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:

slut | skank | whore | 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

Did You Know?

Trivia

Originally slated for a December 1983 release, but Universal delayed the release until the following January and put D.C. Cab (1983) in the December slot instead.

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Goofs

When Larry calls Carol at the bank during the robbery she is tied up and sitting toward the back of the bank between a man and another woman employee also both tied. In the next scene she is sitting 20 feet closer to the front door of the bank still tied up but behind a desk by herself.

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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

The Lonely Guy
Sung by Max Carl
Music by Glenn Frey
Lyrics by Jack Tempchin
Produced by Glenn Frey and Allan Blazek

User Reviews

Grodin Steals the show

The Lonely Guy is a cute comedy; not inspired, but mildly funny in bits. The problem is the script that Martin is required to play too straight a character as the "nice lonely guy". He does a good job, but the script doesn't support him with enough consistently funny situations or dialogue (the big problem with the movie, that much of it comes off as bland. Speaking of bland (or should I say, BLAND), Charles Grodin practically walks away with most of the movies laughs as the Jedi Master of Lonely Guys, Martin's mentor in the world of lonely guys. He does it not because he is much funnier that Martin is, but just by playing the one element he has to work with in a consistent, funny way, while Martin has to struggle with a script that doesn't support him. (Additional problem: As much as I like them, was it really necessary to have Merv Griffin and Joyce Brothers in the film, if they didn't add to the scenes?)

However, if you like Charles Grodin, then this is a must-see film just for his scenes. He proves yet again that the best comedy is found in pain and truthfulness, not zaniness and pratfalls. (His scenes are the only ones I clearly remember, other than one in which Martin seems to watch his own death on t.v.; which I won't spoil for you, if you ever happen to rent it.)

Catch it on cable the next rainy night you can't seem to get a date.

Five stars. (Could have been more with a rewrite).

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 January 1984 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Lonely Guy

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