Turner & Hooch (1989)

Director:

Roger Spottiswoode

Writers (WGA):

Dennis Shryack (story) &
Michael Blodgett (story) ...

Release Date:

28 July 1989 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Crime | Thriller

Tagline:

The Oddest Couple Ever Unleashed!

Plot:

A detective must adopt the dog of a dead man to help him find the murderer.

Plot Keywords:

Dog | Police | Affection | Veterinarian | Opposites Attract

Awards:

1 win & 1 nomination

US TV Schedule:

Tue. Feb. 16

10:00 AM

COMEDY

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Tom Hanks	...	Det. Scott Turner
Mare Winningham	...	Dr. Emily Carson
Craig T. Nelson	...	Chief Howard Hyde
Reginald VelJohnson	...	Det. David Sutton (as Reginald Veljohnson)
Scott Paulin	...	Zack Gregory
J.C. Quinn	...	Walter Boyett
John McIntire	...	Amos Reed
David Knell	...	Ernie
Ebbe Roe Smith	...	Harley McCabe
Kevin Scannell	...	Jeff Foster
Joel Bailey	...	Ferraday
Mary McCusker	...	Katie
Ernie Lively	...	Motel Clerk
Clyde Kusatsu	...	Kevin Williams
Elaine Renee Bush	...	Store Clerk

Runtime:

97 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Certification:

Iceland:12 | Finland:K-12 | Spain:T | Sweden:15 | UK:PG | USA:PG (certificate #29890) | West Germany:12 | Singapore:PG | Australia:PG

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Silver Screen Partners IV

Trivia:

Henry Winkler was set to direct but didn't get along with Tom Hanks, and was summarily fired from the picture.

Goofs:

Continuity: In one of the beginning sequences in the film, when Scott Turner is going to visit Amos Reed and Hooch gets loose, Hooch chases Scott down the walkway and tackles him. Scott was holding a muffin for hooch to distract him, and he drops it. We see a shot of the muffin rolling on the ground, and it lands upright. A few scenes later when Hooch picks up the muffin, it is laying on its side.

Quotes:

Amos Reed: Let him go, Hooch! I'm sorry, Scott. I don't have the hand-strength I used to. You're OK, aren't you?
Scott Turner: Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. I was looking forward to a nice quiet cup of coffee, BUT NOW I'M AWAKE!

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Saturday Night Live: Tom Hanks/Aerosmith (#15.13)" (1990)

Soundtrack:

ALSO SPRACH ZARATHUSTRA

Man and His Best Friend

Hanks and Beasley make for an odd couple but they are clearly the best thing about the film. In terms of storyline of 'Turner & Hooch' is not developed from a novel concept, the humorous treatment and the hilarious and endearing interaction between the lead pair is what makes it a charming little film. Tom Hanks is totally great in one of his early roles as a policeman who suffers from perfectionism and is challenged by the entrance of a pooch into his life. The guy shows a flair for comedy that has hardly been noticed by many filmmakers. Beasley is fantastic and absolutely adorable (once you get passed the drooling). Mare Winningham is good as Hanks's love interest. They are quite convincing enough as a romantic pair. There are plenty of wonderful moments in the film and it is hard to pick a favourite but the first scenes that come to mind are the stakeout scene where Turner is chatting with a bored Hooch and the scene where he comforts a grieving Hooch. I love the film for its simplicity and heart along Hanks and Beasley. An awesome fun little flick!