Watch Scandalous

Scandalous is a 1984 comedy-drama film directed by Rob Cohen. The movie stars Robert Hays as Jack Travis, a Miami Herald reporter who is assigned to cover the trial of a young man accused of murdering a wealthy woman. Ron Travis plays Travis' brother, a private investigator who helps Jack with his investigation, while M. Emmet Walsh plays the tough editor of the Herald.

The film opens with Jack Travis snooping around Miami's numerous nightclubs, looking for a story. After failing to find anything interesting, he is assigned by his boss to cover the murder trial of a young man named Bobby Katz, accused of killing a wealthy woman named B.J. Rimbaugh. Travis is initially unenthusiastic about the assignment, believing the case to be cut and dried. However, his opinion changes when he meets Katz's defense attorney, Teddy Barnes, who suggests that Rimbaugh was actually involved in pornography and drug smuggling.

Travis becomes increasingly obsessed with the case, and as he investigates further, he uncovers a tangled web of corruption and conspiracy involving high-profile Miami figures. He befriends Katz, who is adamant about his innocence, and tries to find evidence that will exonerate him. Meanwhile, he must also deal with his own personal problems, including a rocky relationship with his girlfriend, a fellow journalist.

As Travis delves deeper into the case, he uncovers evidence of a massive cover-up involving members of the Miami police department, and he is at risk of losing his job - and his life - as he tries to bring the truth to light. The final act of the film is a thrilling courtroom drama, with Travis working alongside Barnes to prove Katz's innocence.

Scandalous is a witty and entertaining film, with strong performances from Hays, Travis, and Walsh. The plot is well-paced, with just the right amount of intrigue to keep viewers engaged. The film is also notable for its vivid depiction of Miami's glamorous 1980s nightlife, including scenes set in popular clubs like The Mutiny and The Forge.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Scandalous is the skill with which it balances its comedic and dramatic elements. The film is often very funny, particularly in its depiction of Travis and his colleagues at the Miami Herald. However, it also deals with serious issues, such as police corruption and the exploitation of women in the pornography industry, and these moments are handled with appropriate gravity.

Overall, Scandalous is an underrated gem from the 1980s, full of sharp writing, solid performances, and memorable moments. It has a unique sense of style and flair that sets it apart from other films of its era, and it deserves to be rediscovered by a new generation of viewers.