IMDb on iPhone and iPod touch Learn more Learn more Download from the App Store
IMDb > The Ratings Game (1984) (TV)

The Ratings Game (1984) (TV) More at IMDbPro »

Photos (see all 2 | slideshow)

Overview

User Rating:
6.0/10   276 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 1% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writers:
Michael Barrie (writer)
Jim Mulholland (writer)
Contact:
View company contact information for The Ratings Game on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
15 December 1984 (USA) more
Genre:
Plot:
A New Jersey trucker creates a hit TV show with help from his girlfriend in the ratings business. full summary | add synopsis
Awards:
1 win & 1 nomination more
User Comments:
Classic Devito more (4 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Danny DeVito ... Vic De Salvo
Rhea Perlman ... Francine Kester
Gerrit Graham ... Parker Braithwaite
Bernadette Birkett ... Mrs. Sweeney

Barry Corbin ... Carl Wheeny
Louis Giambalvo ... Goody DeSalvo
Ronny Graham ... Cap'n Andy
Huntz Hall ... Benny Bentson

Basil Hoffman ... Frank Friedlander
Kevin McCarthy ... Wes Vandergelder
John Megna ... Al

Michael Richards ... Sal

Ron Rifkin ... T.V. Director

Joe Santos ... Tony

Vincent Schiavelli ... Skip
more
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

Also Known As:
The Mogul (bootleg title)
more
Runtime:
102 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.33 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:
Filming Locations:

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
In a deleted scene Lainie Kazan played 'Edna,' the struggling network's psychic adviser. Jonathan Winters wanted to play kiddie show host 'Captain Andy,' but was unavailable. Geena Davis auditioned for several parts, including 'Hamilton's Girl.' more
Quotes:
Francine Kester: I guess that girl tonight hurt you pretty bad.
Vic De Salvo: Nah, that was one of my healthier relationships. At least she didn't torch my warehouse. Some of them get vicious.
more
Soundtrack:
Sittin' Pretty more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
8 out of 9 people found the following comment useful.
Classic Devito, 20 January 2005
8/10
Author: oxblood (kwestion19145@yahoo.com) from Philadelphia

Hilarious movie reminiscent of Mad TV and SNL mock TV shows. First saw this on cable in the 80s and fell off my chair laughing. This is the kind of stuff Danny Devito does best. Dark, sarcastic humor.

Struggling producer Vic de Salvo (Devito) hatches a scheme to become a big TV star by creating and staring in his own shows and selling them to a struggling network. When he meets and falls in love with Francine, (Rhea Perlman) a woman who works for the Neilson Ratings Beaureau, he uses her knowledge to kidnap the Neilson families and send his mobster crew to "house-sit" for them and tune into his shows.

The mock shows are hilarious and I swear some of them are actually templates for shows that were minor hits later on. This reminds me a little of "Stay Tuned". Well worth a look, though slightly dated. Future "Cheers" stars, Perlman and George Wendt and an early look at Michael Richards ("Seinfeld"'s Kramer).

Was the above comment useful to you?
more (4 total)

Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for The Ratings Game (1984) (TV)

Recommendations

If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
- - - - -
American Dreamz TRON Mobsters and Mormons The Purple Rose of Cairo When the Cat's Away
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
Show more recommendations

Related Links

Full cast and crew Company credits External reviews
IMDb Comedy section IMDb USA section Add this title to MyMovies

You may report errors and omissions on this page to the IMDb database managers. They will be examined and if approved will be included in a future update. Clicking the 'Update' button will take you through a step-by-step process.