Life Stinks (1991)

A filthy rich businessman bets a corporate rival that he can live on the streets of L.A. without the comforts of home or money, which proves to be tougher than he thought.

Director:

Mel Brooks

Writers:

Mel Brooks (story), Ron Clark (story),

Stars:

Mel Brooks, Lesley Ann Warren, Jeffrey Tambor

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Mel Brooks	...	Goddard Bolt
Lesley Ann Warren	...	Molly
Jeffrey Tambor	...	Vance Crasswell
Stuart Pankin	...	Pritchard
Howard Morris	...	Sailor
Rudy De Luca	...	J. Paul Getty
Teddy Wilson	...	Fumes
Michael Ensign	...	Knowles
Matthew Faison	...	Stevens
Billy Barty	...	Willy
Brian Thompson	...	Mean Victor
Raymond O'Connor	...	Yo
Carmine Caridi	...	Flophouse Owner
Sammy Shore	...	Reverend at Wedding
Frank Roman	...	Spanish Interpreter

Storyline

A rich businessman makes a bet he can survive on the streets of a rough Los Angeles neighborhood for 30 days completely penniless. During his stay he discovers another side of life and falls in love with with a homeless woman.

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Plot Keywords:

bet | written and directed by cast member | betrayal | homelessness | poverty | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Romance

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Certificate:

PG-13

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

26 July 1991 (USA)

Also Known As:

Life Sucks

Filming Locations:

Culver Studios - 9336 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$13,000,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$4,102,526 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Brooksfilms, MGM-Pathé Communications Co.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

92 min 96 min (theatrical)

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film's original title, "Life Sucks", was changed at the studio's insistence.

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Quotes

J. Paul Getty: Shut up!
Goddard Bolt: Who are you?
J. Paul Getty: I'm J. Paul Getty. I was the richest man in the world. You don't see me ranting and raving about it, do you? No! I took my losses!
Goddard Bolt: What losses?
J. Paul Getty: During the crash, the clash, the smash!
Goddard Bolt: Listen to me. You are not J. Paul Getty. You are a pathetic, broken-minded, little bum. In your mind you think you're J. Paul Getty but you're not. Whilst I on the other hand, am Goddard Bolt, a genuine financial giant.
J. Paul Getty: So am I!
Goddard Bolt: [slaps Getty] You're not!
J. Paul Getty: [slaps Bolt] I am!
Goddard Bolt: [slaps Getty] You're ...
[...]

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Connections

Referenced in The Big Lebowski (1998)

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Soundtracks

"Easy to Love"
Words and Music by Cole Porter
© 1936 Chappell & Co. (Renewed)
All Rights Reserved

User Reviews

Adventures on the streets of Downtown LA

Growing up around downtown LA as a kid in the seventies didn't look much different than it does today as far as the kinds of odd characters you'll run into while passing through it and I think this movie really captures some of the authentic types of characters you meet when you really get to know them, but you also run into those other types that are always looking for trouble as also depicted in this Mel Brooks movie who brings a lighter and even comical side to this scenario that is so prevalent and filmed in downtown Los Angeles.

Mel Brooks also stars as Goddard Bolt, a ruthless billionaire who soon begins to experience how the other half lives by unintentionally making a bet with his conniving business associates, from there he goes from riches to rags and meets some strange, funny but good hearted souls on the streets as well as endless comical mishaps, but with the help of a bag lady (Lesley Ann Warren) he begins to discover what really matters most unlike his former business associates.

Although this is one of my favorite movies, I still think the ending could have been done much better, but the comedy throughout never ends.