Ruthless People

A wealthy, obnoxious businessman, Sam Stone, is thrilled to learn his despised wife, Barbara, has been kidnapped. He's even happier when the kidnappers, a naive couple named Ken and Sandy, demand a ransom he has no intention of paying. However, as the situation spirals out of control with double-crosses and mistaken identities, Sam finds himself entangled in a web far more complicated than he ever imagined, forcing him to confront his own ruthlessness.

Ruthless People was a critical and commercial success, praised for its sharp wit, dark humor, and the outstanding performances of its lead actors, particularly Bette Midler. It became one of the defining comedies of the 1980s, known for its cynical take on greed and relationships.

• Praised for its dark, biting humor and cynical take on relationships and wealth.
• Bette Midler's performance as Barbara Stone received particular acclaim for its comedic intensity.
• The film's clever twists and turns kept audiences engaged and entertained.

Google audience: Audiences generally loved the film's irreverent humor, sharp dialogue, and the over-the-top performances, especially Bette Midler's. Many found it a hilarious and unpredictable dark comedy that holds up well over time.

Bette Midler was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy.

The filmmakers, known as ZAZ, originally wanted to make a more serious crime film, but their comedic sensibilities inevitably took over, leading to the darkly humorous tone of the final product.