Bernice "Bernie" Rhodenbarr is a burglar by trade, and she runs a bookstore as well. Her friend Carl Hefler is a dog groomer. After a successful burglary, it's discovered that a dead body was in the house she burgled. As she's the only one who can be placed at the scene of the crime, she has to use her criminal skills to clear her name of the murder AND avoid getting charged with the burglary.
Acting
Whoopi's side-eye could power a city grid.
Costume
Bernie's burglary leotards deserve their own exhibit.
Score
Synth-funk that screams 'rented VHS energy.'
Director
Hugh Wilson
Whoopi Goldberg
Bernice 'Bernie' Rhodenbarr
Bobcat Goldthwait
Carl Hefler
G.W. Bailey
Ray Kirschman
Lesley Ann Warren
Dr. Cynthia Sheldrake
John Goodman
Detective Nyswander
Vyto Ruginis
K.E. Graybow
James Handy
Carson Verrill
Anne DeSalvo
Detective Todras
Elizabeth Ruscio
Frankie
Raye Birk
The Jogger
Eric Poppick
Deliveryman
Thom Bray
Shoplifter in Bookstore
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was meant to star Bruce Willis, but he dropped out for Moonlighting—so they rewrote it for Whoopi, keeping the book's Bernie male. The gender swap actually improves the source material.
The bookstore scenes were filmed at the real 'Books Is Books' in Pasadena, which closed in 2015. RIP to a legend.
CA
US
