In a score of comedies, Midler was doing around this mid to late 80's period, this one doesn't rise to the sharpness and funniness of those others. There are some funny moments, you'll find. The ones which are gold are that of comedian George Carlin, a prize asset here, who is given such terrific lines. You'll also find some early bits funny, if you happen to be in the acting world, that you could cruelly find relatable. OF becomes more of an exciting adventure, than a comedy, it's story not all so clear. Long and Midler, both great, have their moments. They play two actors, totally different from each other, even in their work mediums, who meet unfavorably at an audition for an acting class, led by a Lee Strasberg kind of guy (the wonderful Robert Prosky, donning a Russian accent). They soon find out they're doing the same guy (Peter Coyote) who then dies a fake death. Obsessed with tracking him down this guy, they discover he's involved in a lot of criminal activity, and soon find themselves in immediate danger, hunted by seedy CIA guys, whatever, but are helped by Carlin, a stoned Cowboy bum (again a wonderful asset). A few people aren't what they seem here, adding to the fun, and excitement. The movie works in that way, but kind of gets lost halfway, which I didn't mind, but comedy wise, it's just not up there with a few of Bette's other pics, as it lacks laughs and punch. Before playing Doctor Chilton, great character actor Another Heald, plays a much younger looking acting student, doing us solid as always, which is a long way from what this film is.

This is a crime comedy featuring Shelley Long and Bette Midler as acting students Lauren and Sandy, who don't know they were sharing a lover in Michael (Peter Coyote). After he disappears after a bombing, they set out on a cross-country search to find him, running into CIA and KGB along the way. Soon, they realize their lives are in danger and Michael isn't all he cracks up to be.It's a film with lots of corny, sexual humor, slapstick comedy and outrageous, overzealous acting. But, the mismatched chemistry between Shelley Long and Bette Midler was pretty hilarious; their acting wasn't too bad. It is also pretty entertaining seeing their misadventures across the country, and the climax at the New Mexico desert was action-packed.I used to watch bits and pieces of the movie on TV and thought it was a pretty fun film. I finally watched the film in its entirety online and, while it's not the best comedy I've seen, it's worth a watch if you want some entertainment on a quiet Saturday afternoon.Grade B-

This is a good funny comedy movie. The actresses are both very good in their roles.It is just a simple comedy adventure type movie, the jokes are pretty funny. I haven't found it on DVD except for the edited for TV version which is too bad because I just know it won't be as funny with parts edited out.I'm not sure how the edited for TV version of the movie is different but it is about 10+ minutes shorter so obviously they just cut out some stuff either for length or because of adult situations which I don't remember from the movie but maybe there were some.

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!