This is a classic from the 1980’s that I highly recommend if you haven’t already seen it. The cast is great and the direction by Ron Howard is fantastic. It is a comedy film with a bit of romance in it as well as fantasy. The main story is about a young man who encounters a mythological mermaid only to reunite with her years later as a romantic interest. Of course the main character Allen Bauer played by Tom Hanks doesn’t know that Madison played by Daryl Hannah is a mermaid. This is a role that she will always be remembered for. The chemistry between Hanks and Hannah is quite incredible. The setting is in New York City and by the bay area. Allen’s brother Freddie Bauer is played by the late great John Candy. He is obsessed with women, and tries to give him brotherly advice throughout the film while helping him.
This film was nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. Brian Grazer created the original story; the screen story was done by Bruce Jay Friedman. The collaborative efforts of Lowell Ganz, Babaloo Mandel and Bruce Jay Friedman worked together for the screenplay. It was pretty cleverly done and the story was moved along nicely.
There is a little known sequel to this film titled Splash Too (1988) it was directed by Greg Antonacci and was done by the Walt Disney Company which aired on the ABC network. Actress Amy Yasbeck had to wear a blonde wig for her performance when she played the same role Madison. It was also the first film that was done at the then-new Disney-MGM Studios complex.
Eugene Levy also appears in this as Walter Kornbluth, both him and John Candy were both from the television series “Second City TV” also known as SCTV a Canadian series. This show also helped launch the careers of Catherine O’Hara, Rick Moranis, and Harold Ramis as well. More of the Splash cast includes Dody Goodman as Mrs. Stimler, Shecky Greene as Mr. Buyrite, Richard B. Shull as Dr. Ross, Bobby Di Cicco as Jerry, Howard Morris as Dr. Zidell, Tony DiBenedetto as Tim, The Doorman, Patrick Cronin as Michaelson, Charles Walker as Michaelson’s Partner, David Knell as Claude, Jeff Doucette as Junior, and Royce D. Applegate as Buckwalter.
The theme song “Love Came For Me” performed by Rita Coolrige became a hit and was used in the film. Splash had the budget of 8 million dollars, and has to date grossed $69,821,334 million. That’s pretty good, considering its age. You can usually find this film playing on television if not you can buy a copy through the link below. It is a nice one to add to your collection. And is a treat to watch each time. I recommend seeing this one for sure.
This is a hilarious film by director John Landis, which stars two former Saturday Night Live cast members Dan Aykroyd as Austin Millbarge and Chevy Chase playing Emmett Fitz-Hume. They work perfectly together in this comedic tale of the cold war scare back during the 1980’s. The two government agents are promoted to infiltrate the former Soviet Union; little do they realize what they are really sent there for. This leads to some remember able moments throughout the length of the film. You will also see Dan Aykroyd’s wife in this Donna Dixon – the former 1st runner-up Miss World USA 1977 once worked at the Wilhelmina Modeling Agency and was engaged to Paul Stanley from the rock group Kiss. She was introduced to Dan Aykroyd by her best friend Fran Drescher. In this film she plays Karen Boyer, and she does a great job putting up with the antics of Aykroyd and Chase.
There is a scene near the start of the film where they have to take an exam inside the classroom; it is really funny and a standout moment. The film is filled with many clever and witty scenes and it seemed like they enjoyed themselves while shooting this movie. I think this is a comedy classic from the 1980’s. There are more appearances by: Bruce Davison, Terry Gilliam, Steve Forrest, Charles McKeown, James Daughton, Jim Staahl, William Prince, Tom Hatten, and the lovely Vanessa Angel playing a Russian Rocket Crewperson. Film legend Ray Harryhausen also appears briefly in this as Dr. Marston. Also, keep your eyes open for Bob Hope making a very brief cameo appearance as a Golfer. If you are ready to laugh get this film, it was really entertaining. The film story was done by Dan Aykroyd and Dave Thomas. The screenplay was written by Dan Aykroyd, Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel.
