Fletch

1985
PG
1h 38m

IMDb RATING

YOUR RATING

While working undercover wisecracking newspaper reporter Irwin "Fletch" Fletcher is offered a large sum by a millionaire with a terminal disease to kill him. Intrigued, Fletch decides to une... Read allWhile working undercover wisecracking newspaper reporter Irwin "Fletch" Fletcher is offered a large sum by a millionaire with a terminal disease to kill him. Intrigued, Fletch decides to unearth the full story behind the offer.While working undercover wisecracking newspaper reporter Irwin "Fletch" Fletcher is offered a large sum by a millionaire with a terminal disease to kill him. Intrigued, Fletch decides to unearth the full story behind the offer.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.9/10

59K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Awards
- 1 nomination

Videos1

Trailer 1:25

Fletch

Photos85

+ 77

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Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
Chevy Chase has mentioned in interviews that this is his favorite of his movies, because it let him be himself.

Goofs
The ticket agent informs Fletch, who she thinks is Mr. Stanwyk, the seat beside his on the next-day flight to Rio is occupied by Sally Ann Cavanaugh, who is connecting from Provo. Later, when Fletch calls his newspaper office, he asks Larry to check LA hotels for Sally Ann Cavanaugh. Why would she need a hotel if she is on a connecting flight? Because she has a very long connection, about 30 hours, so she must spend the night in LA. Fletch knows this because the guy with the shotgun told him she moved out in the morning a day before the evening flight to Rio.

Quotes
Dr. Joseph Dolan: So where do you know Alan from?
Fletch: We play tennis at the club.
Dr. Joseph Dolan: Really? California Racquet Club?
Fletch: Right.
Dr. Joseph Dolan: That's my club too. I don't remember seeing you there.
Fletch: Well, I haven't been playing in a while because of these kidney pains.
Dr. Joseph Dolan: Right. Now, how long have you had these pains, Mr. Barber?
Fletch: No, that's "Babar".
Dr. Joseph Dolan: Two B's?
Fletch: One B. B-A-B-A-R.
Dr. Joseph Dolan: That's two.
Fletch: Yeah, but not right next to each other. I thought that's what you meant.
Dr. Joseph Dolan: Arnold Babar. Isn't there a children's book about an elephant named Babar?
Fletch: I don't know. I don't have any.
Dr. Joseph Dolan: No children?
Fletch: No elephant books.

Alternate versions
The German DVD version (which has a "12" rating) omits Fletch's line "Yeah, go down to the gym and pump each other" - after Karlin asks the arresting officers, "Why don't you two leave us alone?", there is a cut and the two just leave the room.

Connections
Featured in The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson: Chevy Chase/Maureen Murphy/Vanity (1985)

Soundtracks
Bit By Bit
(Theme From Fletch)
Performed by Stephanie Mills
Written by Harold Faltermeyer and Franne Golde
Produced by Harold Faltermeyer

User reviews155

Review

Featured review

8/10

Wisecrack mystery yarn

Chevy Chase plays investigative reporter Irwin M. Fletcher, nicknamed Fletch, who's disguising himself as a junkie on the beach to uncover a smuggling ring. He gets spotted by Tim Matheson, a real estate millionaire, who asks Fletch to kill him so his wife can receive the inherit. Fletch goes snooping around and finds out that his smuggling ring investigation might somehow be tied to the millionaire.

With a different leading man this film could very well have been a full blown thriller. Imagine John Frankenheimer directing and Robert De Niro starring. But, in dealing with what's at hand, Fletch is a good comedy where Chase can showcase his range of disguises and delivery of good one-liners. Chase absolutely smothers the film with wisecracks and the overall very well constructed mystery is nearly overlooked. With repeated viewings I've actually come to appreciate the film more for it's genuinely gripping detective story elements, it really does boast a solid mystery that unfolds well.

There's one thing for sure here; you have to be a fan of Chevy Chase for this film to work for you. Since I'm a fan the film is in high regard. Chase's wisecracks aren't all brilliant but they're mostly very good and here he's at the top of his game.

Fletch and Clark Griswold are the two characters Chevy Chase will most be remembered for.