Bette Midler was on a roll in the mid-‘80s. Having had two successful films under her
belt, DOWN AND OUT IN BEVERLY HILLS and RUTHLESS PEOPLE, it was a no-brainer
that she would make another comedy, but this time a female buddy flick called OUTRAGEOUS FORTUNE co-starring hot from
her stint on TVs CHEERS Shelley Long. Now it’s no secrets that the duo butted heads during filming but what we
got onscreen was nonetheless heavenly, one of the great comedies of 1987 in
fact. I remember catching it more than
once when it invaded our movie theaters back in the day. I even bought the Patti Labelle CD just to
get the catchy main theme song (aptly named SOMETHING SPECIAL), like many others did at the time, I’m
sure. Almost 30 years later I still own
that CD as the film itself which is now on DVD.
Suffice to say I watch it on a regular basis.
If you’ve ever been a fan of TVs LAVERNE & SHIRLEY
you probably dig OUTRAGEOUS FORTUNE (since it’s got the same vibes), the
story of two would-be actresses as different as night and day who end up fast
friends after feuding religiously over a man (Peter Coyote). Turns out the guy is a complete jerk, but
before these fine ladies get to that part the moviegoers are treated to a
series of high jinks and one-liners worthy of any RUPAUL DRAG RACE episode. In
fact, it’s almost like watching two drag queens battling it out for a chance of
owning Mr. Wrong (who cannot relate?). It may not be the wisest choice but the
end result is quite effective. It’s big, it’s brassy, it’s completely silly but
it works aplenty, thanks to our two talented divas who don’t hold any punches,
literally and figuratively. I’ll even
say that their involvement in OUTRAGEOUS
FORTUNE paved the way for other women comedy flicks such as ROMY AND
MICHELE’S HIGH SCHOOL REUNION (1997) or BRIDESMAIDS (2011).
I’m sure the people behind Disney knew they had a
goldmine when they watched the rushes. I
mean how could they not? Here are two of
the funniest ladies giving all they got and there is no stopping them. OK, I admit the first half, when the
characters are at each other’s throat, is by far the funniest. So many scenes come to mind like the airport
clerk who refuses to give them information on their lover’s whereabouts; or the
cab ride that takes them into a seedy neighborhood; or how about the scenes where
la Midler is chatting with Howie (or How
as she likes to call him) the phone operator.
Once they cross the border to find the bad guy, however, you start feeling
the strain. Almost as if the script runs
out of steam, but that first hour, oh my god, comedy gold.
And look at that poster sheet. Talk about perfection. They don’t make them like that anymore. Now it’s all computerized or, worse, photoshopped,
for all your young minds to see. A damn shame, if you ask me. Please, Hollywood honchoes, if you ever read
this blog, go back to that style of art for your posters. It’s so much more enticing.
Until next post—Martin
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