Fletch Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A reporter pretends to be a junkie, gets hired to commit murder, and ends up solving a drug smuggling operation while racking up huge lunch tabs for someone else.

🍿 Fletch: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Proposition

Irwin ‘Fletch’ Fletcher, a wisecracking investigative reporter for the Los Angeles Times, is undercover as a beach bum, investigating drug trafficking. Alan Stanwyk, a wealthy man, approaches Fletch and offers him $50,000 to kill him, claiming he is suffering from terminal bone cancer. Stanwyk wants to spare himself and his wife, Gail, the pain and suffering. Fletch is immediately suspicious of Stanwyk’s story.

Investigating Stanwyk

Instead of reporting Stanwyk’s offer to the police, Fletch begins investigating Stanwyk’s background. He uses various disguises and aliases to gather information, including posing as a doctor, an FCC agent, and an airplane mechanic. He uncovers inconsistencies in Stanwyk’s claims and discovers Stanwyk may not be who he seems to be. His investigation angers his editor, Frank Walker, who wants Fletch to focus on his original drug story.

Drug Trafficking Connection

As Fletch delves deeper, he discovers a connection between Stanwyk and Police Chief Jerry Karlin. He finds evidence of drug smuggling and police corruption. Karlin tries to intimidate Fletch into dropping the story. Fletch endures a car chase and several close calls, all while maintaining his signature wit and humor.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Fletch (Chevy Chase): A wisecracking investigative reporter who goes undercover to solve a drug smuggling operation and gets entangled in a murder plot.
• Alan Stanwyk (Tim Matheson): A wealthy man who hires Fletch to kill him, setting off a chain of investigations and uncovering his secrets.
• Chief Karlin (Joe Don Baker): A corrupt police chief involved in Stanwyk’s schemes, acting as both an obstacle and a key player in the unfolding mystery.
• Gail Stanwyk (Dana Wheeler-Nicholson): Alan’s wife, who becomes involved with Fletch as he investigates her husband’s activities.
• Frank Walker (Richard Libertini): Fletch’s impatient and skeptical editor who is initially dismissive of Fletch’s investigations.
• Dr. Dolan (M. Emmet Walsh): Alan Stanwyk’s doctor, who becomes a subject of Fletch’s investigation as he tries to uncover the truth about Alan’s health.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Fletch: “I’ll have a Bloody Mary, a steak sandwich… and a steak sandwich.” – Fletch orders lunch at the country club while subtly mocking Alan Stanwyk.
• Fletch: “Using the name ‘Ted Nugent’, I’d say it’s a clear violation.” – Fletch nonchalantly uses the name ‘Ted Nugent’ when talking with Alan.
• Fletch: “It’s all ball bearings these days.” – Fletch makes this nonsensical statement while feigning knowledge of airplane maintenance.
• Dr. Joseph Dolan: “This is Dr. Joseph Dolan. I’m the proctologist.” – Dr. Dolan states his specialization before giving Fletch a rectal exam.
• Fletch: “Can I borrow your towel? My car just hit a water buffalo.” – Fletch casually asks to borrow a towel after a car chase.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $8,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $50,612,888
• Worldwide Gross: $59,612,888

💥 Fletch Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely love ‘Fletch’! Chevy Chase is hilarious as the wisecracking reporter who gets himself into all sorts of trouble. The disguises are fantastic, and the one-liners are pure gold. I especially enjoyed the scene where he’s impersonating a doctor – so funny! This movie always puts me in a good mood. A must-watch for any comedy fan.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Chevy Chase comedies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy mystery-comedies”
  • “People looking for a lighthearted 80s film”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Some suggestive humor”
  • “Brief violence”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “Chevy Chase is at his best in ‘Fletch,’ showcasing his improvisational skills and deadpan delivery. While the plot is intricate, the movie is more about the journey and the character interactions than a straightforward mystery. A smart and funny crime caper.
• Variety: “Fletch is a fast-paced comedy with Chase’s signature wit and charm. The film offers a blend of humor and intrigue, with Chase’s multiple disguises adding to the entertainment. Though the plot may be convoluted at times, the overall experience is lighthearted and enjoyable.
• The New York Times: “Chevy Chase’s comedic style shines through in ‘Fletch,’ but the film sometimes struggles to balance its comedic and mystery elements. While Chase’s performance is engaging, the film could have benefited from a tighter plot and more consistent tone.

Audience Reactions

Chevy Chase’s performance is iconic and unforgettable.: Viewers consistently praise Chevy Chase’s portrayal of Fletch, citing his comedic timing and improvisational skills as highlights.

The witty dialogue and clever disguises make this a fun and rewatchable movie.: Many appreciate the film’s humor, noting that the clever disguises and witty dialogue contribute to its enduring appeal.

Overall Consensus: ‘Fletch’ is a well-regarded comedy that benefits from Chevy Chase’s charismatic performance. While the plot may not be the film’s strongest point, the humor and character interactions make it a worthwhile watch.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Chevy Chase has said that Fletch is his favorite movie because it allowed him to improvise and be himself.”
• “Several actors from ‘Cheers’ made appearances in the film, George Wendt (Norm Peterson) played Fat Sam, and John Ratzenberger has a cameo as a flight mechanic.”
• “The film is based on the novel of the same name by Gregory McDonald, who was heavily involved in the casting process.”

🖥️ How to Watch Fletch?

Fletch is currently available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it for rent or purchase on Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable and satellite on-demand options. For physical media collectors, DVD and Blu-ray versions are available from major retailers like Amazon and Walmart, making it easy to own a copy of this comedy classic.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Fletch, you might like these similar films:

• Beverly Hills Cop (1984): Both movies feature a wisecracking protagonist investigating crime in a humorous way.
• Spies Like Us (1985): Another Chevy Chase comedy from the same era, it shares a similar lighthearted and improvisational comedic style.
• Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005): This film blends crime and comedy with sharp dialogue and a cynical, yet charming protagonist.
• The Long Goodbye (1973): Features a cynical detective drawn into a complex web of deception, sharing similar themes of corruption and mystery.

🛒 Fletch Related Products

• Fletch: The Jane Doe Novels: Experience the original ‘Fletch’ novels by Gregory McDonald in digital format. Explore Fletch’s world in greater detail, filled with wit and clever investigations.
• Fletch (Blu-ray): Own the classic comedy on Blu-ray and enjoy improved video and audio quality. A must-have for any Chevy Chase fan.
• Fletch Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the original ‘Fletch’ movie poster. A great addition to any movie fan’s collection.
• Fletch: The Complete Series [DVD]: Own Fletch, Fletch Lives, and all of Chevy Chase best movies! A great addition to any movie fan’s collection.

🎧 Soundtrack

Fletch features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Bit by Bit (Theme From Fletch)” – performed by Stephanie Mills
• “Fletch, Get Outta Town” – performed by Dan Hartman
• “Name of the Game” – performed by Picasso

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

God Don Don

Remember that hilarious scene at the airport? Check out Fletch’s outrageous antics and get ready to laugh out loud. I still can’t believe he got away with that!

Fletch….”Sugar, Mr. POON???”

Want to relive the unforgettable ‘Sugar, Mr. Poon’ scene from ‘Fletch’? This is arguably one of the best moments in the film! I dare you not to crack up.

Fletch 1985 – Clip – Fred the Dorf Dorfman

See Fletch at his finest as he spins a web of outrageous lies about Fred the Dorf Dorfman. It’s classic Fletch – totally absurd and completely hilarious. You gotta see this!

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