WWTW Rewind: ‘Fletch’ (1985)

The ’80s boasted some of the better comic actors in modern times, from an in-his-prime Eddie Murphy to rising star Robin Williams, but films from the era often asked too much of them.

Movies like “Jumping Jack Flash,” “Brewster’s Millions” and “The Golden Child” leaned heavily on their stars because their scripts and stories were negligible – or worse.

“Fletch” didn’t require someone like Chevy Chase to ride to the rescue.

The film, based on the character created by Gregory Mcdonald, gave Chase the best vehicle for his singular talents. The layered story could stand on its own, and the script packed so many great lines that even a third rate “Saturday Night Live” alum could nail them.

But in 1985, Chase wasn’t a third stringer. He stood at the top of his game, a confident cad you couldn’t help admire.

Seen today, “Fletch” remains a model of comic efficiency. It’s no wonder efforts to reboot the character keep failing. Who could rival Chase’s insouciant wit – or the film’s timeless gags?

“Fletch” cast Chase as an investigative reporter hunting down the source of drugs flowing through a depressed beach town. He gets propositioned by a dying millionaire (Tim Matheson) who wants Fletch to murder him so his wife can collect on his insurance policy. The shady deal sends Fletch off on a mission to find the truth behind the death wish.

That leads Fletch to an invasive doctor (M. Emmett Walsh), a crooked cop (Joe Don Baker) and the millionaire’s lovely wife (Dana Wheeler-Nicholson).

And, of course, the Underhills.

Chase’s career belly flop in the ’90s makes it easy to forget his mad dash through some of the ’80s best comedies, and “Fletch” hovers near the top of that heap. Consider the scene where Fletch, dressed in a surgeon’s scrubs, is dragged into an operation mid-incision. Just watch the actor’s face en route to passing out. The sequence should have been as stale as a pie in the eye. Instead, Chase’s rubbery face dances with inspiration.

The supporting players often give as good as they get from Chase. The droll Richard Libertini shines whenever he reminds Fletch of those pesky deadlines, and there’s palpable chemistry between Chase and Wheeler-Nicholson.

“Fletch’s” lean story gets flabby toward the end. A car chase starts the trouble, making the movie feel like yet another uninspired set piece from the era. But the final confrontation between Fletch and Baker’s cop brings the film to a crisp resolution.

“Fletch” remains one of the ’80s best comedies, and reason enough to consider Chase as the decade’s court jester.

(Photo: Chevy Chase shines as “Fletch,” a newspaper reporter who risks his life – and funny bone – tracking the truth behind a dying man’s suicide plans.)

Related posts:

1. WWTW Rewind: ‘The Sure Thing’ (1985)
2. WWTW Rewind – ‘Insomnia’ (2002)
3. WWTW Rewind – ‘Crimes and Misdemeanors’ (1989)
4. WWTW Rewind: ‘Lonely Are the Brave’
5. WWTW Rewind: ‘Lethal Weapon’ (1987)