Get Shorty (1995)

A mobster travels to Hollywood to collect a debt and discovers that the movie business is much the same as his current job.

Director:

Barry Sonnenfeld

Writers:

Elmore Leonard (novel), Scott Frank (screenplay)

Stars:

John Travolta, Gene Hackman, Rene Russo

Won 1 Golden Globe. Another 6 wins & 11 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
John Travolta	...	Chili Palmer
Gene Hackman	...	Harry Zimm
Rene Russo	...	Karen Flores
Danny DeVito	...	Martin Weir
Dennis Farina	...	Ray 'Bones' Barboni
Delroy Lindo	...	Bo Catlett
James Gandolfini	...	Bear
Jon Gries	...	Ronnie Wingate
Renee Props	...	Nicki
David Paymer	...	Leo Devoe
Martin Ferrero	...	Tommy Carlo
Miguel Sandoval	...	Mr. Escobar
Jacob Vargas	...	Yayo Portillo
Linda Hart	...	Fay Devoe
Bobby Slayton	...	Dick Allen

Storyline

Some guys get all the luck, whether they like it or not. Chili Palmer happens to be in Hollywood collecting a gambling debt when he's struck by lightning (not literally). Called a natural for the movie business, he's snagged up by a producer. The rest is history.

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Plot Keywords:

debt | mobster | producer | movie business | gambling | 

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Taglines:

Drug smuggling. Racketeering. Loan sharking. Welcome to Hollywood!

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Genres:

Comedy | Crime | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language and some violence

Details

Official Sites:

MGM Lion's Den

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 October 1995 (USA)

Also Known As:

Cómo conquistar Hollywood

Filming Locations:

1017 N Crescent Drive, Beverly Hills, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$30,250,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£1,003,430 (UK) (15 March 1996)

Gross:

£4,931,393 (UK) (19 April 1996)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Jersey Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

105 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Veteran character actor Vito Scotti's last film.

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Goofs

When Chili and Harry are driving down the street, the camera car and crew are very visible in the windows of the stores.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Tommy Carlo: It's fucking cold outside.

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Crazy Credits

In memory of Danny Gill

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Connections

Referenced in Jeopardy!: Episode #22.7 (2005)

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Soundtracks

"A Woman, A Lover, A Friend"
Written by Syd Wyche
Performed by Booker T. & the M.G.s (as Booker T. & The MG's)
Courtesy of Atlantic Recording Corporation
By Arrangement with Warner Special Products

User Reviews

Like an ol' familiar song, done with some twists. Nice casting

Barry Sonnenfeld was and maybe wasn't the right choice to make Get Shorty. He's a great visualist, and his films (Adams Family, Men in Black) are also very funny, but it's hard to say whether or not another director might've taken Elmore Leonard's sly comic novel more seriously or with less depth. As it is, however, Get Shorty is a cool little treat that doesn't over-stay its welcome, and provides its cast a plethora of witty dialog. John Travolta brings on some sharp attitude, knowing the angles and wanting, as his character Chili Palmer, to get into Hollywood and out of loan sharking. Gene Hackman's funny as a fledgling producer with his first, true big hit in his lap. And supporting parts from Delroy Lindo, Renne Russo, Danny De Vito (as 'Hollywood' as you'll ever see him), and James Gandolfini, are all very worthy. It's a worthwhile watch, with a dead-on score from John Lurie. But I would reccomend Out of Sight or Jackie Brown to Leonard fans looking for a great adaptation. It's a very good Hollywood picture (reflective of what it's about), though it's not a masterpiece. A-