This is my contribution to Dorian of Tales of The Easily Distracted and Becky of Classic Becky's Brain Food, wonderful blogathon. About movies that are similar to Alfred Hitchcock movies that were not made by Hitchcock.
Foul Play (1978). Comic/mystery/thriller. Director: Colin Higgins. Cast: Goldie Hawn and Chevy Chase.
The story takes place in San Francisco, (one of Hitchcock's favorite places to film his movies) where the Archbishop is murdered by his "look alike".
The story is also about Divorcee Gloria, who is living a lonely life working as a Librarian, after her divorce. At a party her best friend sits down with her and tells her "that she wants her to get out and start dating again". There she meets Detective Tony Carlson, for the first time.
So feeling a little adventurous, on her way home after a party, Gloria picks up a stranded motorist named Scotty, who gives her a pack of cigarettes with a roll of film hidden inside, to hold for him. The two make a date to meet at the movies later that evening. On his way to meet Gloria, Scotty is shot, when he arrives he tells Gloria that there's going to be a murder and to "beware of the dwarf", then dies. While Gloria trying to figure out what is happening, a dwarf, an albino and a man with a scar on his face, are all trying to kill her. She finally contacts the police. When SFPD Detectives Tony Carlson and 'Fergie' Ferguson arrive on the scene. Both detectives believe that she is hallucinating or on drugs. Tony, attracted to her, decides to help Gloria. Will they ever find the mystery behind Scotty and his death?
By now you know I'm a huge fan of Goldie Hawn. Foul Play does a wonderful job mixing suspense with a little comedy similar to Hitchcock.. Foul Play, was written in honor of director Alfred Hitchcock. Several of Hitchcocks films are referenced in the film: A innocent person becoming involved is a commonly used in many of Hitchcock films such as: The 39 Steps, Saboteur, North by Northwest and, The Man Who Knew Too Much, which gave them the idea of the opera house scene. Also, the story includes an object that is the central focus of the film and not explained until the very end. Hitchcock, also used this technique in many of his films.
Dawn - this is a totally engaging film and a wonderful choice for the blogathon. Goldie is adorable and Chevy Chase actually acts the leading man here and not the fool. Wonderful location shots and great suspense - sounds like Hitch had a guiding and inspirational hand here. Great post!
ReplyDeleteGood choice of a modern Hitchcock like film. I loved the fight scene between Burgess Meredith and Rachel Roberts. Plus, Dudley Moore was hysterical as Goldie's "rescuer" who had a very unusual apartment!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I never knew Chevy Chase did that many serious movies back then. I love a good thriller. Especially in the like of Hitchcock. It's sad though because when Hitchcock passed he was working on his next movie, after Family Plot. It's sad that we don't know what that was, or what came of it.
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Dawn, Whenever I think of "Foul Play," the first thing that pops into my mind is Dudley Moore's hilarious attempt at seduction. Unforgettable.
ReplyDeleteDawn, too often Hitchcock's humorous side is overlooked, but his silent films can be quite funny. I certainly remember the blend of comedy and suspense in "Foul Play", and another Hitchcock must: a beautiful couple with loads of chemistry.
ReplyDeleteDawn, this is one of my most favorite comedies. A perfect ensemble cast and laughs galore between mysterious moments. I can watch this film over and over again.
ReplyDeleteThanks for chooding it.
FlickChick, Thank you. This is one of my Chevy Chase, performances. I also, like him better playing a tone downed character.
ReplyDeleteGilby37, Thank you. This was Dudley Moore, movie debut. I could not think of a way to put his hilarious "apartment scene" into a Hitchcock theme post..
Mighty B, Thank you. If you have not yet seen this film, you are in for a wonderful treat.
The Lady Eve, Dudley Moore, was really cute and funny in his movie debut. He is so good, I can not believe that this was his first movie..
whistlingypsy, can you believe I have not seen any of his silent movies. I hope to change that very soon.
Christian Esquevin, I agree.. I have seen this films many times and I enjoy it as much as I did the first time around.
Dawn, your FOUL PLAY post is a perfect fit for our BEST HITCHCOCK MOVIES (THAT HITCHCOCK NEVER MADE) Blogathon! FOUL PLAY has long been one of Team Bartilucci's absolute favorite comedy-thrillers, with our beloved Goldie Hawn and Chevy Chase being chock-full of sparkling romantic comedy chemistry! FOUL PLAY is still my favorite film they made together!
ReplyDeleteAnother thing I find endearing about FOUL PLAY is writer/director Colin Higgins' unmistakable affection for our man Alfred Hitchcock, of course! The Hitchcockian references work wonderfully, with the action set in San Francisco, Bruce Solomon's ill-fated undercover cop being named "Scottie" a la VERTIGO, and that great MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH-style finale. By the way, my dear hubby Vinnie is also a big fan of THE MIKADO, the operetta performed at the Opera House. Dawn, I know I speak for Becky and myself when I say your FOUL PLAY blog was a delightful choice for our Blogathon, and we're so glad you could join us for the Hitchcockian fun! Thanks a million!
DorianTB, Thank you. I was so glad to be part of yours and Becky's, BEST HITCHCOCK MOVIES (THAT HITCHCOCK NEVER MADE) Blogathon! I discovered many "new to me" films.
ReplyDeleteDawn, FOUL PLAY is an entertaining romp, though I think I may prefer SEEMS LIKE OLD TIMES. I know that Barry Manilow's hit "Ready to Take a Chance Again"--which plays over the opening credits of FOUL PLAY--was Oscar nominated...but it doesn't seem to go with the playful tone of the movie!
ReplyDeleteWhich reminds me of the movie the "blob"... I also, did not think that the opening score went very well with the movie..
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