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Foul Play (1978)

PG  |   |  Comedy, Mystery, Thriller  |  14 July 1978 (USA)
6.8
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Ratings: 6.8/10 from 9,862 users  
Reviews: 82 user | 27 critic

A shy San Francisco librarian and a bumbling cop fall in love as they solve a crime involving albinos, dwarves, and the Catholic Church.

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Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 8 nominations. See more awards »
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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...
...
...
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Stanley Tibbets
Marilyn Sokol ...
...
Fergie
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Stiltskin
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Theatre Manager
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J.J. MacKuen
...
Scarface
Bruce Solomon ...
Scott
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Sandy
Pat Ast ...
Mrs. Venus
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Storyline

When, unbeknownst to Gloria, a microfilm cassette is left with her by a dying agent, she becomes entangled in a complicated series of events. She's pursued by a dwarf and an albino, and becomes convinced that they are out to kill her. Finally, with the help of San Francisco detective Tony Carlson, she begins to turn the tables on her pursuers. It becomes clear that the nerfarious crew after her are plotting a dastardly deed indeed - to assassinate the Pope as he visits the city to see _The Mikado_. Gloria and Tony must race against time to prevent this terrible crime. Written by Rick Munoz <rick.munoz@his.com>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

A new comedy-thriller from Paramount for Summer '78 See more »


Certificate:

PG | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

14 July 1978 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Killing Lydia  »

Box Office

Gross:

SEK 33,316,312 (Sweden)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

First of only three feature films as a director for screenwriter Colin Higgins. The subsequent ones were Nine to Five (1980) and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982). See more »

Goofs

When Delia Darrow/Gerda Casswell returns to the Archbishop's office (after being visited by Tony, Fergie and Gloria), her sweater moves around on her shoulders between shots. See more »

Quotes

Stanley Tibbits: Here it is, my own little beaver trap.
See more »

Crazy Credits

Esme the snake is played by Shirley Python See more »

Connections

Referenced in Serial Mom (1994) See more »

Soundtracks

Stayin' Alive
Written by Barry Gibb (as Barry), Robin Gibb (as Robin) and Maurice Gibb
Sung by The Bee Gees
Courtesy of RSO Records and Tapes
See more »

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User Reviews

Chevy-Hawn magic
22 December 2002 | by (Omaha, Neb) – See all my reviews

I saw this film when I was nine years old. And I loved it. From the opening shot of Goldie Hawn's VW bug driving along to Barry Manilow's "Ready to Take a Chance Again" to the Pope tapping his foot to "Three Little Maids From School Are We," this movie is pure entertainment. What makes it so funny is it seems an exercise in lateral thinking. A snake that eats cigarettes? An albino hit man? Billy Barty? I love the music in this film and watching Dudley Moore sing "I feel the earth move under my feet" ... while he tries to seduce Hawn, who was the very model of wholesome cuteness in the '70s and '80s. Her pairing with Chase gave us some of the funniest shows of the era. (I also enjoy "Seems Like Old Times.") The only downside to this film - if you see it when you're an impressionable child, you'll always be wondering if someone will stab you through the theater seat. Argh!


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