Dirty Tricks (film)
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film industry |
| Founded | 1981 |
Key people | Alvin Rakoff (director), William W. Norton, Eleanor E. Norton, Thomas Gifford, Camille Gifford (screenwriters) |
| Products | Comedy film |
Dirty Tricks is a 1981 American comedy film directed by Alvin Rakoff, with a screenplay crafted by William W. Norton, Eleanor E. Norton, Thomas Gifford, and Camille Gifford. The movie features performances by Elliott Gould, Kate Jackson, Rich Little, Arthur Hill, John Juliani, and Alberta Watson.
Plot
The story follows a Harvard student (Nicholas Campbell) who seeks out Professor Chandler (Elliott Gould) to verify the authenticity of a letter purportedly signed by George Washington. After the student is killed and the letter vanishes, Chandler finds himself pursued by both a mafia assassin and television journalist Karen Polly Bishop (Kate Jackson).
Cast
- Elliott Gould as Professor Chandler
- Kate Jackson as Karen Polly Bishop
- Rich Little as Robert Brennan
- Arthur Hill as Professor Prosser
- John Juliani as Roselli
- Alberta Watson as Tony
- Mavor Moore as Mr. Underhill
- Nicholas Campbell as Bill Darcy
- Michael McNamara as Thorn
- Martin McNamara as Ozzie
- Cindy Girling as Emily
- Michael Kirby as FBI Agent Wicklow
- Angus MacInnes as FBI Agent Jones
- Hugh Webster as Mr. Darcy
- Irene Kessler as Mrs. Cohen
- Earl Pennington as Taxi Driver
- Joyce Campion as Mrs. Greenshields
- Ken Umland as Cameraman
- Neil Affleck as Student #1
- Murray Cruchley as Anchorman
- George E. Zeeman as Fire Captain
- Lily Godfrey as Nurse
- Michael Harrouch as Patient
- Robert D. Koby as Doctor
- Anthony Sherwood as Soundman
- Lewis Pugh as Elderly Man
- Griffith Brewer as The Veteran
- Jeannette Tucker as Secretary
- Isabelle Hunting as Elderly Lady
- Lisa Bodie as Nurse
- Kate Trotter as Sally
Production
Filming commenced on August 13, 1979, primarily in Montreal, spanning roughly nine weeks, with additional scenes shot on location in Boston, the film’s setting. The project was supported by the Canadian Film Development Corporation (Telefilm Canada).
Release
The movie was distributed by AVCO Embassy Pictures, initially screening in a limited engagement in Chicago on March 20, 1981, before expanding to a broader release on May 1 of the same year.
Home media
In the United States, the film became available on VHS through Embassy Home Entertainment.
Reception
Larry Kart of the Chicago Tribune assigned the film zero stars, condemning its substandard production values and acting. Variety observed that despite having a talented ensemble, Dirty Tricks suffered from inadequate writing and direction. Kevin Thomas from the Los Angeles Times found Elliott Gould’s portrayal entertaining but felt it was squandered on an uninspired and predictable storyline. Gary Arnold of The Washington Post described the movie as "so shabby" that it made similar films appear superior by comparison. David Macfarlane of Maclean's harshly criticized it for being crude and lacking wit, citing poor performances, a dreadful script, and ineffective direction, emphasizing that its dependence on Gould’s casual acting style underscored its fundamental flaws.