L.A. Story

L.A. Story
Company type	Film
Industry	Film industry
Founded	February 8, 1991; 35 years ago
Founder	Steve Martin
Headquarters	Los Angeles, United States
Products	Romantic comedy film

L.A. Story is a 1991 American satirical romantic comedy both written by and starring Steve Martin, with direction by Mick Jackson. Inspired by Shakespearean works like A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Tempest, the narrative centers on a Los Angeles meteorologist (portrayed by Martin) as he maneuvers through romance and life in the city. The film debuted on February 8, 1991, receiving mostly favorable reviews from critics.

Plot

Harris K. Telemacher, a Los Angeles TV weatherman holding a Ph.D. in arts and humanities, feels confined within a shallow urban environment and an unsatisfying relationship with his ambitious girlfriend Trudi. Yearning for deeper purpose beyond his undignified profession, he spends time roller-skating through art galleries alongside his friend Ariel, offering quirky art commentary and creatively reinterpreting Shakespeare.

During a luncheon event, Harris encounters Sara, a journalist from London, igniting an immediate attraction. After his vehicle breaks down on the freeway, he notices a traffic sign displaying mysterious messages seemingly directed at him, providing cryptic advice about his romantic decisions.

Despite Sara’s hesitations linked to her ex-husband Roland, Harris pursues her actively. Concurrently, he dates SanDeE*, an aspiring spokesmodel he meets at a retail store. Upon learning that Trudi has been unfaithful with his agent for three years, Harris dedicates himself to winning Sara’s heart—with encouragement from the enigmatic freeway sign—and ultimately succeeds despite the challenges posed by his new relationship and Sara’s own commitments.

Cast

Steve Martin as Harris K. Telemacher
Victoria Tennant as Sara McDowell
Richard E. Grant as Roland Mackey
Marilu Henner as Trudi
Sarah Jessica Parker as SanDeE*
Susan Forristal as Ariel
Kevin Pollak as Frank Swan
Sam McMurray as Morris Frost
Patrick Stewart as Maitre d' at L'Idiot
Iman as Cynthia

The film includes uncredited cameo appearances by Chevy Chase, Woody Harrelson, Paula Abdul, Martin Lawrence, and Rick Moranis (marking his final collaboration with Martin), along with Terry Jones. Although scenes featuring John Lithgow and Scott Bakula were removed, Lithgow’s character is mentioned in significant moments. During production, Martin and Tennant were married.

Box office

L.A. Story achieved commercial success, opening to $6.6 million and ultimately earning $28 million domestically.

Reception

With a 91% approval rating based on 44 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, the film averages a score of 7.5/10 and is celebrated as "Steve Martin at his silly, sweetly soulful best." On Metacritic, it holds a score of 66/100, reflecting "generally favorable" feedback. Audience surveys by CinemaScore awarded it a "B" grade.

In 2008, critics from the Los Angeles Times ranked L.A. Story as the 20th greatest film set in Los Angeles over the previous 25 years, acknowledging its unique portrayal of the city's spirit while limiting inclusion to one film per director.

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