Down and Out in Beverly Hills - A Movie Review

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“Down and Out in Beverly Hills” is a comedy starring Richard Dreyfuss, Bette Midler and Nick Nolte which was released in 1986. Touchstone Pictures (an offshoot of The Walt Disney Studios) released “Down and Out in Beverly Hills”, making it the first R-rated film released by Disney Studios. Jerry Baskin (Nick Nolte) plays a down-and-out bum living on the streets of Beverly Hills with his dog. Jerry’s dog runs off; and Jerry feels that he has nothing left to live for. He walks into the backyard of a Beverly Hills home that has a swimming pool, fills his pockets with rocks and jumps in. Homeowner David Whiteman (Richard Dreyfuss) sees Jerry in the pool, runs out and rescues Jerry from the water. He offers Jerry his hospitality; and Jerry accepts. Bette Midler plays David’s wife, Barbara. After 20 years, Barbara has no interest in sex with her husband; so David has been meeting his needs with Carmen (Elizabeth Pena’) in the maid’s quarters. The Whiteman’s daughter, Jenny (Tracy Nelson), refuses to eat anything; and their son, Max (Evan Richards), is tortured about his sexuality and is constantly being berated by his father. The dog, Matisse, is a mental case as well, doesn't get along with anyone, won't eat his food and is visited by a dog therapist. Jerry soon sees that he’s the sanest of the bunch. David owns a very successful hanger company and offers Jerry a job; but Jerry refuses. Jerry was once very successful but now prefers the life he leads. At first Barbara and Jenny are suspicious of Jerry and don’t want him around. But it is soon apparent that Jerry is the answer to everyone’s problems. The casting is perfect in this movie. Little Richard appears as the Whiteman’s comical neighbor, Orvis Goodnight; and his appearance revitalized his career. This is a very funny movie which keeps a good comic pace going with no slow spots…something you rarely see coming out of Hollywood these days. If you're looking for a funny movie for the adults to watch on a Friday or Saturday night, I think you’ll enjoy this one. This movie is rated R. Photo Credit: Pixabay