Year: 1987
Runtime: 99 min
Language: English
Director: Arthur Hiller
Two aspiring actresses, Sandy Borzinsky and Lauren Ames, find their ambitions and personal lives colliding in this comedic tale. Their rivalry intensifies when they unexpectedly share the same boyfriend, Michael Sanders. Pursuing him leads them on a hilarious and surprising journey through Hollywood, revealing a complicated situation involving espionage and hidden identities that tests their friendship and understanding of love.
Warning: spoilers below!
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Read the complete plot breakdown of Outrageous Fortune (1987), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
As the refined yet troubled actress Lauren Ames (Shelley Long) embarks on a transformative journey guided by the esteemed theatre professor Stanislav Korzenowski (Robert Prosky), her path takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with the boisterous and outspoken Sandy Brozinsky (Bette Midler). The initial interaction between these two actresses is marked by underlying tensions, as their mutual disdain simmers just beneath the surface. Unbeknownst to them, they find themselves entangled in a complex web of relationships with Michael Santers (Peter Coyote), a charismatic individual whose life takes a devastating twist following an explosive incident at a local store that leaves much speculation about his fate.
In the wake of this tragic turn, both Lauren and Sandy grapple with the shock of their shared love interest’s apparent demise. However, their grief quickly transforms into a burning curiosity as they uncover a staggering revelation: Michael may have orchestrated his own death. This discovery compels the two actresses to form a tenuous alliance, united by a fierce determination to unravel the mystery surrounding Michael’s sudden disappearance. Their quest catapults them on a perilous journey across the country, fraught with danger as they encounter relentless CIA agents, cunning Russian assassins, and a series of cryptic clues.
As their investigation deepens, Lauren and Sandy find themselves pursued by merciless operatives, each with their ominous agendas aimed at recapturing Michael. The tension escalates dramatically when they pinpoint his location, only to learn that he operates as a double agent entangled in the machinations of both the CIA and the KGB. With the potential possession of a lethal toxin capable of catastrophic destruction looming large, both organizations become embroiled in chaos.
The thrilling chase intensifies when Lauren is taken hostage by Michael’s rogue associates, who demand a trade with the CIA for the toxin. Seizing a moment of opportunity when the deal deteriorates, Lauren deftly escapes with both the stolen cash and the potent toxin, triggering a frantic pursuit by Michael and his crew. As they are cornered amidst a breathtaking landscape of rugged mountaintops, Lauren relies on her former ballet training to elude capture. Ultimately, she executes a daring grand jeté, sending Michael tumbling to what seems to be his demise.
In the aftermath of their tumultuous escapades, Lauren and Sandy emerge with an unbreakable bond, strengthened through the challenges they have overcome together. Looking ahead, they commit to once again gracing the stage, this time as co-stars in a production of Hamlet, with Lauren stepping into the titular role and Sandy portraying Ophelia.
Last Updated: November 17, 2024 at 22:33
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Two rivals forced to work together, leading to hilarious chaos and unexpected friendship.If you enjoyed the fiery dynamic between the rival actresses in Outrageous Fortune, you'll love these movies about reluctant partners. Discover other comedies where foes become friends through misadventure, featuring similar fast-paced humor and uplifting endings.
The narrative follows a pair of characters with opposing goals or personalities who are forced into an alliance. The initial friction provides comedic conflict, but shared experiences and overcoming obstacles together forge a strong, if unconventional, bond by the story's end.
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Don't stop at just watching — explore Outrageous Fortune in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Outrageous Fortune is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
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