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 (as John Bolger)

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:

switched at birth | writer | soap opera | new york city | cleveland ohio | 

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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

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

9 August 1991 (USA)

Also Known As:

Delirante

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$18,000,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$5,546,827

Company Credits

Production Co:

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

Technical Specs

Runtime:

96 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film reunites three actors from Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987): John Candy, Dylan Baker and Susan Isaacs. On both films Isaacs plays a character named Marie.

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Goofs

There seems to be a line missing in the dialogue between Jack Gable (John Candy) and Len (John Michael Bolger). Jack calls Len, but Len automatically knows who's talking and which car is his before Jack says anything.

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Quotes

Jack Gates: I have to go to... Cleveland? Jesus, I hate Cleveland!

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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

Referenced in Entertainment Tonight: Episode dated 6 March 1991 (1991)

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Soundtracks

IT'S A MAN'S, MAN'S, MAN'S WORLD
Written by James Brown and Betty Newsome
Performed by James Brown
Published by Dynatone Music
Administered by Unichappell Music Co, Inc. (BMI)/Clamike Music Co. (BMI)
Administered by Mietus Copyright Mngt.
Courtesy of PolyGram Special Products a division of PolyGram Records, 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...