Hanky Panky (1982)

Wilder plays Michael Jordan an innocent by-stander turned victim turned hero. Kate Hellman (Radner) falls in love with him while looking for her brother's murderers. Together they are caught in a world of international intrigue suspense and murder. Ransom (Richard Widmark) a ruthless adversary is intent on eliminating Michael. Pursued by Ransom Michael and Kate embark on a bold mission which takes them on a wild ride in an airplane high above the Grand Canyon to a hidden military command center through a frenzied chase in the streets of New York and to a desert outpost where attackers besiege them from all sides.System Requirements:Running Time: 107 Min.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: COMEDY Rating: PG UPC: 043396078895 Product Description

go gilda

wilder and gilder, the names look like they rhyme, but they are pronounced differently. of course, it's not gilder, it's gilda. and it's past my bedtime. July 22, 2006

Gene and Gilda together again

Hanky Panky is the third and last in a series of Hitchcock inspired comedies. Silver Streak was inspired on The Lady Vanishes. Foul Play was inspired by The Man Who Knew Too Much (the remake). Hanky Panky is inspired by North by North West. Each film is funny but as they use more prominent films they are more easily compared and do not fare as well. North by Northwest is one of Hitchcock's most famous films with some of his most famous scenes - the crop dusting scene and Mt. Rushmore. Therefore, this film starts in a hole and unfortunately never quite comes out of it.

Now that's the bad news. The good news is as a stand alone film, it is rather funny. Its stars are husband and wife team Gene Wilder and Gilda Radner. Both have a great background in slapstick comedy. Gene from his Mel Brooks films and Gilda from her stint on SNL. They get the most from every gag and situation. And director Sidney Poitier gets to stay behind the camera this time but uses what he learned directing the trio of comedies he made with Bill Cosby.

Wilder is Michael Jordan, a man who accidentally gets involved in espionage. Gilda is Kate Hellman, a woman who is trying find her brother's killer. At first they think the other is the bad guy but once they realize the other is not, they team up to solve the mystery. If you have seen North by Northwest, you will compare it unfavorably. If you have not seen NNW, then you might not understand some of the sight gags. But remember this is a comedy and is not to be taken too seriously. Just enjoy.

DVD EXTRAS: None
January 2, 2006

lame

For a fan of Gilda Radner, this movie was a big disappointment. I thought she died of cancer, but maybe she really died of embarrassment over appearing in this movie. I'd say the primary culprit is the writer, but I'd like to point out to the director (S. Poitier) that having the actors scream their lines, doesn't make them any funnier.

Note to parents and the squeamish: The movie opens with some fairly distressing scenes. I definitely would not show it to my preteens. August 2, 2005

Michael Jordan?

How could this be, this movie was made only 3 years before anybody ever heard of his Airness how and he was portrayed as from Chicago as well? have always laughed any time I see the part that shows him in the phone booth yelling "MY NAME IS MICHAEL JORDAN!" Too funny February 19, 2005

Radner and Wilder Rule!! Delightful Mystery Spoof!!

The beautiful and reknowned late Gilda Radner with Gene Wilder rule in this delightful mystery spoof about a mistaken murder.Check it out!!Gilda, we all love and miss you dearly!! June 4, 2003

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