Bootleg Betty
Outrageous Fortune Premiered 39 Years Ago
By Mister D
Jan 30, 2026
Outrageous Fortune is a 1987 American buddy comedy film directed by Arthur Hiller and written by Leslie Dixon. It was released on January 30, 1987 (exactly 39 years ago as of today!), and marked a notable entry in the 1980s comedy wave, often billed as one of the first true “female buddy action comedies.”
Plot Overview
The story follows two aspiring actresses in New York City who are polar opposites:
- Lauren Ames (Shelley Long): A refined, intellectual Yale graduate with highbrow artistic ambitions.
- Sandy Brozinsky (Bette Midler): A brash, loud, street-smart, and foul-mouthed actress with a background in low-budget films (think titles like “Ninja Vixens”).
They clash immediately upon meeting in an elite acting class taught by the esteemed (and suspiciously intense) Russian professor Stanislav Korzenowski (Robert Prosky). Unbeknownst to each other, both women are dating the same charming man, Michael Sanders/Santers (Peter Coyote). When Michael apparently dies in an explosion, Lauren and Sandy—refusing to believe he’s gone—team up to track him down. Their cross-country chase turns into a wild adventure involving spies, double-crosses, and danger, as they uncover that Michael is a shady ex-CIA operative involved in espionage and theft of a deadly toxin. The film blends screwball comedy, action, and chase elements, with the mismatched duo’s bickering evolving into reluctant friendship.
The movie grossed about $52.9 million at the box office (a solid hit on its budget) and features supporting roles from George Carlin and others.
Bette Midler’s performance as the vulgar, larger-than-life Sandy is often highlighted as the film’s energetic highlight, showcasing her comedic timing and charisma.Some
Fun Trivia
- Billing Battle: Both Bette Midler and Shelley Long were promised top billing in their contracts and refused to ?????. The compromise? Midler got top billing east of the Mississippi River, while Long got it west of it. This applied to posters, advertising, and even original VHS/LaserDisc releases shipped regionally.
- Pregnancy Cover-Up: Bette Midler was three months pregnant when filming started and six months along by the end. She wore oversized outfits (like a large orange jumper seen throughout) to conceal it.
- Improvised Stunt: One memorable scene where Midler’s character falls in front of a truck wasn’t scripted—Midler ad-libbed it on the spot, thinking it would look great. The crew (and Shelley Long) rushed to help her, worried about the risk, but the take was kept in the film.
- Shakespeare Nod: The title “Outrageous Fortune” comes from Hamlet’s famous “To be or not to be” soliloquy (“the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune”).
- Buddy Comedy Milestone: It was pioneering as one of the first major buddy comedies centered on two female leads.
- On-Set Tension?: There were reports of a “pretty rough” working dynamic between Midler and Long (including the billing dispute), though their on-screen chemistry helped make the film a fun success.
It’s a classic 80s romp—lighthearted, quotable, and full of that era’s comedic energy. If you’re a Bette Midler fan, her role here is one of her standout comedic turns from that period!
