloria Mundy (Goldie Hawn) gets involved with an assassination attempt. Cop Chevy Chase is hired to protect her. There's more to the plot but that's the basics.
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.
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.
Chevy Chase's First Movie with Goldie Hawn
mike481282 December 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Best watched with other Goldie Hawn performances, such as "Cactus Flower", "Seems Like Old Times", "Protocol", and "Death Becomes You". Goldie has starred in many enjoyable films over the years. You can't argue that, especially when young, she had "it" all. A photogenic face and a cute, petite, figure. Chevy Chase by comparison, is not always that funny, but his earlier movies were fun and his later "vacation" movies were as well. Sometimes a great cast makes a minor movie like this worth your time: Charles Grodin, Dudley Moore, Burgess Meredith, Billy Barty, and others. It's a spoof of the Hitchcock thriller "The Wrong Man". The plot devise, assassinating the pope, is a bit ludicrous, but not as bad as when used in that "Naked Gun" film. It's a funny movie, as long as you don't have great expectations for it. It's like the early Barbra Streisand comedies, It's homage to "Film Noir" and 1940's "screwball" comedies.
Thankfully this is now on DVD, but where are the extras???
TheSmutPeddler12 February 2001
Warning: Spoilers
"Foul Play" is an all time fave of mine. Goldie Hawn was cute as a button, Chevy Chase underplays the comedy beautifully in one of his best roles ever, and the rest of the cast is fantastic from beginning to end. Add to that all the plot twists and turns, not to mention a knock-out spectacular rollicking hi-speed car ride through maddeningly hilly San Francisco and you've got an involving, tongue-in-cheek spy caper. Hawn has all sorts of wacky things happen to her like albino gangsters chasing her, people turning up dead beside her in movie theaters, and various Hitchcockian moments when she stabs a hit man with knitting needles -- all played light and comedic. In fact, this film comes across clearly as fanciful homage to the Grand Master of Suspense himself, Hitchcock. Lots of great set pieces like Hawn mistaking little person actor Billy Barty for the dreaded "Dwarf" who is chasing her down to recover some incriminating evidence; Goldie shoves the poor little guy out the window of her second story Victorian apartment and swats him down with a broom. Turns out he's a bible salesman! In another terrific scene, she imposes on Dudley Moore in a singles bar for help, and he mistakenly believes Goldie is hitting on him -- he takes her back to his passion pit apartment (complete with disco ball, closet full of sexual paraphernalia, quadraphonic sound system, dirty movie projector, and exotically furnished Murphy bed) only to embarrass himself when Goldie catches on to his attempts to seduce her. It's a gas! There's never a dull moment, and everyone appears to be having a blast. This is a feel-good movie if ever there was one; despite the cloying strains of Barry Manilow's various hits like "Ready to Take a Chance Again," et.al. Truly, the music appears appropriate for what is obviously a dated flavor about this film (made in 1978). IMPORTANT: Leonard Maltin is frequently OFF BASE with his reviews, and this is one very good case in point. He gives the film only two and a half stars (it deserves at least three), and and whines "protracted story, tasteless comedy, and Hitchcock plagiarism detract." Not At ALL!!! Every twist and turn of the plot is a delight with chuckles to spare; the comedy is far from tasteless, especially when compared to today's fare; and he obviously confuses Hitchcockian "plagiarism" with the kind of imitation that is the Finest Form Of Flattery. Hitch would have had some great belly-laughs from "Foul Play", and so will you! Alas, the DVD contains no extras like commentary, but it's nice to finally have the movie on DVD.
The Less You Think About Foul Play, the Better.
jzappa3 April 2011
The first time I saw Foul Play, I didn't care for it a whole lot and this time, I was able to enjoy it a lot. I laughed a lot more, and I appreciated not only the dialogue but that Colin Higgins' film is an homage at heart. Although what I didn't like about it before still stands, and it concerns what else might be at its heart. But at any rate, Foul Play is a deference to Sir Alfred Hitchcock, more than a few of whose films are alluded to throughout the film. The basis of an innocent person becoming tangled in a snarl of conspiracy is at the hub of Hitchcock films such as The 39 Steps, Saboteur, North by Northwest and, most conspicuously in this case, The Man Who Knew Too Much, which encouraged Foul Play's opera house climax. When Gloria is assaulted in her home, she rummages inside her knitting basket and nearly settles on a pair of scissors to protect herself, a citation of Dial M for Murder. As well, the plot embraces a MacGuffin, in the shape of the celluloid roll hidden in the cigarette pack.
But about the plot. The conspiracy that's pursued and ultimately of course unraveled by the movie's extraordinarily charming pair of stars is the diabolical work of the Tax the Churches League, a militant radical group maintaining that organized religion is a crooked, gluttonous con connecting billion-dollar corporations. Well, indeed, religious organizations like the Catholic Church, which the League plans to strike in Foul Play, are not obligated to contribute to their community in equal measure to the tax breaks they're forever awarded, nor can we ever seem to fully hold them accountable for any wrongdoings. And yet, somehow, the ruthless villains here are a progressive confederacy seeking to do so, and are portrayed in doing that as using assassination and also as being freaks. One henchman is albino, a condition rather indecently used to further estrange him from us as a villain. Another of their thugs is a killer with a scar.
I wonder how much more gripping Foul Play's plot could've been not only imitating Hitchcock's in form but also in narrative workings. Why not the Archdiocese of San Francisco itself be at the heart of a political conspiracy, as, historically, the Catholic Church constantly has been? Our lead sleuths stumble upon information that the revenue needs of San Francisco are met by the Archdiocese at only a fraction of the rate all these different secular non-profits are taxed. A couple of expository characters are organizers of disease and poverty associations that now have to put their meager proceeds toward taxes because they couldn't meet all their requirements, and the detective and the girl look for the Archdiocese's tax-exempt standards. They're nowhere to be found. There could've still been plenty of great vignettes about Dudley Moore's would-be ladies' man, Burgess Meredith's old landlord who knows karate and dwarfs victimized by mistaken identity. But we'd care, just as we did that Michael Redgrave and Margaret Lockwood would save Dame May Witty from the occupiers in The Lady Vanishes and that the factory worker could stop the Nazi collaborators from bombing the Navy ship in Saboteur.
Regardless, Foul Play is undeniably a good light-hearted time at the movies. Chevy Chase is always an amusing presence because his persona is particular, a nice, pleasant guy with not a whole lot on his mind except extremely simple things. He's a meat-and-potatoes guy, but with an airy disposition. He's always smiling, and not really very aware of things outside of him like the table in front of him or that he's in mortal danger. This whole persona is reinforced by every delivery of every line. And as his counterpart of the film's vintage-style duo, Goldie Hawn uses her cutesy blonde naivete and tee-hee smiles to extreme effect as the classic damsel in distress. The less you think about Foul Play, the better.
But about the plot. The conspiracy that's pursued and ultimately of course unraveled by the movie's extraordinarily charming pair of stars is the diabolical work of the Tax the Churches League, a militant radical group maintaining that organized religion is a crooked, gluttonous con connecting billion-dollar corporations. Well, indeed, religious organizations like the Catholic Church, which the League plans to strike in Foul Play, are not obligated to contribute to their community in equal measure to the tax breaks they're forever awarded, nor can we ever seem to fully hold them accountable for any wrongdoings. And yet, somehow, the ruthless villains here are a progressive confederacy seeking to do so, and are portrayed in doing that as using assassination and also as being freaks. One henchman is albino, a condition rather indecently used to further estrange him from us as a villain. Another of their thugs is a killer with a scar.
I wonder how much more gripping Foul Play's plot could've been not only imitating Hitchcock's in form but also in narrative workings. Why not the Archdiocese of San Francisco itself be at the heart of a political conspiracy, as, historically, the Catholic Church constantly has been? Our lead sleuths stumble upon information that the revenue needs of San Francisco are met by the Archdiocese at only a fraction of the rate all these different secular non-profits are taxed. A couple of expository characters are organizers of disease and poverty associations that now have to put their meager proceeds toward taxes because they couldn't meet all their requirements, and the detective and the girl look for the Archdiocese's tax-exempt standards. They're nowhere to be found. There could've still been plenty of great vignettes about Dudley Moore's would-be ladies' man, Burgess Meredith's old landlord who knows karate and dwarfs victimized by mistaken identity. But we'd care, just as we did that Michael Redgrave and Margaret Lockwood would save Dame May Witty from the occupiers in The Lady Vanishes and that the factory worker could stop the Nazi collaborators from bombing the Navy ship in Saboteur.
Regardless, Foul Play is undeniably a good light-hearted time at the movies. Chevy Chase is always an amusing presence because his persona is particular, a nice, pleasant guy with not a whole lot on his mind except extremely simple things. He's a meat-and-potatoes guy, but with an airy disposition. He's always smiling, and not really very aware of things outside of him like the table in front of him or that he's in mortal danger. This whole persona is reinforced by every delivery of every line. And as his counterpart of the film's vintage-style duo, Goldie Hawn uses her cutesy blonde naivete and tee-hee smiles to extreme effect as the classic damsel in distress. The less you think about Foul Play, the better.
Fowl indeed... a massive turkey
onepotato219 December 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Goldie Hawn would eventually learn to act but she's certifiably untalented in this feeble, low-reaching 'comedy.' She's not funny. She has no presence or personality. She's absolute zero. It's a miracle the investors didn't make HER pay them to be in it. The directors greatest hope while making this movie seems to have been to completely avoid demonstrating talent, while killing a lot of time; it's two hours long. The editor likewise conspires to show you something that is decidedly NOT pacing.
A mercilessly unfunny moment with Dudley Moore is typical of the movies problems; it takes eons to set up, and then it lacks sufficient plot to eat up all the time it's given: Hawn goes home with a strange man to look out his windows (? - there goes 30 minutes.) and, wait for it, he's a letch! Poor Dudley is given puerile, degrading one-note shtick to do, so you won't notice he's actually funnier than Hawn. The gags just sit there, and the plot is teased out at a glacial pace, which has never been seen before or since; you'll have time to cook your own turkey. Chevy Chase is in it, but again, since he might make Goldie's lack of talent more apparent, he's squeezed off screen for 45 minutes after he's been introduced and given no comic material to execute.
Gear up for crossed eyes, 'funny' sneezes, Italians shouting 'Mamma Mia,' weak sexual innuendo, stupid Chinese tourists, and a score right out of Mannix. Not only is this movie adrift as a comedy, it's adrift as a movie. There must be at least 90 minutes of undercooked material. The whole effort is low-rent. Foul Play is ineptly made and awful from start to finish.
A mercilessly unfunny moment with Dudley Moore is typical of the movies problems; it takes eons to set up, and then it lacks sufficient plot to eat up all the time it's given: Hawn goes home with a strange man to look out his windows (? - there goes 30 minutes.) and, wait for it, he's a letch! Poor Dudley is given puerile, degrading one-note shtick to do, so you won't notice he's actually funnier than Hawn. The gags just sit there, and the plot is teased out at a glacial pace, which has never been seen before or since; you'll have time to cook your own turkey. Chevy Chase is in it, but again, since he might make Goldie's lack of talent more apparent, he's squeezed off screen for 45 minutes after he's been introduced and given no comic material to execute.
Gear up for crossed eyes, 'funny' sneezes, Italians shouting 'Mamma Mia,' weak sexual innuendo, stupid Chinese tourists, and a score right out of Mannix. Not only is this movie adrift as a comedy, it's adrift as a movie. There must be at least 90 minutes of undercooked material. The whole effort is low-rent. Foul Play is ineptly made and awful from start to finish.
Fear, then laughter, then fear again, only to laugh so hard it hurts.
cynthia-flynn7 May 2010
From the beginning when Chevy Chase flirts with Goldie Hawn you get the idea it is going to be offbeat but nothing prepares you for the gems in this movie. The friends, the good guys, the bad guys, even a snake are not always who they seem to be. The target even more of a surprise in a movie that includes Japanese tourists, an albino, a dwarf, a bible salesman, an orchestra conductor, the pope, and the most straight laced librarian in San Francisco. Chevy Chase is the copy you expect from a movie set in San Francisco but nothing else is.
Never have I seen anything like the scene between Ms. Roberts and Mr. Meredith. But there is still a car chase and an opera with a final scene more dramatic than you realize until the sound of one man clapping makes you laugh again and realize how well this whole thing was put together. Take a second curtain call at the end. You all deserve it.
Never have I seen anything like the scene between Ms. Roberts and Mr. Meredith. But there is still a car chase and an opera with a final scene more dramatic than you realize until the sound of one man clapping makes you laugh again and realize how well this whole thing was put together. Take a second curtain call at the end. You all deserve it.
Diverting.
gridoon17 April 2002
Although it has lost much of its freshness over the years, "Foul Play" still remains an entertaining blend of comedy, romance and mystery. The plot is very Hitchcockian, with the echoes of "The Man Who Knew Too Much" being particularly hard-to-miss. A sure bet when you're in the mood for some undemanding fun. (**1/2)
45 Minutes of Entertainment Stretched Out Over 116.
MikeFX4 May 2009
Warning: Spoilers
In theory this movie should be fantastic. A great cast a capable writer director and oodles of fans. Unlike most others that have reviewed this film I'm not looking through nostalgic glasses. I hadn't seen this film until last week and I must sadly admit I was thoroughly disappointed. While containing some great laughs from Goldie and a couple of chuckles from Chevy I found the film to be dull and not willing to go either way comedic or suspenseful. I realize it's supposed to be a bit of both but to me it came across as not really strong in either way and therefore a bore. The movie contains scenes that seem to go on forever that add nothing to the advancement of the plot but rather act as filler. For example the hospital scene with the legendary Billy Barty. You gotta understand , I love Billy Barty so any scene with him is a plus in my opinion, but the hospital scene in the film really didn't serve any purpose except a couple of attempts at slapstick comedy that fell rather flat. Chevy was, in my opinion, completely wasted on the flick. The whole film felt like an episode of a sitcom stretched wayyyy out, with Chevy as a guest star. Even that "car chase/race" scene near the end. Why did it go so long? Completely useless. I went and rented this film based on the the love and devotion of fans from the original release. There's nothing wrong with that as I have movies that are quite dear to me but in all honesty I might have a hard time recommending. Sadly new viewers of this film should beware and maybe watch it with someone who already is in love with this film.
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