Alright, fellow tapeheads, settle back into that comfy spot on the couch – maybe adjust the tracking just a bit – because tonight we’re popping in a gem that perfectly blends laughs, thrills, and that unmistakable late-70s charm: Colin Higgins’ Foul Play. Released in 1978, this one feels like finding that perfect rental you weren't expecting, nestled between the action epics and horror flicks on the shelf. It’s a clever concoction that arrived just before the full-blown 80s cinematic onslaught, offering a taste of witty suspense that still plays beautifully today.
### That Hitchcock Feeling, But Funnier
Right from the get-go, Foul Play wears its influences on its sleeve, specifically a deep affection for Alfred Hitchcock. Writer-director Colin Higgins, who already had screenwriting gold with Harold and Maude under his belt, reportedly wanted to make the kind of thriller Hitch might have directed if he’d leaned more into outright comedy alongside the suspense. And boy, does he succeed. The plot kicks off when the recently divorced, incredibly sweet librarian Gloria Mundy (Goldie Hawn, radiating pure sunshine) picks up a handsome hitchhiker who isn't what he seems. Before she knows it, she’s inadvertently holding a roll of film containing evidence of an assassination plot, people are dropping dead around her, and nobody believes her – except, eventually, clumsy but charming detective Tony Carlson (Chevy Chase).
It’s a classic wrong-man… well, wrong-woman… setup, filled with McGuffins, shadowy figures, and moments of genuine peril. But Higgins constantly undercuts the tension with sharp dialogue and brilliant physical comedy. Remember the sheer absurdity, yet nail-biting tension, of Gloria trying to warn people during that chaotic opera house finale, a clear nod to The Man Who Knew Too Much? It’s that clever balancing act that makes Foul Play so special.
### Sparks Fly Amidst the Chaos
Let’s talk about the leads. Goldie Hawn is simply luminous as Gloria. She perfectly captures the character's vulnerability and surprising resilience. You totally buy her transformation from slightly naive bookworm to resourceful survivor. This film cemented her status as a major comedic and romantic leading lady.
And then there's Chevy Chase, in his first major starring role after leaving Saturday Night Live. He brings that familiar deadpan delivery and knack for physical buffoonery to Detective Carlson. While some behind-the-scenes whispers suggest initial friction between Chase and Higgins, their collaboration resulted in a character that perfectly complements Hawn’s Gloria. Their chemistry is palpable – awkward, funny, genuinely sweet. You root for them not just to survive, but to get together. A fun retro fact: the studio was initially hesitant about Chase, worried his SNL persona wouldn't translate, but Higgins championed him for the role. Good call, Colin!
### San Francisco Shenanigans and Scene Stealers
The film uses its San Francisco setting wonderfully, giving us fog-drenched streets, iconic landmarks, and that slightly paranoid, anything-can-happen vibe that fits the story perfectly. The action, while not featuring massive explosions like the decade that followed, feels grounded and genuinely suspenseful for its time. Think less CGI gloss, more close calls in cramped apartments and tense chases through real city locations.
Beyond the leads, the supporting cast is terrific. Who could forget Burgess Meredith (yes, Rocky's Mickey!) as Mr. Hennessey, Gloria’s eccentric, Scrabble-obsessed landlord? Higgins apparently wrote the part specifically for him, and Meredith delivers a performance filled with warmth and unexpected wisdom. And then there's Dudley Moore in a relatively small but utterly scene-stealing role as Stanley Tibbets, whose apartment Gloria crashes during a particularly bizarre party sequence. His desperate attempts at seduction amidst the chaos are pure comedic gold. We even get the menacing presence of the "Scarface" albino killer, a genuinely unnerving villain straight out of a classic thriller playbook.
### More Than Just Fun and Games
While Foul Play is primarily entertainment, it cleverly taps into that late-70s unease – the feeling that shadowy conspiracies could be lurking just beneath the surface of everyday life. Gloria’s frustration at not being believed by the authorities feels very real. The film was a smash hit upon release, pulling in around $45 million (that's well over $200 million today!) against a modest budget, proving audiences were hungry for this blend of genres. Plus, it gave us Barry Manilow's Oscar-nominated earworm "Ready to Take a Chance Again," which probably got stuck in your head for weeks back in '78.
Final Verdict:
Foul Play is a delightful trip back to a time when thrillers could be witty and romantic comedies could have real stakes. Goldie Hawn and Chevy Chase are an iconic pairing, Colin Higgins directs with a deft touch, balancing laughs and suspense masterfully, and the supporting cast shines. It’s packed with memorable moments, clever Hitchcockian nods, and a genuine sweetness that never feels forced.
Rating: 8.5/10
Why this score? It's a near-perfect execution of the comedy-thriller concept. The leads are fantastic, the script is sharp, and it's endlessly rewatchable. It loses maybe a point for some slightly dated elements or plot conveniences, but its charm overwhelmingly compensates.
Final Rewind Thought: This is the kind of movie that makes you miss the days when studios weren't afraid to mix genres with such cleverness and heart – a cinematic comfort food that still delivers suspense and smiles, fuzzy picture optional. Definitely worth tracking down.