🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Roger Spottiswoode
- Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama, Family, Mystery
- Release year: 1989
- Runtime (length): 1h 37min
- IMDb rating: 6.2/10 (78K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 56%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A neat-freak cop inherits a slobbery dog who knows too much, leading to a hilarious (and messy) buddy-cop situation that probably violates several police procedure guidelines.
🍿 Turner & Hooch: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction to Scott Turner and Amos Reed
Scott Turner, a meticulous and organized police investigator in Cypress Beach, California, is preparing to move to Sacramento for more challenging cases. Before leaving, he visits his friend Amos Reed, an old man living on a houseboat with his large Dogue de Bordeaux dog, Hooch. Amos expresses concerns about suspicious activities at the nearby seafood plant owned by Walter Boyett.

The Murder of Amos Reed
That night, Boyett orders his henchman, Zack Gregory, to silence Amos. Gregory stabs Amos to death, but Hooch witnesses the crime. He manages to chase Gregory away, becoming the sole witness. Turner, now investigating his first murder case, is saddened by Amos’s death and decides to stay longer to solve the crime.

Turner Takes Custody of Hooch
With Hooch threatened by animal control, Turner takes custody of the dog. He seeks help from the town’s veterinarian, Emily Carson, and they quickly develop a romantic interest. Hooch, unruly and destructive, turns Turner’s organized life upside down, leading to comedic chaos. The contrast between Turner’s neatness and Hooch’s sloppiness drives much of the film’s humor.

Investigating the Seafood Plant
Hooch identifies Gregory at a wedding, leading Turner to identify him as a suspect. After securing a search warrant for Boyett’s plant, the initial investigation turns up nothing. However, Turner continues his pursuit, leading him to uncover a money laundering operation. Hooch’s keen sense of smell proves invaluable in connecting the money found on the beach to Boyett’s operation.

Confrontation and Confession
Turner confronts Gregory, who is revealed to be responsible for Amos’s murder. Gregory confesses that Boyett is running a covert operation. After apprehending Gregory, Turner returns to the seafood plant with Hooch to confront Boyett, only to find his own police chief, Howard Hyde, is also involved.
⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Det. Scott Turner (Tom Hanks): An obsessively neat police detective whose life is turned upside down when he inherits a slobbery dog while investigating a murder.
- Hooch (Beasley the Dog): A destructive yet loyal Dogue de Bordeaux who witnesses a murder and becomes Turner’s unlikely partner.
- Dr. Emily Carson (Mare Winningham): A kind veterinarian who helps Turner care for Hooch and becomes his love interest.
- Chief Howard Hyde (Craig T. Nelson): The police chief who initially supports Turner’s investigation but is later revealed to be corrupt.
- David Sutton (Reginald VelJohnson): Turner’s partner and trainee, who provides comic relief and support during the investigation.
- Zack Gregory (Scott Paulin): Boyett’s henchman and Amos’s killer, whose military training makes him a dangerous adversary.
- Walter Boyett (J.C. Quinn): The owner of the seafood plant who is running a covert operation and orchestrates Amos’s murder.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Scott Turner: “These are the simple rules. No barking, no growling, you will not lift your leg to anything in this house. This is not your room. No slobbering, no chewing, you will wear a flea collar. This is not your room. No begging for food, no sniffing of crotches, and you will not drink from my toilet. This is not your room.” – Turner lays down the law for Hooch upon his arrival, hilariously failing to enforce any of them.
- Scott Turner: “Hooch, you are the worst roommate I’ve ever had.” – Turner expresses his frustration after Hooch has thoroughly trashed his house.
- David Sutton: “Congratulations you broke the case!” – Sutton says this to Turner at the end of the movie.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $13,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $71,079,915
- Worldwide Gross: $71,079,915
💥 Turner & Hooch Reviews
Personal Review
I remember watching ‘Turner & Hooch’ as a kid and just loving it. It was the perfect blend of comedy and heartwarming moments. Seeing Tom Hanks, who I already adored, paired with this giant, slobbery dog was pure gold. The scenes where Hooch completely destroys Turner’s pristine house are still hilarious, and the ending always gets me a little choked up. The bond between them feels so real, and it’s a reminder that sometimes the messiest relationships are the most rewarding. It’s a feel-good movie that never gets old, and I always recommend it for a cozy night in.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Tom Hanks”
- “People who enjoy buddy cop movies”
- “Dog lovers”
- “Families looking for lighthearted entertainment”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mild violence”
- “Animal death (dog)”
- “Suggestive content”
- “Some mature themes”
Professional Reviews
- Variety: “While ‘Turner & Hooch’ relies heavily on predictable buddy-cop tropes, Tom Hanks’ comedic timing and the undeniable charm of Beasley (as Hooch) elevate it above similar films. The movie is light on suspense but heavy on heartwarming moments and canine chaos.
- RogerEbert.com: “A middling effort that coasts on Hanks’ charisma. The plot is thin, and the suspense is minimal. However, the comedic interplay between Hanks and Hooch, especially during the house-wrecking scenes, provides some genuine laughs. Worth watching for a nostalgic trip back to the late 80s.
- The New York Times: “The film is predictably sentimental, but it features Tom Hanks at his most endearing, making it an entertaining watch for family audiences. The dog, is a fantastic scene partner, with a truly compelling performance, especially during the emotional moments.
Audience Reactions
The unlikely friendship between a neat-freak cop and a messy dog stole the show.: Viewers appreciated the heartwarming bond between Turner and Hooch and found the comedic moments genuinely funny.
Hooch’s antics and Tom Hanks’ reactions provided endless entertainment.: Many people mentioned enjoying the film as children and finding it held up well over time, still offering laughs and a bit of nostalgia.
Overall Consensus: A heartwarming buddy-cop comedy with strong performances from Tom Hanks and Beasley the dog, offering plenty of laughs and emotional moments, though the plot is somewhat predictable.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Beasley the Dogue de Bordeaux, who played Hooch, was reportedly chosen for the role because of his drooling capabilities and expressive face.”
- “Henry Winkler was initially set to direct but was replaced early in production due to creative differences.”
- “The film helped popularize the Dogue de Bordeaux breed in the United States, leading to increased interest and ownership of the dogs.”
🖥️ How to Watch Turner & Hooch?
Turner & Hooch is currently available for purchase or rental on various platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for streaming options, as availability may vary by region. Some cable providers may also offer it on demand.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Turner & Hooch, you might like these similar films:
- K-9 (1989): Another buddy cop film released around the same time, featuring a police officer partnered with a canine.
- Beethoven (1992): Features a large, slobbery dog wreaking havoc in a family’s home, similar to Hooch’s antics.
- Marley & Me (2008): A modern film about the joys and challenges of owning a rambunctious dog, focusing on the emotional bond between owner and pet.
- The Odd Couple (1968): The dynamic between Turner and Hooch is a classic ‘Odd Couple’ setup: the neat freak forced to live with the slob.
🛒 Turner & Hooch Related Products
- Turner & Hooch [Blu-ray]: Relive the classic buddy-cop comedy with improved picture and sound quality. Perfect for collectors and fans of the film.
- Dogue de Bordeaux Breed Guide: Learn all about the breed of dog that played Hooch. Find information about the breed’s history and health issues.
- Turner & Hooch – Movie Poster Print: A high-quality print of the original movie poster, perfect for decorating a home theater or adding to a movie memorabilia collection.
- Turner & Hooch: Cypress Beach PD T-Shirt: Show your love for the movie with this T-shirt featuring the Cypress Beach Police Department logo. Made from comfortable, high-quality material.
🎧 Soundtrack
Turner & Hooch features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Turner & Hooch was primarily filmed in Pacific Grove, California. Specifically, Cypress Beach served as a key location for many of the film’s scenes.
Hooch is a Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as a French Mastiff. This breed is known for its large size, muscular build, and wrinkled face.
Turner & Hooch blends elements of both comedy and crime drama. While it has plenty of humorous scenes, especially involving Hooch’s antics, it also includes a murder mystery and serious themes.
Tragically, Hooch is shot and killed while protecting Turner during the final confrontation with the criminals. His death is a pivotal emotional moment in the film.
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