Ruthless People (1986)

User Rating:

6.8/10   

Directors:

Jim Abrahams
David Zucker

Writers:

Dale Launer (written by) and
O. Henry (story)

Release Date:

27 June 1986 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Crime

Tagline:

Barbara Stone has just been kidnapped by K-Mart, and what she doesn't know won't hurt her.

Plot:

A couple, cheated by a vile businessman, kidnap his wife in retalitation, without knowing that their enemy is delighted they did.

Plot Keywords:

Hooker | Police | Murder | Revenge | Blackmail

Awards:

Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 1 win & 1 nomination

Cast

Danny DeVito	...	Sam Stone
Bette Midler	...	Barbara Stone
Judge Reinhold	...	Ken Kessler
Helen Slater	...	Sandy Kessler
Anita Morris	...	Carol Dodsworth
Bill Pullman	...	Earl Mott
William G. Schilling	...	Chief Henry Benton
Art Evans	...	Lt. Bender
Clarence Felder	...	Lt. Walters
J.E. Freeman	...	Bedroom Killer
Gary Riley	...	Heavy Metal Kid
Phyllis Applegate	...	Loan Officer
Jeannine Bisignano	...	Hooker in Car
J.P. Bumstead	...	Technician
Jon Cutler	...	Stereo Store Customer

Runtime:

93 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Argentina:16 (video rating) | Iceland:12 | USA:PG-13 (re-rated) | USA:TV-14 (uncut) | UK:18 (original rating) | UK:15 (video rating) (2002) | USA:R | West Germany:16 | Australia:M

Filming Locations:

Bel Air, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Silver Screen Partners II

Trivia:

When Earl is about to videotape Sam Stone's supposed murder of his wife, Earl is wearing sunglasses, even if it's twilight. Perhaps a reference to 'Corey Hart''s song hit, "Sunglasses at Night" (1983)

Goofs:

Continuity: When Ken, Sandy and Barbara are sitting at the dining room table discussing possible punishments for Sam Stone's infidelity, Barbara sets a glass of milk in front of Ken. In the next shot, it turns into a mug.

Quotes:

[Ken's getaway car goes off the Santa Monica Pier and sinks]
1st Bystander: Someone help him, he'll drown!
2nd Bystander: The water's way too cold.
3rd Bystander: There's riptides out there.
4th Bystander: I seen sharks.
[the ransom cash floats to the surface]
3rd Bystander: Look there! That's money!
[Everyone jumps in the water]

Movie Connections:

References Deliverance (1972)

Soundtrack:

Modern Woman

A comedy of miscommunication

I thought this movie was hilarious. Almost everything anyone says has a double meaning. (The police chief and the hooker, the big dog, etc) This movie will keep you laughing from beginning to end. Bette Midler is terrific as the kidnapped rich man's wife, and Danny DeVito is also fabulous as the scheming rich man himself. There are thousands of great one-liners that you will keep quoting for years after you see this movie (I know I have) like the unforgettable "I've been kidnapped by K-Mart!" and "You lying @#$*%^!!! Oh, honey, they made me say that!" This is a must see! So go see it! Now! What are you still reading this for, you should be out renting the movie!!