Plot & Details
The last film to be co-directed by Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker, Ruthless People stars Bette Midler (capitalizing on her comeback performance in Down and Out in Beverly Hills) as Barbara, a spoiled rich woman who is kidnapped by the kindly Ken and Sandy Kessler (Judge Reinhold and Helen Slater). Barbara's forceful husband Sam (Danny DeVito) has ripped off the Kesslers and they decide to hold Barbara for ransom. Sam, who hates his wife, refuses to pay. Eventually Barbara befriends the Kesslers and together they figure out how to exact revenge upon the obnoxious Sam. Bill Pullman makes his film debut here as a very dim, would-be criminal.
- MPAA Rating: R
- Genre(s): Comedy
- Run Time: 93min.
- Theatrical Release Date: 08/08/2002
- DVD Release Date: 04/02/2002
- Distributor(s): Buena Vista Distribution
- Director(s): Jim Abrahams, David Zucker
- Starring: Danny DeVito , Bette Midler , Judge Reinhold , Helen Slater , Anita Morris
- Themes: Nothing Goes Right,Unlikely Criminals,Kidnapping
- Tone: Irreverent,Madcap,Satirical,Silly
- Keywords: betrayal,blackmail,con/scam,extramarital-affair,kidnapping,killing,police,ransom,revenge,wealth,wife
- Country of Origin: USA (06-27-1986)
- Language: English
Awards
Golden Globes
| Year | Award | Category | Cast & Crew | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Hollywood Foreign Press Association | Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy | Danny DeVito | Nominated |
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