Delirious (1991)

User Rating:

5.3/10   

Director:

Tom Mankiewicz

Writers (WGA):

Lawrence J. Cohen (written by) &
Fred Freeman (written by)

Release Date:

9 August 1991 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Fantasy

Tagline:

A Comedy about a Soap Opera Writer Who's Typing without a Ribbon

Plot:

A soap opera writer gets hit on the head and wakes up as a character in his own show.

Plot Keywords:

Soap | Competing Screenwriters | Femme Fatale | Eye Patch | Cable TV

Cast

John Candy	...	Jack Gable
Mariel Hemingway	...	Janet Dubois / Louise
Emma Samms	...	Rachel Hedison / Laura Claybourne
Raymond Burr	...	Carter Hedison
Dylan Baker	...	Blake Hedison
Charles Rocket	...	Ty Hedison
David Rasche	...	Dr. Paul Kirkwood / Dennis
Andrea Thompson	...	Nurse Helen Caldwell
Zach Grenier	...	Mickey
Jerry Orbach	...	Lou Sherwood
Renée Taylor	...	Arlene Sherwood
Milt Oberman	...	Fetterman
Mark Boone Junior	...	Cable Man
Tony Steedman	...	Edward the Butler
John Michael Bolger	...	Len (as John Bolger)

Runtime:

96 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Singapore:PG | Iceland:L | Germany:12 | UK:PG | USA:PG

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Company:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Trivia:

In the scene at the party, where the characters of "Jack Gable" and "Rachel Hedison" are dancing, John Candy and Emma Samms did the scene without doubles, although it was difficult to tell because of the distance from which it was shot. Emma Samms commented how graceful and talented of a dancer John Candy was, despite his size.

Quotes:

Jack Gable: He's operating on people? He's an actor! Not even a good one!

Movie Connections:

References "Wheel of Fortune" (1975)

Soundtrack:

SWEET LORRAINE

Maybe you have to be a writer...

Just as I disagreed with the critics whom universally panned DELIRIOUS, I must disagree with most IMDB reviewers. I believe this is a genuinely funny movie, quite original and inspired. Sure, there are more than a few things in it that don't work (particularly the casting of Mariel Hemingway as the love interest); but, what writer hasn't a fantasy of being a part of his creation? The high point of the movie is the "guest" appearance by Robert Wagner. The big surprise is how funny Raymond Burr turns out to be. Despite her "spoiled brat" vixenishness, I would still take Emma Samms over the awkward, nerdy Miss Hemingway. The cruelist humor in the movie is the disintegration of Samm's brother. It's also probably the funniest thing about the film.

DELIRIOUS may not be to EVERYONE'S taste, but I happily purchased the laser disc a few years back. I watch it about once a year, and call it my "writer's fix". Enjoy it if you are a mind to...