Delirious (1991)

A soap opera writer gets hit on the head and wakes up as a character in his own show.

Director:

Tom Mankiewicz

Writers:

Lawrence J. Cohen, Fred Freeman

Stars:

John Candy, Mariel Hemingway, Emma Samms

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
John Candy	...	Jack Gable
Mariel Hemingway	...	Janet Dubois / Louise
Emma Samms	...	Rachel Hedison / Laura Claybourne
Raymond Burr	...	Carter Hedison
Dylan Baker	...	Blake Hedison
Charles Rocket	...	Ty Hedison
David Rasche	...	Dr. Paul Kirkwood / Dennis
Andrea Thompson	...	Nurse Helen Caldwell
Zach Grenier	...	Mickey
Jerry Orbach	...	Lou Sherwood
Renée Taylor	...	Arlene Sherwood
Milt Oberman	...	Fetterman
Mark Boone Junior	...	Cable Man
Tony Steedman	...	Edward - the Butler
John Michael Bolger	...	Len

Storyline

Jack is the head writer for a successful soap opera, and he's sweet on the show's star, lovely Laura. It's easy for everyone but Jack to see that she's playing him for a sap. But a conk on the head brings Jack some new insights - and some new powers. He finds himself in Ashford Falls, site of his fictional soap opera -- and everything he writes comes true! It's a fantastic opportunity to get Rachel, Laura's character, to fall in love with him. But life isn't easy even in the fictional world, and even when you're the author!

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Plot Keywords:

car accident | hospital | vinyl record | breaking a vinyl record | record collector | 

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Taglines:

A Comedy about a Soap Opera Writer Who's Typing without a Ribbon

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Genres:

Comedy | Fantasy

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

Margot Kidder: In a brief cameo appearance, Kidder discusses the joys of being a secretary with Mariel Hemingway in a bathroom scene. Kidder and Hemingway played rivals for Superman's / Clark Kent's affections four years previously in the movie Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987).

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Goofs

All of the main characters attend an auction under a banner dated "Saturday, April 14." Later in the day, Carter Hedison goes home to wait for the cable guy and watches a college football game between Harvard and Yale. However, college football is played in the fall, not the spring.

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Quotes

[watching a scene from "Beyond Our Dreams"]
Cable Man: Geez, what a body!
Jack Gable: Laura is more than a body.
Cable Man: Laura?
Jack Gable: Laura Claybourne, she plays Rachel.
Cable Man: Sorry, you must really follow this shit.
Jack Gable: No, I write this shit.

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Crazy Credits

The opening credits appear as if they are being typed on a typewriter, including some mistakes (cross-outs, use of white out, etc.).

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Connections

Features GLOW: Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (1986)

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Soundtracks

'TOY PARADE'/'LEAVE IT TO BEAVER' THEME
Written by Dave Kahn (as D. Kahn), Melvyn Lenard (as M. Lenard), Mort Greene (as M. Greene)
From the album "Television's Greatest Hits - Vol.I"
Published by Marlen Music Co. (ASCAP)
Courtesy of TeeVee Toons, Inc.

User Reviews

Maybe you have to be a writer...

Just as I disagreed with the critics whom universally panned DELIRIOUS, I must disagree with most IMDB reviewers. I believe this is a genuinely funny movie, quite original and inspired. Sure, there are more than a few things in it that don't work (particularly the casting of Mariel Hemingway as the love interest); but, what writer hasn't a fantasy of being a part of his creation? The high point of the movie is the "guest" appearance by Robert Wagner. The big surprise is how funny Raymond Burr turns out to be. Despite her "spoiled brat" vixenishness, I would still take Emma Samms over the awkward, nerdy Miss Hemingway. The cruelist humor in the movie is the disintegration of Samm's brother. It's also probably the funniest thing about the film.

DELIRIOUS may not be to EVERYONE'S taste, but I happily purchased the laser disc a few years back. I watch it about once a year, and call it my "writer's fix". Enjoy it if you are a mind to...

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

9 August 1991 (USA)

Also Known As:

Delirious

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$18,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$1,803,059, 11 August 1991

Gross USA:

$5,546,827

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$5,546,827

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Star Partners III Ltd.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

96 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1