1985 was one of the best years for the film industry. Classic blockbusters such as The Goonies and Back to the Future introduced audiences to a new type of entertainment experience, and two of the best horror comedies of all time were released with Re-Animator and Return of the Living Dead. Classic dramas such as The Breakfast Club as well as the critically acclaimed and Academy Award nominated The Color Purple were released that year, and a slew of other memorable ’80s movies like Teen Wolf, Legend, and Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure. In addition to these films and many more, one of the most entertaining comedies of the decade was released during this year.
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Fletch is directed by Emmy-nominated Michael Ritchie and stars Chevy Chase during his motion picture heyday. In this mystery/comedy, Chase portrays Fletch, a newspaper reporter who is asked to murder a mysterious millionaire supposedly dying of cancer. However, when the truth is revealed that this man is healthy, a growing news story sends him searching for a larger and more in depth story.
The film is based off of the novel by Gregory McDonald and was received with audience and critical acclaim. It spawned a sequel entitled Fletch Lives in 1989, and the reboot Confess, Fletch stars Jon Hamm as the titular character and is expected to be released in theaters September 16th, 2022. The popularity and market for this character continues almost 40 years later. It all could be connected to the success of the original film and a variety of factors that helped make an impact on the mystery/comedy genre.
Chevy Chase and the Comedy in Fletch
Universal Pictures
Chevy Chase was able to bring the character of Irwin Fletcher from the page to the screen in a way only he could. The legendary Saturday Night Live actor had already made a splash in Hollywood, starring in films such as Caddyshack and National Lampoon’s Vacation. Essentially, he made a name for himself by doing what he does best… being Chevy. Some may argue that it hindered the actor. However, speaking of Fletch specifically, his performance is the standout of the entire film. His wit and dedication to physical comedy is utterly entertaining and he’s at the real top of his game, heights he wouldn’t achieve again. While the storyline is rather over the top and hilarious, Chase understands that the film is to be taken lightly, even if there is a suspenseful murder mystery plot lurking beneath the surface.
Slapstick is used to ease those moments of tension with a bit of levity. In this film we see Fletch climbing up fire escapes, in high speed chases with dogs and cars, constantly at odds with the law, and breaking in and out of houses. Of course, adding those moments of head bopping physical slapstick humor is on the nose. However, slapstick in comedy is equivalent to a jump scare in horror — if it is done right, then it is effective. Chase is a brilliant comedic performer and knows when to implement his style of humor. In an interview with Reelin’ In the Years to promote the sequel to Fletch, Chase explains why his “playing himself” style works so well:
Witty Dialogue and Disguises in Fletch
There are numerous lines of dialogue that are played for punchlines that work so well coming from Chase’s character. Fletch is a sarcastic and witty journalist who always needs to get the last word, even if that last word is a simple jab at the opposite end of the conversation. In the beginning of the film, when the supposedly dying millionaire, Alan Stanwyk, is giving Fletch instructions on how to complete the murder… of himself, he asks Fletch if he owns rubber gloves to enter the mansion:
Well I seem to be the only one who could do it so… it may well be true. In fact, any actor is only playing themselves, ultimately with a little technique here and there. Even De Niro, even, you know anybody, even the top guys, Nicholson, you’ll always say ‘That’s Jack Nicholson.’ They may be great actors and they may be able to get that character out that’s worthy of… if it’s important, Academy Awards. But in fact it’s always going to be basically the personality and the persona of that person that you like.”
A simple one-liner, sure, but it’s delivered so well by Chase’s character. Most of his dialogue comes faster than the speeding bullets that fly his way. Only he could deliver the zingers with such confidence. But it is the one weapon Fletch has in the film, and he uses his words to get himself out of multiple dangerous situations. An inch away from a bullet, Fletch will redirect the assailant to an untied shoelace, and just like that he is on the run. It is a funny approach, of course, but Chase spends time developing the character’s antics and setting the audience up for the joke way before the punchline. The effectiveness and relationship to the character of Fletch comes deep within Chase’s own experiences as an actor. In an interview promoting Fletch, Chase spoke with John C. Tibbetts about his character:
Alan: “Do you own rubber gloves?”
Fletch: “I rent them. I have a lease with an option to buy.”
“Obviously, Fletch is an investigative reporter who likes to use disguises and uses different names and voices and that’s how he gets a story. Made it easy for me because that’s how I get through life.”
Of course, the job of an actor is to disguise themselves into the life and body of another to tell the story. Chase seems to connect his real life persona with the antics of Fletch himself. Fletch seems to have a different costume and persona in every scene of the film. It creates a humorous type of suspense because it keeps the audience on their toes to see who and where he will end up next. But it also shows Chase’s versatility as an actor to be able to fool the audience, and the characters on screen.
The Books by Gregory McDonald and the Success of Fletch
The Fletch novels have been enjoyed by readers since the very first publication in 1974. The book received the Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best First Novel, while the sequel received the accolade for Best Paperback Original. McDonald released 11 total books which gives the character a variety of options for adaptations. The latest reboot with Jon Hamm shows that audiences still love this character and there are still stories to tell.
While the original film and its sequel are a slight spoof on classic murder mystery films of the past, it presents itself as lighthearted and joyful entertainment. Compared to another mystery/comedy spoof that came out in the same year which also became a classic, Clue starring Tim Curry, Fletch seems poised to come out on top, especially if the reboot brings people back to the first film. If one looks at the box office alone, it proves Fletch to be superior to Clue. Fletch’s original budget was $8 million, it earned a gross worldwide amount of over $59 million at the time. Clue had an original budget of $15 million, but flopped at just over $14 million at the box office worldwide.
Fletch has held up amongst others in the genre since its release. All components, from source material to direction and casting, blend together to give audiences a fun and hysterical mystery/comedy that is one of the highlights of Chevy Chase’s already established career. It does not bookend the story, however, because there are so many places Fletch may go, and so many faces we could see him wear.
