Foul Play Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Librarian picks up a hitchhiker with a secret, leading to a wacky chase involving the Pope, a dwarf, and a love-struck cop.

🍿 Foul Play: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Chance Encounter

Gloria Mundy, a recently divorced librarian, picks up a stranded motorist named Bob Scott. Unbeknownst to her, Scott is being followed and slips a microfilm cassette into her purse, instructing her to meet him later. This seemingly innocent act plunges Gloria into a world of danger and intrigue.

The Movie Theater Murder

At the movie theater, Scott reveals he is an undercover agent just before dying from a gunshot wound. He whispers to Gloria to ‘beware of the dwarf.’ Before she can alert anyone, Scott’s body disappears, leaving Gloria shaken and unsure if she can trust her senses.

Pursued by Killers

Gloria finds herself pursued by a series of suspicious characters, including a dwarf, an albino, and a man with a scar. She seeks help from a police detective, Tony Carlson, who is initially skeptical but eventually becomes convinced of her story and her protector.

Unraveling the Conspiracy

As Gloria and Tony investigate, they discover a plot to assassinate the Pope during his visit to San Francisco. The microfilm Gloria unknowingly possesses contains crucial information about the assassins and their plan. They must race against time to stop the assassination before it’s too late.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Gloria Mundy (Goldie Hawn): A recently divorced librarian who becomes entangled in a plot to assassinate the Pope after picking up a stranded motorist.
• Det. Tony Carlson (Chevy Chase): A San Francisco detective who is assigned to protect Gloria and falls in love with her during the investigation.
• Mr. Hennessey (Burgess Meredith): Gloria’s quirky landlord and a retired anthropologist with a pet snake, who assists in solving the mystery.
• Stanley Tibbets (Dudley Moore): A lonely orchestra conductor who provides comic relief while attempting to seduce Gloria.
• Gerda Casswell (Rachel Roberts): The Archbishop’s sinister assistant who is involved in the assassination plot and has a memorable fight scene.
• Archbishop Thorncrest (Eugene Roche): A seemingly pious Archbishop who is later revealed to be part of a conspiracy to assassinate the Pope.
• Stiltskin (Marc Lawrence): A ruthless assassin, also known as ‘The Dwarf’, hired to eliminate anyone who interferes with the assassination plot.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Bob ‘Scotty’ Scott: “Beware of the dwarf!” – Scotty whispers this to Gloria in the movie theater as he dies, setting off the film’s central mystery.
• Stella: “You’re so old-fashioned, you need to get with the ’70s.” – Stella encourages Gloria to be more open to new experiences and relationships.
• Mr. Hennessey: “She was one tough mama!” – Mr. Hennessey exclaims this after defeating Delia Darrow in a martial arts fight.
• Det. Tony Carlson: “The bad guys are after your ass. It’s my job to get there first.” – Tony reassures Gloria and expresses his determination to protect her from danger.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $5,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $44,999,621
• Worldwide Gross: $44,999,621

💥 Foul Play Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely adore ‘Foul Play’! It’s a perfect blend of comedy and suspense. Goldie Hawn is at her best, and Chevy Chase brings a goofy charm that totally works. The scene with Dudley Moore in his apartment is comedy gold! It’s the kind of movie that just makes me happy every time I watch it.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic comedy thrillers”
  • “Viewers who appreciate the comedic stylings of Goldie Hawn and Chevy Chase”
  • “Those interested in 1970s cinema and culture”
  • “People who enjoy lighthearted suspense movies”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild violence”
  • “Brief suggestive humor”
  • “Some depictions of criminal activity”
  • “Brief drug reference”

Professional Reviews

• IMDB: “A librarian is thrust into a plot to assassinate the Pope! Goldie Hawn is appealing, Chase is green, but the supporting cast is terrific with Burgess Meredith stealing every scene. The car chase is a waste, but overall, it’s a fun time.
• Common Sense Media: “Fun, suspenseful thriller comedy has dated content. Goldie Hawn and Chevy Chase create a believable and cute couple. But, it has its moments of cartoonish violence and some mature themes that might go over kids’ heads. Its charm lies in its humor.

Audience Reactions

Goldie Hawn’s charm and comedic timing are unforgettable, making her the standout performer.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s clever mix of suspense and humor, with many highlighting the memorable characters and comedic scenes.

The unexpected plot twists and turns keep viewers engaged and entertained throughout the film.: Many agree that the soundtrack and comedic moments make it a fantastic choice for a lighthearted, fun movie night.

Overall Consensus: A charming blend of comedy and suspense, ‘Foul Play’ is a fun and entertaining movie that holds up well despite its age, largely due to Goldie Hawn’s performance.

Awards

1. Golden Globe (Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy)- 1979

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Farrah Fawcett was considered for the role of Gloria, but Goldie Hawn was ultimately cast.”
• “Director Colin Higgins also wrote ‘Harold and Maude’ (1971) and ‘Silver Streak’ (1976).”
• “The film features numerous location shots of San Francisco, adding to its charm and authenticity.”
• “The movie’s soundtrack includes Barry Manilow’s ‘Ready to Take a Chance Again,’ which became a signature song for the film.”

🖥️ How to Watch Foul Play?

As a classic film, ‘Foul Play’ is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your preferred streaming service for availability. Some local libraries may also carry the DVD. It is often aired on cable channels as well.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Foul Play, you might like these similar films:

• Silver Streak (1976): Another comedy-thriller written by Colin Higgins, with similar blend of humor and suspense.
• The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956): Both films feature an ordinary person caught up in an assassination plot with Hitchcockian elements.
• Charade (1963): A romantic thriller with a comedic edge, starring Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant.
• Date Night (2010): A modern comedy where a couple’s ordinary date night turns into a series of dangerous and hilarious situations.
• After Hours (1985): A cult classic where an ordinary man experiences a bizarre and increasingly surreal night in New York City.

🛒 Foul Play Related Products

• Foul Play (DVD): Relive the comedic suspense of this classic film. Features Goldie Hawn and Chevy Chase in their prime.
• Barry Manilow – Greatest Hits (CD): Enjoy the iconic tunes featured in the movie, including ‘Ready to Take a Chance Again’.
• 1970s Fashion Style Guide: Step back in time and recreate the iconic looks from Foul Play. Learn how to rock the 70s vibe.
• San Francisco: Then and Now: Explore how the city has changed (or not) since the movie was filmed in the 1970s.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Ready to Take a Chance Again” – performed by Barry Manilow
• “Copacabana (At the Copa)” – performed by Barry Manilow
• “Stayin’ Alive” – performed by Bee Gees

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Barry Manilow Ready to take a chance again Foul Play 小迷糊闖七關

Remember that heartwarming song from Foul Play? This is it! Barry Manilow’s “Ready to Take a Chance Again” perfectly captures the movie’s charm and Goldie Hawn’s captivating performance. Give it a listen, you won’t regret it!

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