The Lonely Guy (1984)

A writer for a greeting card company discovers the struggles and tribulations of living alone after breaking up with his unfaithful girlfriend.

Director:

Arthur Hiller

Writers:

Ed. Weinberger (screenplay), Stan Daniels (screenplay)

Stars:

Steve Martin, Charles Grodin, Judith Ivey

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Steve Martin	...	Larry
Charles Grodin	...	Warren
Judith Ivey	...	Iris
Steve Lawrence	...	Jack
Robyn Douglass	...	Danielle
Merv Griffin	...	Merv Griffin
Joyce Brothers	...	Joyce Brothers (as Dr. Joyce Brothers)
Candi Brough	...	Schneider Twin
Randi Brough	...	Schneider Twin
Julie Payne	...	Rental Agent
Madison Arnold	...	Lonely Cop
Roger Robinson	...	Greeting Card Supervisor
Dan Hannafin	...	Park Guard (as Daniel P. Hannafin)
Joan Sweeny	...	Girl in Blood Bank
Nicholas Mele	...	Maitre D'

Storyline

When shy Larry Hubbard finds his girlfriend in bed with another man he is forced to begin a new life as single. But since he can't bear being on his own he tries to court Iris who is not however interested in him. Larry begins writing a book on his experience as a single which unexpectedly becomes a best seller. He becomes rich and famous and even his relationship with Iris can begin on a new basis.

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Plot Keywords:

skank | whore | slut | slutty character | slutty wife | 

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Taglines:

A Hysterical Comedy About Being Lonely in the City

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Genres:

Comedy | Romance

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 January 1984 (USA)

Also Known As:

Anime gemelle

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$2,072,130, 29 January 1984

Gross USA:

$5,718,573

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$5,718,573

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Pictures, Aspen Film Society

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

This Neil Simon co-written movie was neither based on his life nor an incident in it nor anyone that he had observed either. Nor was it based on one of his plays.

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Goofs

When Larry is running, he pays a toll to run across the 59st bridge. There is no toll on the 59st bridge.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Narrator: This film is respectfully dedicated to lonely guys everywhere. Lonely guys have been with us since the beginning of time.

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Connections

Features Abbott and Costello Go to Mars (1953)

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Soundtracks

Don't Call Me Lonely
Performed by Gerard McMahon
Written by Gerard McMahon
Produced by Gerard McMahon

User Reviews

Two Movies

Other people here have commented on the unevenness of this movie. What an understatement. I found the first half of the movie funny, poignant, delightful. Then, all of a sudden, the movie becomes an unfunny, painful bore. It's amazing. The contrast between the two halves is so stark, it's hard to believe it's the same movie. I don't ever recall such a split between two halves of a movie. Ever.

And in the second half, there is a scene in bed involving the 'o' word, that is very painfully unfunny and completely inane.

But what do I know.

Two scenes that really stick out in my mind:

1. When the girl says to Steve: "Nice guys don't stay lonely for long" -- so sweet!

2. When Steve realizes he missed out on a golden opportunity to "get lucky" with a pretty woman. That was wickedly funny!