Byrdz OK. We have Jack Nicholson. We have Warren Beatty. We have Mike Nichols. We have an idea for a slapstick comedy set in early Hollywood with terrific costumes and olde-timey-cars. So what do we do ?We make a total MESS of the whole thing. We have the characters run around like a chicken with their heads cut off (I forgot to mention that we have a little yellow chick that grows into a tiny white hen to indicate the passage of time) (argh) They all run around yelling at each other and swearing practically non-stop. Watching this film on network television was close to watching a silent movie .. come to think of it, that mighty have been better. As for being in Hollywood ... they ignored that fact totally ! Why ?Outstanding performance was by a young Stockard Channing. She outshone two experienced actors despite what she was made to say and do. She at least seemed more real and not just "gimme my paycheck and let me go home. I seem to be watching a bunch of duds. Hope my luck improves. Need to re-watch some I know are good, I guess.

Jimmy L. THE FORTUNE doesn't seem like much, but the movie wins you over by the end. It is a screwball-type comedy set in the 1920s and focusing on a peculiar love triangle. The film rests on the shoulders of stars Warren Beatty, Jack Nicholson, and Stockard Channing.I ended up liking this movie perhaps more than I should have. Mike Nichols's direction is terrific, with long takes and well-choreographed shots. I really enjoyed the 1920s setting, with the period costumes and set design. Warren Beatty hams it up in his dapper, mustached role, but I enjoyed it. (I like the way his character cusses all the time.) The odd pairing of Beatty and Nicholson as partners in crime is great, and Stockard Channing has some fun moments.If I was on the fence about this comedy, the final act won me over. The dark humor really shines through as Beatty's and Nicholson's scheming goes awry. (It won't look like suicide if she's in a trunk.) The ending doesn't really seem to close the book, though.THE FORTUNE is a little-known and under-appreciated comedy. It's great to see big stars like Warren Beatty and Jack Nicholson share the screen in an offbeat little comedy like this. The film seems to be lacking something, but the direction is excellent and there's plenty to make you laugh.

Chrysanthepop I don't know why I sat through this movie. Perhaps I thought there would be some redeeming moment but it just got on my nerves and never left until the end credits rolled. With actors like Channing and Nicholson, I expected a decent film but alas! The direction loses (or has no) focus. The screenplay's a big mess though. The actors are loud. Although Nicholson himself isn't as bad because he's quite different from his other films and does provide a few funny moments. Channing too has one funny moment where she runs away with a chicken. Seeing the positive comments, maybe I missed something but anyway, for me it was a waste of time.

Psalm 52 Recently saw this gem and really found it a pleasant way to spend an hour and a half. Ms. Channing is fresh and funny as the off-kilter socialite mixed up with Beatty and Nicholson who make a charming team. The hi-jinks that ensue between these three characters as they try to outwit and outlast each other makes for good comedy. One of my favorite scenes is Jack seducing Ms. Channing then sneaking out the small bedroom window while Warren walks in through the front door. Jack is also subdued in his performance, although the scene on the wing of the plane suggests otherwise. Another funny sight is Ms. Channing almost making a clean get-a-way from the two guys, except for her ill-fated decision to go back to get her chicken. Great direction by Mr. Nichols. Should be watched with "The Day of The Locust" which captures the feel of the same era, although that film is a dark drama.