On this day August 19 1983, the comedy film Easy Money premiered in theaters. Starring Rodney Dangerfield, Joe Pesci, and Jennifer Jason Leigh, the film tells the story of Monty Capuletti, a hard-living, wisecracking photographer who stands to inherit a fortune if he can give up drinking, smoking, and gambling for a full year.
The film showcased Dangerfield’s signature style of humor, full of one-liners and over-the-top antics, while also exploring the comedic struggles of changing one’s lifestyle. Though not as iconic as some of Dangerfield’s other 80s projects, Easy Money remains a memorable entry in the era’s comedy lineup.
80s insight: The 1980s was a golden age for outrageous comedies, and Easy Money fit right in with its blend of slapstick humor and sharp wit, giving audiences another taste of Dangerfield’s unforgettable comedic presence.