On this day March 17 1989 the comedy sequel Fletch Lives premiered in theaters. Directed by Michael Ritchie the film starred Chevy Chase reprising his role as the fast-talking investigative journalist Irwin “Fletch” Fletcher alongside Hal Holbrook and Julianne Phillips.
A follow up to the 1985 hit Fletch the sequel saw Fletch inheriting a Southern plantation only to find himself caught in a mystery filled with corruption land scams and murder. While it didn’t match the success of the original the film featured Chase’s signature comedic style and remains a cult favorite among fans.
80s insight: Despite being called Fletch Lives the film was not based on any of Gregory Mcdonald’s Fletch novels unlike the first film.