Watch The Fortune

The Fortune is a 1975 American comedy film starring Stockard Channing, Jack Nicholson, and Warren Beatty. The film, directed by Mike Nichols chronicles the escapades of two bungling con artists who become embroiled in a botched kidnapping plot. It is set in the 1920s in California, and showcases the excesses of the post-World War I era.

The film opens with a young fortune teller named Freddie (Channing) who is approached by two wealthy men, Nicky (Beatty), and Oscar (Nicholson) who want to know if their fortunes will improve. They are certain that the palmist is a fake, and they set out to expose her. However, after a series of misadventures, they soon find themselves teaming up with Freddie for a more profitable enterprise.

Together the three characters hatch a plan to kidnap Frances (Charlotte Rae), a wealthy widow and hold her for ransom. However, from the start their plan is plagued by mishaps and miscommunications, and their bungling ways seem to be getting the better of them.

As the trio confronts obstacles that include police chases, passionate love triangles, and competing desires for the ransom money, the viewer is treated to a hilarious, delectable story filled with plenty of twists and turns.

The characters in The Fortune are what make the film stand out. The interplay between Beatty and Nicholson is especially entertaining, as they play off each other's strengths well. Beatty plays the suave and charming Nicky, while Nicholson takes on the role of the bumbling and impulsive Oscar, with both actors delivering believable and entertaining performances. Meanwhile, Channing is delightful as the cunning and quick-witted Freddie. Together they make for an irresistible trio.

The film's costumes and sets are also notable, transporting the viewer back to the roaring twenties. The lavish accommodations and the lavish parties highlight just how much money was spent in the era. Furthermore, the production’s color palette is heavily influenced by classic film noir, which is yet another layer of homage that this film pays to Hollywood’s golden era.

Another notable point about the film is the way in which it manages to balance humor with drama. The jokes come hard and fast, and are delivered with timing that is impeccable. The hilarity is built on a solid foundation of well-developed characters and their eccentricities, and the comedy is understated, never taking over the drama.

Ultimately, The Fortune is a highly entertaining romp that impresses as a tribute to the classic Hollywood era. It is a charming, witty and amusing comedy that is marked by some excellent dialogue and great performances from its central cast. This film stands out as one of the best comedy films of its time, which neatly delivers on its promise of a delightful ride of great scenes, characters and jokes.

The Fortune is a 1975 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6 and a MetaScore of 58.