Bette Midler and Shelley Long star in "Outrageous Fortune," a 1987 comedy also starring Robert Prosky, Peter Coyote, John Schuck, George Carlin and the almost unrecognizable Anthony Heald.Lauren (Long) and Sandy (Midler) are two women taking the same acting class with the brilliant, Stanislavsky-like Korzenowski (Prosky). What they don't know is that they are dating the same man, Michael (Coyote). When he's killed in a bombing, both women wind up at the morgue, and after taking a good look at the body's southern regions, realize it's not their boyfriend. Once they set out to find him, they find that the KGB and the CIA are after them, and they can't tell the good guys from the bad.This is a fun movie, with Midler a scream as a burlesque queen and Long as the uptight, Diane Chambers-like aspiring serious actress. George Carlin plays an Indian who helps them, and he's very funny.There is a lot of running in this film, up hills, leaping across cliffs, etc., as the women try to escape whomever is chasing them at the moment.A very popular film from the '80s, which was Bette Midler's movie heyday. She is a wonderful comedienne and dramatic actress - it's a shame that Hollywood's ageism caused her film career to dry up. Well, also some poor choices such as turning down Sister Act. Long did not make it to true movie stardom, but she is good here. Directed by Arthur Hiller.

What it lacks in originality it makes up for in chuzpah and pace. It also 'plants' key elements that will be needed in the last reel in the first reel (specifically Long being shown as accomplished in fencing and leaping). I can only agree with the poster who queried what kind of a guy would be drawn to both the personification of genteel breeding, stylish clothes, sophistication etc(as personified by Long) and the blowzy, uncouth, unpolished street-wise hooker (personified by Middler), in real life now way but this is a movie, right, so artistic license comes into play. By and large this 80s attempt at 30s Screwball keeps us interested and gives good diversion.

I did watch this very late at night, 2am till 4am, but I thought it was pretty worth it, from director Arthur Hiller (see No Evil, Hear No Evil). Basically Lauren Ames (Shelley Long) and Sandy Brozinsky (Golden Globe nominated Bette Midler) meet each other in the same acting class, and eventually (after a while) find out that they both share the same lover. But when Michael Sanders (Peter Coyote) disappears and they refuse to believe he is dead, they go on a trip both to find him and find out why they are being chased by bad guys, who turn out to be the CIA. Also starring Robert Prosky as Stanislav Korzenowski, John Schuck as Agent Atkins and George Carlin as Frank Madras. There are many good chase sequences, but it is the comedic moments between Long and particularly Midler that keep you interested. Worth watching!

Outrageous Fortune (1987) Shelley Long, Bette Midler, Peter Coyote, Robert Prosky, John Schuck, George Carlin, Anthony Heald, D: Arthur Hiller. Hilarious comic yarn involves two opposite women who both have a fling with the same man and when he dies in an abrupt explosion, secrets unfold. Effervescent performances from Long and Midler in a perfect showcase for them both, where credibility isn't the point, making it a lot of fun. Running Time: 100 minutes and rated R for strong language and brief sensuality.RATING: *** (out of ****)