Down And Out In Beverly Hills
1986
Bette Midler and Richard Dreyfuss star as Barbara and Dave Whiteman, a nouveau riche Beverly Hills couple whose entire household is turned upside down with one act of uncharacteristic generosity. On a typically sunny afternoon, Dave spies Jerry (Nick Nolte), a homeless man, attempting to drown himself in their swimming pool. .. Read more
| Starring | Nick Nolte, Bette Midler, Richard Dreyfuss |
|---|---|
| Director | Paul Mazursky |
| Genres | Comedy |
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Down And Out In Beverly Hills
Bette Midler and Richard Dreyfuss star as Barbara and Dave Whiteman, a nouveau riche Beverly Hills couple whose entire household is turned upside down with one act of uncharacteristic generosity. On a typically sunny afternoon, Dave spies Jerry (Nick Nolte), a homeless man, attempting to drown himself in their swimming pool. Dave rescues Jerry and then invites him to stay with the family, shocking Barbara, his high maintenance wife; Max (Evan Richards), his disgruntled son; and Carmen (Elizabeth Pena), his unhappy mistress and maid. The Whiteman household is far from functional with an unsatisfying marriage, a son who communicates only through video footage, a daughter who has escaped to a faraway college, a doggy psychiatrist for their neurotic dog, and a constant stream of gurus for Barbara, who's trying to find inner peace. Jerry's unexpected arrival injects a jolt of energy into the sterile Beverly Hills family. He's charismatic and charming, and before long he has Dave partying with his homeless buddies, Barbara acting out her own wild and crazy sexual fantasies, Max admitting to his private life, and Carmen inciting communist revolt. As Jerry becomes part of the Whiteman family, he thrills them, disappoints them, and ultimately reminds them of what it means to be a family. This charming remake of Jean Renoir's French farce BOUDU SAVED FROM DROWNING is a clever satire on modern excesses and dysfunctional families. Directed by Paul Mazursky, DOWN AND OUT IN BEVERLY HILLS features outrageous comedic performances from its cast of stars, including Little Richard as a wacko neighbor.
| Starring | Nick Nolte, Bette Midler, Richard Dreyfuss |
|---|---|
| Director | Paul Mazursky |
| Studio | WALT DISNEY STUDIOS HOME ENTERTAINMENT |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 39 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Comedy |
| Language | DVD: English |
| Released | DVD: 17 Jan 2005 Production year: 1986 |
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Critics' reviews (3)
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This box-office smash hit provided Nick Nolte with a choice comic role, and he makes the most of it. But there's something a shade too frantic and nervy about the film's pace and the performances of Bette Midler and Richard Dreyfuss as the nouveau riche Beverly Hills couple who find themselves giving house room to Nolte's hobo. Some very funny set pieces, usually involving the family dog, and the occasional unerring spotlight on snobbery make it a movie worth watching, but it's not a patch on the classic French original Boudu Saved from Drowning.
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Somewhat bumbling but sporadically effectiverehash of Renoir's Boudu Sauvé des Eaux (qv), with a few modern jabs and effectively eccentric performances.
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Most helpful member's review
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9 out of 9 people found this review helpful
Down but not out
Richard Dreyfuss (Jaws) and Nick Nolte (48 Hours) are very good in this film. not the best I have seen them but enjoyable stuff. Maybe not as funny i thought it was the first time i saw this film but still enjoyable. My 18 year old daughter enjoyed it, again not the funniest film she had seen but then this is preety dated in comparison with todays comedy films. Certainly sends up Beverly Hills lifestyles a little. If you want a gentle comedy with a few laughs and a good ending then give it a watch. Oh and the dog, well cute dog!
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Most recent members' review
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[Highly rated reviewer]
An Excellent Movie Indeed
I really enjoyed this movie. With an excellent story-line, amazing acting and very funny moments, this movie will keep you entertained throughout. This is a movie that can be watched again and again.
