Rented Lips

Rented Lips

Year: 1987

Runtime: 82 mins

Language: English

Director: Robert Downey Sr.

Comedy

Light, camera, and a very different kind of action. A seasoned documentary maker, known for the 15‑year‑old film “Aluminum: Our Shiny Friend,” finally lands his dream project about Indian farming—on the condition that he also directs a porn movie. He reshapes the adult film into a musical titled “Halloween in the Barracks,” while juggling a volatile star, a fundamentalist preacher and countless other hurdles.

Rented Lips (1987) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Rented Lips (1987) 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 documentary seriousness collides with the flamboyance of adult cinema, a seasoned filmmaker finds his long‑awaited dream project teetering on the edge of absurdity. Archie Powell has spent years chasing the perfect slice of reality, most famously with his 15‑year‑old cult hit about aluminum. When an eccentric producer offers him the chance to helm a musical about Indian farming—on the condition he also directs a pornographic feature—Archie is thrust into a wild hybrid that promises both artistic fulfillment and chaotic compromise.

Joined by his loyal best friend and cinematographer, Dick Shawn, Archie steps onto a set that feels part agricultural classroom, part backstage of a raunchy show. The crew is a mismatched collection of professionals and free‑spirits, each bringing a distinct agenda. His overprotective mother, Mrs. Powell, still hopes he will settle down, while a blind date arranged by her introduces Mona Lisa, an actress whose presence adds a fresh dynamic to the already volatile mix. Adding further flavor is the unpredictable performer Wolf, whose larger‑than‑life energy constantly pushes the boundaries of what the production can become.

Hovering over the chaos is an uncompromising fundamentalist preacher, Rev. Farrell, whose fervent convictions clash with the film’s unconventional ambitions. The tension between artistic vision, personal relationships, and ideological pressure creates a tone that is simultaneously witty, satirical, and oddly tender. As the cameras roll, the project becomes a playground for exploring how far one will bend to preserve creative integrity while navigating the unpredictable currents of an industry that thrives on the unexpected.

Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 15:36

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Creative chaos movies like Rented Lips

Stories where creative projects spiral into hilarious and unexpected mayhem.If you enjoyed the behind-the-scenes comedy of Rented Lips, you'll love these movies about filmmaking, theater, or other creative endeavors that turn into hilarious disasters. Discover similar stories of ambitious projects, quirky collaborators, and the joyful mess of bringing an idea to life.

behind-the-scenesquirkysatiricallightheartedcreativeeccentric charactersoptimisticworkplace comedy

Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a creative professional or team as they embark on a project, only to be met with a series of comedic setbacks, difficult personalities, and logistical nightmares. The journey is less about deep drama and more about the inventive, funny solutions characters devise to keep their dream afloat against all odds, leading to a satisfying and happy conclusion.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped by their shared focus on the humorous side of creation. They feature a light tone, steady pacing that methodically builds comic obstacles, and a central theme of optimistic persistence, making them perfect for viewers who enjoy workplace comedies with heart and a satirical edge.

Quirky workplace comedies similar to Rented Lips

Offbeat jobs and eccentric colleagues collide in these humorous stories.Fans of Rented Lips will appreciate these other satirical workplace comedies. Explore movies set in bizarre or high-stakes professional environments, filled with silly situations and eccentric coworkers. Find your next watch if you like light, character-driven humor about making the best of a strange job.

sillyquirkysatiricalworkplaceeccentriclightheartedcomicoffbeat

Narrative Summary

The narrative is centered on a protagonist navigating a peculiar professional environment. Conflict arises from the clash between their goals or personality and the inherent weirdness of their job and colleagues. The story is a series of amusing episodes and misunderstandings that are resolved comically, reinforcing a theme of finding camaraderie and success in the most unlikely of places.

Why These Movies?

This group shares a specific comedic vibe: a light emotional weight, a steady pace of situational gags, and a focus on satire derived from a specific professional world. The combination of a straightforward plot with a high humor score and minimal tension creates a consistently entertaining and undemanding experience.

Unlock the Full Story of Rented Lips

Don't stop at just watching — explore Rented Lips 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 Rented Lips is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Rented Lips Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Rented Lips, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Rented Lips Summary

Rented Lips Timeline

Track the full timeline of Rented Lips with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Rented Lips Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Rented Lips

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Rented Lips. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Rented Lips

More About Rented Lips

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Rented Lips: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Rented Lips

Similar Movies to Rented Lips

Discover movies like Rented Lips that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.