A Fine Mess (1986)

Director:

Blake Edwards

Writer:

Blake Edwards (written by)

Release Date:

8 August 1986 (USA)

Genre:

Action | Comedy | Romance

Plot:

Two friends an actor and a chef discover a plot to fix a horse race and try to capitalize on it. But...

Plot Keywords:

Actor | Horse Race | Curry | Nightgown | Stolen Car

Cast

Ted Danson	...	Spence Holden
Howie Mandel	...	Dennis Powell
Richard Mulligan	...	Wayne 'Turnip' Parragella
Stuart Margolin	...	Maurice 'Binky' Drundza
Maria Conchita Alonso	...	Claudia Pazzo
Jennifer Edwards	...	Ellen Frankenthaler
Paul Sorvino	...	Tony Pazzo
Rick Ducommun	...	Wardell
Keye Luke	...	Ishimine
Ed Herlihy	...	T.V. Reporter
Walter Charles	...	Auctioneer
Tawny Moyer	...	Leading Lady
Emma Walton	...	Extra #1
Carrie Leigh	...	Extra #2
Sharan Lea	...	Young Girl

Also Known As:

Blake Edwards' A Fine Mess (USA) (complete title)

Runtime:

90 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Iceland:L | West Germany:12 | Norway:12 | Australia:PG | Finland:K-8 | Sweden:11 | USA:PG

Company:

Blake Edwards

Trivia:

This movie was originally announced as both a starring vehicle for Richard Pryor and a remake of Laurel & Hardy's famous short subject The Music Box. The movie's title is a vague reference to Hardy's catchphrase, "Here's another nice mess you've gotten me into."

Quotes:

Claudia Pazzo: [Knocks on door and Spence opens it] Good evening.
Spence Holden: Boy, it sure looks that way. Can I take your coat?
Claudia Pazzo: Sure.
[Sheds fur coat and walks into the bedroom wearing only panties]

Movie Connections:

References Per un pugno di dollari (1964)

Soundtrack:

I'm Gonna Be a Wheel Someday

A Mess, Yes....But Fine As Well!

I suppose I shouldn't be surprised at the number of viewers whose comments generally trashed this picture, but I must admit that I'm astonished at the snobbery of some people when it comes to comedy.

Not every movie has to have an intricate plot, Oscar caliber performances, and a perfect script to be a noteworthy movie. We have movies like Citizen Kane, The Killing Fields, A Dry White Season, Rain Man ect... for that. The most important aspect of a comedy is whether or not it is genuinely funny, and there's no way one can say that this flick is not.

Just about every scene in the film is funny, physical as well as dialogue. Howie Mandel cracked me up constantly with the strange voices he used. It's vulgar in parts, and sure, the plot is weak. So what. It does it's job. Blake Edwards is a master at comedy. He never leaves me disappointed.

If you're looking for a movie that will leave you with a sore ribcage at the end, this one will do the trick. As comedies go, I'd give it an 8/10.