The In-Laws (1979)
January 5, 2023 7:05 AM - Subscribe

Mild-mannered dentist Sheldon Kornpett (Alan Arkin) is uncomfortable with his daughter's marriage after meeting her future father-in-law, Vincent Ricardo (Peter Falk). Over dinner, Vince tells Sheldon about several of his intercontinental exploits, and Sheldon is concerned that Vince is not altogether what he seems. His suspicions are confirmed when Vince reveals that he's actually a CIA agent investigating an international counterfeiting plot, and that he will need Sheldon's help.

Also starring Richard Libertini, Nancy Dussault, Penny Peyser, Arlene Golonka, Michael Lembeck, Paul L. Smith, Ed Begley Jr., James Hong, David Paymer.

Directed by Arthur Hiller. Written by Andrew Bergman.

88% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.

Currently available for digital rental in the US on multiple outlets. JustWatch listing.
posted by DirtyOldTown (6 comments total) 2 users marked this as a favorite
 
This is an time classic.

SERPENTINE!
posted by miss-lapin at 7:13 AM on January 5, 2023 [9 favorites]


SERPENTINE! is referenced in, of all places, Generation Kill, when Reporter Dude is instructed to run in a straight line after he explains that he was running serpentine.

The scene is wonderful
posted by Mogur at 7:16 AM on January 5, 2023 [1 favorite]


Whooooooooaaaaaaa that is cool to know! I just love Alan Arkin in general but him paired with Peter Falk is just amazing. Also Richard Libertini as Gen Garcia deserves both a tag and accolades as well. My first exposure to him was as Prakha Lasa in All of Me. Another great comedic talent.
posted by miss-lapin at 7:19 AM on January 5, 2023


"You were involved in the Bay of Pigs?"
"Involved? It was my idea."
posted by SPrintF at 9:18 AM on January 5, 2023 [1 favorite]


Love this movie. Love the way it embraces its own madness. When it came out, I don't think I'd seen another movie that was so superficially normal but surreal under the surface.
posted by adamrice at 2:28 PM on January 5, 2023 [1 favorite]


One of my all-time favorites. Peter Falk is hysterically funny, but somehow Richard Libertini almost steals the movie from him.
posted by briank at 6:45 PM on January 5, 2023 [1 favorite]


« Older Movie: I Am Not Your Negro...   |  Movie: Alpha... Newer »

You are not logged in, either login or create an account to post comments

poster