Ruthless People

views updated

Ruthless People ★★★ 1986 (R)

DeVito and his mistress spend a romantic evening plotting his obnoxious wife's untimely demise. Before he can put his plan into action, he's delighted to discover she's been kidnapped by some very desperate people—who don't stand a chance with Bette. High farcical entertainment is a variation on the story “The Ransom of Red Chief,” by O. Henry. 93m/C VHS, DVD . Bette Midler, Danny DeVito, Judge Reinhold, Helen Slater, Anita Morris, Bill Pullman; D: David Zucker, Jim Abrahams, Jerry Zucker; W: Dale Lanner; C: Jan De Bont; M: Michel Colombier.