Grace Quigley (1984)

Grace Quigley is nearing the end of her life, living alone in her New York apartment. One day she witnesses a murder being committed by top hit-man, Seymour Flint. She decides to blackmail ... See full summary »

Director:

Anthony Harvey

Writer:

A. Martin Zweiback

Stars:

Katharine Hepburn, Nick Nolte, Kit Le Fever

2 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Katharine Hepburn	...	Grace Quigley
Nick Nolte	...	Seymour Flint
Kit Le Fever	...	Muriel
Chip Zien	...	Dr. Herman
William Duell	...	Mr. Harvey Jenkins
Elizabeth Wilson	...	Emily Watkins
Walter Abel	...	Homer Morrison
Frances Pole	...	Sarah Hodgkins
Truman Gaige	...	Sam Pincus
Paula Trueman	...	Dorothy Trugert
Christopher Murney	...	Max Putnam
Nicholas Kepros	...	Funeral Director
Harris Laskawy	...	Mr. Argo
Carl Low	...	Old Man
Isabella Hoopes	...	Old Lady

Storyline

Grace Quigley is nearing the end of her life, living alone in her New York apartment. One day she witnesses a murder being committed by top hit-man, Seymour Flint. She decides to blackmail him into killing her, however, she has one or two friends he has to get rid of first.

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Plot Keywords:

character name as title | hiring a hitman to kill one's self | suicide attempt | blackmail | blackmailer | 

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Taglines:

Grace & Seymour have hit on a new solution to an age old problem

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Genres:

Comedy

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

The original ending had Seymour Flint drowning in an attempt to save Grace's life when she walks into the ocean. After a negative reaction from a preview audience, the ending was changed to a happier one.

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Quotes

Grace Quigley: He *took* my shoe!
Seymour Flint: You mean, you want me to kill somebody because they *took* your shoe?
Grace Quigley: Seymour, it was my best shoe!
Seymour Flint: Ma, you're asking me to commit murder!
Grace Quigley: Son, I may ask you to kill, but I would never ask you to murder! Call it pest control.

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Alternate Versions

The alternate cut known as the "Ultimate Solution" contains several musical differences when compared with the more widely available version. The most noticeable difference is that in the two sequence scored with The Pretenders songs, John Addison's original cues were reinstated. These scenes are when Grace gets accidentally kidnapped in Seymour's car and the final hearse chase. The end credits however still list the songs even though they are not in the picture anymore.

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Connections

Referenced in Death Wish 4: The Crackdown (1987)

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Soundtracks

My Old Tuxedo
(uncredited)
Music by Ray Davies
JW Media Music Ltd

User Reviews

One of the best dark comedies ever

I have watched Grace Quigley a couple of times (on VHS) and found myself laughing out loud each time. It really is one of the best dark comedies around. I've recommended it to several friends who never heard of the movie and after watching it have come back to thank me. I don't think it ever made it to DVD, which is too bad. I would happily buy the DVD if it becomes available. Nolte and Hepburn are terrific.

The final solution is the best part of the plot. Hepburn and Nolte meet up in the most unusual way. Hepburn plays the part of the old woman who is fed up with her difficult life and wants to end it all. Nolte is a 'hit man' and Hepburn tries to hire him to do herself in. Being such a lovable old lady causes a conflict and Nolte cannot bring himself to do it... The end result a booming business with the most unorthodox product for 'sale'.

If you are in the mood for a good laugh, this is one that you should not miss.

Details

Official Sites:

MGM

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 May 1985 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Ultimate Solution of Grace Quigley

Filming Locations:

New York, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

The Cannon Group, Golan-Globus Productions, Northbrook Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

102 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color