Oregon, 1980: Jane, Elaine and Louise are all feeling the effects of inflation and cannot afford, as the title states, the high cost of living. Jane cannot afford a babysitter or get ...
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Title: How to Beat the High Co$t of Living (1980)
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Susan Saint James | ... |
Jane
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| Jane Curtin | ... |
Elaine
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| Jessica Lange | ... | ||
| Richard Benjamin | ... |
Albert
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| Eddie Albert | ... |
Max
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| Cathryn Damon | ... |
Natalie
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| Dabney Coleman | ... |
Jack Heintzel
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| Fred Willard | ... |
Robert
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| Art Metrano | ... |
Gas Station Attendant
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| Ronnie Schell | ... |
Bill Pike
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| Michael Bell | ... |
Tom
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| Sybil Danning | ... |
Charlotte
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Al Checco | ... |
Tim Lundy
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Susan Tolsky | ... |
Patty
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| Garrett Morris | ... |
Power & Light Man
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Plot Summary
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Storyline
Oregon, 1980: Jane, Elaine and Louise are all feeling the effects of inflation and cannot afford, as the title states, the high cost of living. Jane cannot afford a babysitter or get married and if she wants privacy with her boyfriend, she has to sleep in the car. Even worse, her war veteran father comes to live with her to turn her life upside down. Louise lives a happy life with her veterinarian husband, Albert. She runs an antique shop on the side, but since it doesn't take in any profit, the IRS considers it a hobby. She needs to come up with the money to keep it going, or she will be trouble with the IRS. Elaine's husband has left her for another woman and without any money. She is in a constant struggle with banks, power companies, and gas stations. She needs money to get by and also catches the eye of police officer Jack. The local mall is having a contest that features a giant money ball that states it will help fight the inflation. Elaine comes up with a plan to steal the ... Written by Pat McCurry
Plot Keywords:
money | high cost of living | mall | woman smoker | music score features flute |Taglines:
A hilarious new comedy for everyone who ever wanted to give the oil companies gas pains, turn off the power companies lights and make the banks stand in line for a change. See more »Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
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Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
11 July 1980 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
How to Beat the High Cost of Living See more »Company Credits
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Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
StereoColor:
ColorAspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1
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Louise: And the last thing he said was "Look honey, I've got these two great seats for the theater tonight."
Albert: Jesus, why did I have to bring up Lincoln?
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Did You Know?
Trivia
The script was first presented in 1971 but took nearly a decade to become a film. Actresses approached for leading roles over the years included Ann-Margret, Shirley MacLaine, Glenda Jackson, Faye Dunaway, Raquel Welch, Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton, Diane Keaton, Margot Kidder, Mary Tyler Moore, Julie Andrews, Dyan Cannon, Sally Field, Goldie Hawn, Madeline Kahn, Teri Garr, Jill Clayburgh, and Ali MacGraw. See more »Goofs
Several closeups of the money ball clearly show that all the bills in it are dollar bills. See more »Quotes
Albert: [quoting Abraham Lincoln] You know what he said, "With malice toward none and charity to all."Louise: And the last thing he said was "Look honey, I've got these two great seats for the theater tonight."
Albert: Jesus, why did I have to bring up Lincoln?
See more »
When I saw this film in the theatre the entire audience was alive with laughter. There's more story here than most contemporary comedies, which may make for some head scratching by younger folks seeing this film, but the gags hold for anybody who's had to scrimp and save to make ends meat.
This is a timeless film for anyone (woman particularly) who've fallen on hard times. It was a hit when it was first released, and still gets laughs today.