Movie Review: Foul Play

Foul Play (1978) stars Goldie Hawn as Gloria Mundy, a seemingly ditzy San Francisco public librarian, who gets involuntarily caught up in a conspiracy to kill the Pope. When detective Tony Carlson, played by Chevy Chase in his first feature role, comes to investigate why the albino tried to knock her out in the library with chloroform, a continuous comedic mystery unfolds.

The wacky plot takes you on a hilarious journey involving a unique cast of characters, including the albino, the “man with the scar,” and the door-to-door soliciting dwarf, (or perhaps I should use the more PC term, little person!). Burgess Meredith stars in the supporting role as Gloria’s protective landlord who lends his martial arts experience to protect her in her time of need.

The most uproarious  role is the cameo by Dudley Moore playing a swinger who “takes Gloria home” from a bar she runs into in an attempt to escape the albino, once again. His outrageous performance is an obvious influence for a future Austin Powers, baby!

This 70’s classic, written and directed by Colin Higgins, illustrates a Hitchcockian influence by providing fabulous dramatic shots of San Francisco, as well as an intricate crime drama.  The movie also lends enough gender stereotyping for endless analysis in any women’s studies course, but nevertheless, it is a fun, witty, classic comedy that would be a great break during this Halloween season.