Skin Deep (1989)

A womanizing alcoholic writer, whose life seems to be falling apart at the seams, repeatedly finds himself in trouble of one sort or another with the law, ex-girlfriends, and jealous boyfriends.

Director:

Blake Edwards

Writer:

Blake Edwards

Stars:

John Ritter, Vincent Gardenia, Alyson Reed

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
John Ritter	...	Zach
Vincent Gardenia	...	Barney
Alyson Reed	...	Alex
Joel Brooks	...	Jake
Julianne Phillips	...	Molly
Chelsea Field	...	Amy
Peter Donat	...	Sparky
Don Gordon	...	Curt
Nina Foch	...	Alex's Mother
Denise Crosby	...	Angie
Michael Kidd	...	Dr. Westford
DeeDee Rescher	...	Bernice (as Dee Dee Rescher)
Bryan Genesse	...	Rick
Bo Foxworth	...	Greg
Raye Hollitt	...	Lonnie

Storyline

Zach Hutton is a womanizing, drunken writer whose life seems to be falling apart at the seams. He's still in love with his ex-wife (whose family can't stand him), writer's block is keeping him from completing his latest novel, and he repeatedly finds himself in trouble of one sort or another with the law, ex-girlfriends, and jealous boyfriends.

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Plot Keywords:

womanizer | female bodybuilder | writer's block | caught having sex | weeping man | 

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Taglines:

There's a fine line between falling in love, and falling on your face.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

'Nina Foch', who played John Ritter's mother-in-law in the film, was originally Ritter's acting coach when he was a student at Hollywood High School and he was really nervous when he met up with her again on the set of the movie.

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Goofs

At approximately 1:34:37 during Zach's book party at the bar, the saxophone player continues to enthusiastically mime playing even though the saxophone part of the song has ended.

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Quotes

Zach: What would you do if I told you I've been celibate for six months?
Alex: Cross my legs.

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Connections

Featured in The 76th Annual Academy Awards (2004)

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Soundtracks

I Can't Go Home
Performed by The Robert Cray Band
Written by Robert Cray
Produced by Bruce Bromberg and Dennis Walker

User Reviews

Atypical Blake Edwards' Comedy showcases John Ritter in top form!

John Ritter plays a familiar Blake Edward's character who is at the same time a pathetic but intelligent man who is losing everything to his vices. In this case, Zach is a successful author who is hitting rock bottom due to alcoholism and his non-stop womanizing. John Ritter's physical comedy is hilarious yet he portrays this pathetic character with great sensitivity. You watch as this man slowly and painfully spirals down and the women who try to help redeem him slowly get dragged down with him. But Edwards is a master at allowing us to laugh-out-loud at his slow and quiet self destruction. Who will ever forget the....glow-in-the-dark duel? or the body builder? or how about the morning after in the guest room? The slow ride to rock bottom made his redemption all the more sweet. I was pleasantly surprised at how "deep" this movie truly is. If you are looking for the slapstick of pure Clouseau, this is not your movie. I suspect most of those who disliked this movie were seeking that exact Blake Edwards formula comedy. However, he surprised us all with the kind of depth that belies the title.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

3 March 1989 (USA)

Also Known As:

Changes

Filming Locations:

8225 W. Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$9,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$2,460,262, 5 March 1989

Gross USA:

$19,674,852

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$19,674,852

Company Credits

Production Co:

Beco Films, Morgan Creek Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1