When investigative reporter Irwin "Fletch" Fletcher goes undercover to write a piece on the drug trade at a local beach, he's approached by wealthy businessman Alan Stanwyk, who offers him $50,000 to murder him. With sarcastic wit and a knack for disguises, Fletch sets out to uncover Stanwyk's story.
Acting
Chase's deadpan delivery makes absurd lines feel improvised.
Writing
Every alias is a perfect character study in three words.
Costume
The Lakers jersey and afro wig deserve their own credit.
Director
Michael Ritchie
Chevy Chase
Irwin 'Fletch' Fletcher
Tim Matheson
Alan Stanwyk
Dana Wheeler-Nicholson
Gail Stanwyk
Joe Don Baker
Chief Jerry Karlin
Richard Libertini
Frank Walker
Geena Davis
Larry
M. Emmet Walsh
Dr. Joseph Dolan
George Wendt
Fat Sam
Kenneth Mars
Stanton Boyd
Bill Henderson
Speaker
William Traylor
Ted Underhill
George Wyner
Marvin Gillet
Tony Longo
Detective #1
Larry Jenkins
Gummy
Ralph Seymour
Creasy
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Chase ad-libbed roughly half his dialogue; director Michael Ritchie reportedly let him run wild after the first take.
The film invented the template for 'comedy disguise movies' that Austin Powers would later perfect—minus the teeth.
US
