Classic Movie Pick: ‘Fletch’ is a classic 80’s comedy that features Chevy Chase at his best

This week’s pic takes us to mid-1980s Southern California, where we will meet a handsy doctor, two-timing husband, a corrupt police chief, Marvin and Velma from Provo, and of course, a newspaper reporter named Irwin Fletcher, who simply goes by Fletch, which is also the title of this week’s pic. 

The original “Fletch” is an undeniable 80’s comedy classic starring Chevy Chase who delivers more sarcastic one-liners in five minutes than most comedies have in the entire movie. Mistaken for a junkie who hangs out at the beach, Fletch is approached by multimillionaire Alan Stanwyck, played by Tim Matheson, who has a proposal for Fletch. He wants Fletch to kill him due to the fact that he has bone cancer, explaining that he wants to die before it becomes too painful. Fletch is skeptical but goes along with the plan while also investigating Stanwyck.

As it turns out, there is no bone cancer – only a man with two wives who wants to use Fletch’s body so he can fake his own death and steal millions of dollars. Along the way, Fletch falls for Stanwyck’s soon-to-be duped wife, turning the tables on the conniving husband.

This is the kind of story where you don’t care if the crime ever gets solved because Fletch’s investigation is so entertaining as he encounters a cast of characters and bombards them with rapid fire wisecracks. He charges expensive food to a jerky country club member’s account, poses as a patient, ends up getting an impromptu rectal exam, and even plays a member of the mattress police.  

Chevy Chase was at the height of his popularity while making “Fletch.” While known for physical comedy, Chase is also a master of deadpanned, condescending, and sarcastic deliveries. His star eventually faded and his reputation on set wasn’t the greatest, but Chase was part of several cinematic treasures. Chase has said in more than one interview that “Fletch” is his favorite film because the filmmakers let him be himself. As an actor and improver, he is also a creature of habit. There is a point in “Fletch” where he says ‘I feel like $100.’ He used the same exact line in “Caddyshack.” In the scene where the police chief, played by Joe Don Baker, locks Fletch in a jail cell, Chase sings Swing Low Sweet Chariot, just like he did in “National Lampoon’s Vacation” while piloting the Family Truckster toward Wally World.

The film is based on the “Fletch” books by author Gregory McDonald. Oftentimes a book author, in an attempt to protect his or her baby, will ask for creative input when it comes to the movie. Thank goodness McDonnell had power and final approval over the lead actor, as the production was considering Mick Jagger and Burt Reynolds to play the role of Fletch. I mean, seriously? Yikes. If either had been cast, “Fletch” would most likely not be this week’s classic pic. Another actor considered for the role was Charles Grodin, who discussed almost being cast in his memoir “It Would Be So Nice If You Weren’t Here,” which is a great show business book.

Here’s a really strange fun film fact. At the end of the movie, Fletch is packing up a box of his stuff and puts on a hat that reads Nostromo. It is the same hat worn by Harry Dean Stanton in the film “Alien.” Sadly, I have no other information about said fun fact. 

If you haven’t seen it, give it a watch. And if you’ve seen it 20 times like me, give it a rewatch! “Fletch” is this week’s Classic Movie Pic. 

Editor’s note: For more movie and entertainment talk, join Pete Schwaba weeknights from 6-8 p.m. for “Nite Lite” here on the Civic Media radio network.