Deal of the Century

Deal of the Century

Year: 1983

Runtime: 99 mins

Language: English

Director: William Friedkin

CrimeComedy

Chevy Chase leads a team of arms dealers who sell second‑rate weapons to developing nations with no ill intent. Rival firms vie to supply the most expensive, high‑tech arms to a South American dictator. During talks, they use “gifts” to smooth the deal, one salesperson experiences a religious conversion, and a romance sparks between two rival dealers.

Deal of the Century (1983) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Deal of the Century (1983) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In a world where the global arms market hums like a bustling bazaar, manufacturers and middlemen dart between war‑torn corridors and glossy boardrooms, peddling everything from battered rifles to sleek, unmanned drones. The stakes are high, the negotiations are laced with extravagant “gifts,” and rival firms constantly vie for the attention of dictators and rebels alike. The tone balances sharp satire with an undercurrent of genuine tension, portraying a trade that is as much about personalities and profit as it is about the technology that fuels conflict.

At the center of this chaotic trade is Eddie Muntz, a quick‑talking, street‑wise dealer whose charm belies a shrewd business instinct. He moves effortlessly between the grim realities of developing nations and the polished corridors of corporate defense, always looking for the next angle that will turn a modest shipment into a windfall. His willingness to navigate the gray zones of legality and morality makes him both a likable rogue and a figure who constantly tests the limits of his own conscience.

Rounding out the ensemble are Harold DeVoto, a wiry corporate sales rep whose meticulous approach contrasts sharply with Muntz’s improvisational style, and Ray Kasternak, a former fighter pilot wrestling with a sudden spiritual awakening that threatens to pull him away from the very sky he once ruled. Amid the high‑stakes bargaining, a tentative romance flickers between Kasternak and Catherine, a woman whose own connections to the trade add layers of intrigue and emotional complexity. Their interactions hint at hidden depths, as personal convictions clash with the relentless pursuit of profit.

The film’s mood is a blend of brisk, witty dialogue and the weighty atmosphere of a world where every transaction could tip the balance of power. It invites the audience to watch the dance of negotiation, the absurdity of “gift‑giving” diplomacy, and the uneasy alliances that form when technology, ambition, and conscience intersect, all while keeping the true cost of each deal tantalizingly out of reach.

Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 16:17

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Dark Corporate Satires like Deal of the Century

Stories that use sharp humor to expose the absurd amorality of big business.If you enjoyed the cynical humor of Deal of the Century, you'll appreciate these movies that satirize corporate greed and moral bankruptcy. This list features similar dark comedies about business, power, and the absurd compromises people make for profit.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives typically follow characters who are deeply embedded in a morally questionable system, such as arms dealing, advertising, or finance. The plot unfolds as they navigate cynical deals and internal politics, often leading to a personal crisis or a moment of clarity that highlights the hollow nature of their success.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here based on their shared darkly comedic tone, satirical focus on big business, and the thematic exploration of greed versus morality. They create a consistent vibe of intellectual discomfort mixed with laughter.

Movies about Moral Awakening like Deal of the Century

Characters confront the human cost of their lucrative but destructive careers.Fans of Deal of the Century who were intrigued by the character's spiritual conversion will find similar stories here. These films explore protagonists in questionable professions who undergo a moral crisis and re-evaluate their life's work.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern follows a character who is initially successful and detached within a problematic system. An event or series of events forces them to confront the real-world impact of their work, sparking an internal conflict. The climax often involves a choice that doesn't offer a clean victory, resulting in a personally costly but morally necessary outcome.

Why These Movies?

These films are connected by a shared focus on the protagonist's moral arc within a specific, intense profession. They combine medium intensity with a steady pace to explore ethical dilemmas, resulting in a bittersweet emotional weight.

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Deal of the Century Summary

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Deal of the Century Summary

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Deal of the Century Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Deal of the Century

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Deal of the Century

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