Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Modern Problems

Modern Problems is a 1981 American film written and directed by , starring as Max Fiedler, a harried who acquires telekinetic abilities following an accidental exposure to nuclear waste during a trucking mishap. The film features a supporting cast including as Max's ex-girlfriend Darcy, as her smug author boyfriend, and as Max's coworker. Released by 20th Century Fox on December 25, 1981, it blends humor with satirical elements on urban stress and relationships, as Max uses his newfound powers to rivals and attempt to rekindle his romance, leading to chaotic antics at a beach house party. Produced on an $8 million budget, Modern Problems grossed $26,154,211 at the domestic , achieving profitability despite competition from major holiday blockbusters. Critically, the film received mixed to negative reviews, with critics like of faulting its reliance on crude humor, bad taste gags involving topics such as and nuclear hazards, and uneven pacing, though some praised Chase's and Coleman's smarmy performance. Originally conceived as an R-rated raunchy by producers and the late Doug Kenney (co-creator of ), it was edited to secure a PG rating for broader appeal. The movie's , including practical sequences like levitating objects and bending spoons, contributed to its zany charm. While not a critical darling—with an audience score of 32% on based on over 2,500 ratings—Modern Problems endures as a favorite among fans of 1980s Chevy Chase comedies, highlighting his post-Saturday Night Live transition to leading man roles in films like Foul Play (1978) and (1980).

Film Overview

General Synopsis and Background

Modern Problems is a film written and directed by , starring as Max Fiedler, an who develops telekinetic abilities following exposure to nuclear waste. The film was produced by Three Wheel Productions for Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corp., marking Shapiro's second feature-length directorial effort after his 1974 debut . Development on Modern Problems was announced on January 25, 1980, as the inaugural project from producers and Alan Greisman, with Douglas C. Kenney receiving posthumous credit, for the studio. commenced on April 6, 1981, and wrapped in June of that year, following delays due to Chevy Chase's scheduling conflicts and the 1980 strike; the production carried an $8 million budget. Ken Shapiro, a key figure in the National Lampoon comedy collective, transitioned from sketch-based work like —which featured early appearances by and other Lampoon alumni—to this narrative-driven project as his follow-up feature. At the time, was riding a wave of stardom from his tenure and recent hits like (1980). The film held its world premiere on December 25, 1981, in the United States.

Genre Classification and Style

Modern Problems is classified as a , blending elements of fantasy and humor with low-budget sci-fi tropes characteristic of early cinema. The film's genre mix draws from the era's cultural fascination with nuclear-related phenomena, echoing 1970s anxieties about as seen in dramatic films like The China Syndrome (), but reimagined through comedic exaggeration rather than thriller tension. This approach allows the story to satirize everyday frustrations amplified by absurd powers, positioning within the post-China Syndrome wave of nuclear-themed narratives adapted for lighthearted entertainment. Stylistically, the film employs practical effects to depict , which contribute to its chaotic, low-fi charm. Editing heightens the comedic timing during sequences, creating a frenetic pace that underscores the protagonist's escalating mishaps. The setting serves as a key visual and tonal contrast, juxtaposing the gritty urban bureaucracy of towers and crowded streets against the of glowing waste-induced powers, amplifying the film's satirical edge on modern life. Influences on the film's style are evident in Chevy Chase's reliance on , reminiscent of his bumbling antics in (1980), combined with the irreverent, satirical humor rooted in the tradition—evident in the script's jabs at bureaucratic inefficiency and emerging technologies. Director , a veteran of 's (1974), infuses the narrative with this ensemble sketch-comedy sensibility, prioritizing absurd escalation over polished narrative flow. With a runtime of 93 minutes, Modern Problems was edited from an initial to by the of America, excising explicit content to broaden its appeal to family audiences during the holiday release season. This adjustment reflects the era's push toward more accessible comedy formats amid shifting industry standards for ratings and content.

Cast and Characters

Principal Performers

stars as Max Fiedler, a harried at New York's Kennedy Airport whose life unravels amid personal and professional stresses, only to gain telekinetic abilities after exposure to nuclear waste. Chase's portrayal emphasizes his trademark and timing, particularly in sequences where Max's powers lead to chaotic, unintended mishaps at social gatherings and in everyday situations, enhancing the film's zany, farcical tone. This marked another leading role for Chase following his breakthrough performances in Foul Play (1978) and (1980), building on his stardom from (1975–1976). Patti D'Arbanville plays Darcy Carson, Max's ex-girlfriend whose departure exacerbates his instability, offering a grounded dramatic to the escalating absurdity around her. D'Arbanville's performance introduces emotional depth and relational tension, contrasting the film's hijinks and highlighting themes of and reconciliation. Her casting drew on her established screen presence from roles in films like (1975), where she demonstrated versatility in character-driven narratives. Mary Kay Place portrays Lorraine, Max's ex-wife and confidante, whose witty banter and supportive yet exasperated dynamic with Max injects sharp comedic dialogue into key interpersonal scenes. Place's delivery of rapid-fire quips and observational humor underscores the film's satirical edge on modern relationships, informed by her acclaimed television background, including her Emmy-winning role as the aspiring country singer Loretta Haggers on (1976–1977). Chase was selected as the lead to capitalize on his rising box-office appeal as a comedic star. D'Arbanville was cast opposite him to foster on-screen romantic chemistry, complementing Chase's improvisational physical style in their shared scenes.

Supporting Roles and Crew

The supporting ensemble further enriched the film's ensemble dynamics, with as Dorita, Max's sassy Haitian housekeeper who delivers rapid-fire quips and practical wisdom in domestic scenes; as Mark Winslow, Darcy's smug author boyfriend whose condescending wit and self-assured arrogance infuse the romantic subplot with antagonistic humor; and as Brian Stills, a wry colleague whose reactions ground the escalating absurdity around Max. These actors interacted seamlessly with leads like in group settings, such as chaotic parties and workplace mishaps, heightening the comedic interplay without overshadowing the central narrative. Key creative personnel shaped the film's technical and tonal execution, including writers Tom Sherohman and Arthur Sellers, who refined the script's polish to sharpen its blend of sci-fi gags and relational farce following initial drafts by director Ken Shapiro. Cinematographer Edmond L. Koons captured the urban grit of New York settings through moody, high-contrast lighting that underscored the story's nocturnal chaos and psychic turmoil. Composer Dominic Frontiere provided a quirky, eclectic score featuring dissonant brass and whimsical motifs to emphasize the film's themes of modern disarray and supernatural hijinks.

Narrative Structure

Detailed Plot Summary

The film opens with Max Fiedler, a stressed in , navigating his demanding job while dealing with personal turmoil. His live-in girlfriend, Darcy Carson, abruptly ends their relationship after growing frustrated with his jealousy and emotional distance. Shortly after, Darcy begins dating Mark Winslow, a smug author. Driving home one night after a tense day, Max is involved in a minor accident with a tanker truck carrying glowing nuclear waste from a construction site. The waste spills onto his car, exposing him to the radioactive material, which unbeknownst to him, grants him telekinetic abilities. Initially unaware of the change, Max returns home and begins experiencing strange occurrences, such as objects moving on their own, which he soon realizes he can control with his mind. As Max experiments with his newfound powers in the privacy of his apartment, he practices levitating everyday items like furniture and food, gradually gaining confidence in his abilities. The situation escalates when his old high school friend, Stills—a paraplegic publisher injured in the —invites Max to a at his upscale beach house, where and are also guests. At the party, Max uses his to sabotage subtly—moving drinks to spill on him, causing silverware to fly, and engineering minor mishaps that humiliate in front of guests, all while attempting to rekindle things with . Meanwhile, comic relief emerges through Max's interactions with his ex-wife, , who provides support, and , who offers absurd advice during Max's chaotic experiments. Brian's Haitian housekeeper, Dorita, also features in the antics. The powers begin to overwhelm Max as they intensify unpredictably, leading to unintended consequences like levitating entire rooms or attracting . The climax unfolds at the lavish party, where Max's spirals out of control amid the crowd, causing widespread chaos with flying objects and structural mishaps. During the , Dorita performs a ritual with demon powder to exorcise what she believes is a possessing , transferring the abilities from Max to herself. Freed from the burdensome powers, Max confronts honestly about his flaws, leading to their reconciliation on equal terms without interference. In the resolution, Max returns to his routine life as an , embracing normalcy and a renewed with . The film closes with an ironic scene highlighting the persistent dangers of waste, as another tanker truck rumbles through the city, underscoring the everyday risks that sparked Max's ordeal.

Key Themes and Motifs

The paranoia motif permeates Modern Problems through the protagonist Max Fiedler's exposure to , which absurdly empowers him with rather than causing harm, satirizing the era's heightened fears following the 1979 and critiquing lax government oversight of hazardous materials. This comedic inversion highlights 1980s anxieties over safety, transforming a real-world environmental threat into a vehicle for personal gain and chaos. Central to the narrative is the motif of relationship dysfunction, where symbolizes emotional manipulation and unresolved in romantic entanglements; Max uses his newfound abilities to his ex-girlfriend Darcy's budding relationship with a new suitor, underscoring themes of insecurity and the path to reconciliation amid post-divorce turmoil. This approach ties into broader cultural reflections on personal upheaval in love, amplified by the film's blend of sci-fi elements with everyday relational strife. Bureaucratic satire emerges prominently in the air traffic control sequences, portraying the profession's intense stress and operational inefficiencies as a "Broadway pinball parlor" of near-misses, with Max's powers escalating petty workplace grudges into supernatural revenge against incompetent superiors and colleagues. Released amid the 1981 Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO) strike—where President Reagan fired over 11,000 workers—the film subtly mocks labor tensions and systemic dysfunction in public service roles. Gender roles are explored through the interpersonal dynamics of Max's ex-wife , his girlfriend , and the household housekeeper Dorita, reflecting 1980s comedic tropes around , serial , and evolving domestic expectations; while the women initially serve as foils to Max's immaturity, Dorita's involvement introduces a subversive layer of , as her voodoo resourcefulness aids in navigating the ensuing disorder. This portrayal critiques masculine fragility in a changing social landscape, using humor to highlight jealousy-driven conflicts and eventual harmony.

Production Process

Development and Pre-Production

The development of Modern Problems originated from a concept devised by director , who outlined the story to producers , Alan Greisman, and Douglas C. Kenney at Three Wheel Productions following his earlier work with on (1974). The screenplay was co-written by Shapiro, Tom Sherohman, and Arthur Sellers, with a revised second draft completed on November 17, 1979, emphasizing Chase's in scenarios involving an gaining telekinetic powers. In early 1980, Twentieth Century-Fox greenlit the project as the first of several developments by Shapiro for the studio, allocating an $8 million budget attracted by Chase's fame from Saturday Night Live and his recent successes in National Lampoon's Animal House (1978) and Caddyshack (1980). Pre-production activities included casting centered on Chase in the lead role, with calls conducted in New York to align with the film's setting. Storyboards were prepared for the effects-heavy telekinesis sequences, while location scouting targeted JFK Airport and residential areas in Long Island for authenticity in the New York-based scenes. The pre-production phase encountered challenges, including delays from Chase's schedule on prior films and the 1980 strike from July to October, which postponed from April 1980 to April 6, 1981; script rewrites were also undertaken to balance the sci-fi premise with comedic elements, targeting a PG rating to broaden appeal.

Filming Locations and Incidents

for Modern Problems primarily occurred in , with key exterior shots filmed at in , to capture the protagonist's role as an . Additional New York locations included and Battery Park for urban and outdoor sequences. Interiors were shot on sound stages at 20th Century Fox Studios in , , alongside a Victorian in Los Angeles for upscale party scenes and a beach house façade in , for other exterior work. Filming commenced on April 6, 1981, and spanned 10 weeks, wrapping in June 1981. The schedule had been delayed from an original April 1980 start due to the strike from July to October 1980, as well as Chevy Chase's prior commitments on the film Under the Rainbow. A significant on-set incident involved lead actor , who was hospitalized after receiving an electrical shock during the filming of a fantasy sequence where his character dreams of flying as an airplane, with lights attached to his body. The shock occurred when moisture short-circuited the electrical setup, overloading his and causing him to lose temporarily. Chase returned to the set after the hospital visit.

Post-Production Editing

The post-production editing of Modern Problems focused on assembling the principal footage captured during a ten-week schedule from to 1981, transforming the raw material into a streamlined emphasizing Chevy Chase's physical humor and satirical elements. Editor Vaune Kirby oversaw the process, cutting to a final of 93 minutes to maintain a brisk pace suitable for its release. A key aspect of post-production was addressing the MPAA rating to fit 20th Century Fox's family-oriented promotional campaign. The initial cut received an due to scenes involving sexual humor and , prompting a recut that excised or toned down those elements to secure a rating. This adjustment occurred in the latter half of , ensuring broader accessibility for the December 25 theatrical launch. Sound design in post-production enhanced the film's supernatural comedy, particularly the telekinesis sequences central to the plot, though detailed records of foley work such as whooshes and crashes remain limited in production notes. The original score was composed by , featuring orchestral cues integrated with contemporary pop elements; he also wrote and produced two songs for the soundtrack, "Gonna Get It Next Time" (performed by ) and "She Takes All of Me." The score was finalized ahead of release to complement the film's blend of and .

Release and Distribution

Theatrical Launch

The film premiered theatrically on Day, December 25, 1981, in a across 1,119 theaters , distributed by 20th Century Fox and targeting holiday family audiences with its PG-rated sci-fi elements. No major premiere event was organized, and unusually for a studio of its scale, 20th Century Fox chose not to hold advance press screenings prior to the release. To secure the PG rating, the film underwent edits in early December 1981 after an initial R classification, with final MPAA approval granted shortly before release. Promotional materials, including one-sheet posters, prominently featured star Chevy Chase to leverage his post-Saturday Night Live fame, accompanied by taglines like "Max Fielder has just discovered the power of telekinesis, and he's about to move your world." The initial rollout focused on the United States and Canada, with international expansion beginning in 1982; it reached Spain on May 1, 1982, the United Kingdom in June 1982, and Australia on June 30, 1983, including dubbed versions in several non-English markets to broaden appeal.

Marketing Strategies

The marketing campaign for Modern Problems emphasized Chevy Chase's star power and the film's blend of physical comedy with supernatural elements, positioning it as lighthearted holiday entertainment. Twentieth Century-Fox produced TV spots and trailers that showcased Chase's pratfalls and the telekinetic gags central to his character's chaotic antics after exposure to radioactive waste. Print advertisements appeared in trade publications such as Variety and major newspapers, featuring Chase prominently to capitalize on his post-Saturday Night Live popularity among comedy fans. A key aspect of the press strategy was the decision to forgo advance screenings, aiming to generate buzz through word-of-mouth during the busy season rather than risk negative early reviews that could deter casual viewers. This approach targeted audiences less influenced by critics, including families drawn to the film's rating, which was achieved after re-editing an originally R-rated cut to tone down sexual content and broaden appeal. Interviews and profiles with focused on the movie's fun and his character's absurd mishaps, downplaying any deeper sci-fi exploration in favor of accessible humor. Promotional tie-ins included merchandise such as one-sheet posters and half-sheet inserts distributed to theaters, highlighting taglines like "Chevy has the power to make you laugh." The leveraged Chase's established fanbase from SNL reruns, directing efforts toward audiences seeking comedic during the holiday period.

Critical and Commercial Reception

Contemporary Reviews

Upon its release in December 1981, Modern Problems received mixed reviews from critics, who often highlighted Chevy Chase's as a highlight amid broader complaints about the film's execution. of praised Chase's telekinetic antics for delivering "four short but hilarious sequences," such as the disrupting a performance, which provided sporadic laughs in an otherwise uneven . Canby also noted the film's satirical jabs at nuclear fears, including jokes about granting superpowers, though he criticized its reliance on bad taste for humor. The negative consensus centered on sloppy pacing, dull stretches, and an inconsistent script that failed to blend with dramatic elements effectively. and delivered a harsh assessment on their show in early 1982, panning the film as an awful waste of potential and giving it thumbs down. aggregates limited contemporary critic reviews with no overall Tomatometer score available; the audience score is 32% based on over 2,500 ratings as of 2025. Limited foreign press coverage largely mirrored the U.S. response, viewing the film as a middling with occasional amusing moments but little lasting impact.

Box Office Results

Modern Problems earned a domestic gross of $26.2 million against its $8 million , making it profitable but more modest in performance compared to expectations for a Chevy Chase-led comedy following the success of (1980), which grossed $39.8 million domestically. The film opened on December 25, 1981, to $4.8 million from 1,111 screens, benefiting from holiday timing and promotional strategies that capitalized on Chase's star power. Worldwide earnings totaled approximately $26.2 million, with negligible international contribution reported. In comparisons to contemporary sci-fi comedies, Modern Problems outperformed (1981), which grossed $20.3 million domestically, but fell short of military comedy Stripes (1981), earning $85.3 million.

Legacy and Availability

Home Media Releases

The home video release of Modern Problems began in the early with the VHS format, distributed by 20th Century-Fox Video in 1982. This edition became a popular rental option in video stores throughout the , capitalizing on Chevy Chase's comedic appeal during the era's home entertainment boom. A subsequent VHS release followed in 1984 from CBS/Fox Video, and a selections edition was issued by FoxVideo on September 19, 1995. Additionally, the film appeared on CED videodisc in 1982. Laserdisc versions were available starting in 1982 in NTSC format for the U.S. market, with PAL editions emerging in 1983-1984 for international audiences. The DVD debut occurred on February 22, 2005, via Anchor Bay Entertainment in Region 1, presented in widescreen with Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono audio but no significant extras beyond the feature itself. A later widescreen edition was released on April 10, 2012, also by Anchor Bay, maintaining the basic transfer without additional content. In the digital era, Modern Problems became available for rental and purchase on platforms such as and (iTunes) around 2010, with ongoing accessibility as of 2025. No official Blu-ray edition has been released as of 2025, though unofficial fan-created upscales from DVD sources circulate online. The original theatrical version's aspect ratio and runtime have been preserved across these transfers.

Cultural Impact and Retrospectives

Within Chevy Chase's 1980s , Modern Problems occupies a minor position, serving as a transitional work between the golfing of (1980) and the family road-trip antics of (1983). Retrospectives of Chase's career often reference it as an early example of his humor applied to premises, though it lacks the enduring popularity of his more iconic roles. The film contributed to the 1980s subgenre of comedies, blending everyday frustrations with fantastical powers in a vein similar to Zapped! (1982), and drawing on earlier influences like the 1978 thriller The Medusa Touch for parodic elements. It has garnered a niche among sci-fi and comedy fans, particularly for the film's low-budget, glowing that evoke nostalgic cheesiness from the era's B-movies. This appreciation highlights its role in exploring "geek transformation" tropes, where ordinary protagonists gain absurd abilities to navigate social chaos. In modern reevaluations during the and beyond, podcasts have spotlighted Modern Problems for its underappreciated on workplace stress and , with episodes praising its energy despite uneven execution. For instance, the Vintage Video Podcast in 2023 analyzed its raunchy origins and telekinetic gags as a quirky artifact of early-1980s humor. The audience score remains at 32% based on over 2,500 ratings as of 2025, reflecting polarized views but steady online engagement. No major revivals have materialized, yet streaming platforms have maintained its accessibility, fostering intermittent discussions in retro film communities. Home media releases have further supported this visibility by enabling repeat viewings of its cult appeal. The movie's broader cultural footprint includes subtle echoes in nuclear comedy tropes, exemplified by the protagonist's accidental exposure to toxic waste granting powers—a motif that underscores 1980s anxieties about environmental hazards in lighthearted form. Director Ken Shapiro's career trajectory stalled after Modern Problems, as his dissatisfaction with Hollywood's corporate environment prompted a shift toward television production and writing, culminating in his relocation to New Mexico until his death in 2017. Supporting actor Dabney Coleman, known for his smarmy portrayal of the rival author, died on May 28, 2024.

References

  1. [1]
    Modern Problems (1981) - IMDb
    Rating 5/10 (6,076) Jealous, harried air traffic controller Max Fiedler, recently dumped by his girlfriend, comes into contact with nuclear waste and is granted the power of ...
  2. [2]
    Modern Problems | Rotten Tomatoes
    Rating 32% (106) Air traffic controller Max (Chevy Chase) has a life so stressful that he feels himself constantly on the verge of a breakdown.
  3. [3]
    CHEVY CHASE, TRAFFIC CONTROLLER - The New York Times
    Dec 28, 1981 · ''Modern Problems'' relies more than a little on bad taste to keep it going, including jokes about paraplegia, nuclear waste and the insolent ...
  4. [4]
    At the Movies; Chevy Chase up in the air over new role.
    Dec 24, 1981 · ''Modern Problems'' was almost like a home movie for the people involved. It started with Michael Shamberg and his partner, Doug Kenney. Mr.
  5. [5]
    Modern Problems (1981) - Turner Classic Movies - TCM
    Max is an air traffic controller who is having problems at his job and in his love life. After he is exposed to nuclear waste, Max finds that he has developed ...
  6. [6]
    The world's most comprehensive Film database - AFI Catalog
    In its list examining the “Last Releases of 1981,” the 23 Jan 1982 Village Voice claimed Modern Problems was a “Borderline Case” with a gross of $14 million.
  7. [7]
    Modern Problems (1981) - Box Office and Financial Information
    Opening Weekend: $4,758,371 (19.4% of total gross) ; Legs: 4.51 (domestic box office/biggest weekend) ; Domestic Share: 100.0% (domestic box office/worldwide).Missing: reception | Show results with:reception
  8. [8]
    Ken Shapiro Dies: 'The Groove Tube' Director, Writer And Star Was 76
    Nov 27, 2017 · Shapiro also co-wrote and directed Modern Problems for 20th Century Fox in 1981. He reunited with Chase for the film which also starred Dabney ...Missing: timeline | Show results with:timeline
  9. [9]
    Ken Shapiro, Writer, Director and Star of 'The Groove Tube,' Dies at 76
    Nov 27, 2017 · Ken Shapiro, who directed, produced, co-wrote and starred in The Groove Tube, the seminal 1974 sendup of television that marked the movie debuts of Chevy Chase ...Missing: filmography | Show results with:filmography<|control11|><|separator|>
  10. [10]
    Modern Problems | film by Shapiro [1981] - Britannica
    Controller who develops telekinesis in Modern Problems. Both films received mixed reviews, though they were moderately successful at the box office.
  11. [11]
    Nuclear Experts Debate 'The China Syndrome' - The New York Times
    Mar 18, 1979 · 6 nuclear experts comment on The China Syndrome, film about possible nuclear accident; they are Dr Norman Rasmussen (MIT), ...
  12. [12]
    The China Syndrome - Rotten Tomatoes
    Rating 88% (42) A moderately compelling thriller about the potential perils of nuclear energy, whose major fault is an overweening sense of its own self-importance. Content ...
  13. [13]
    Modern Problems (1981) - EOFFTV - The Encyclopedia of Fantastic ...
    An American comedy fantasy film directed by Ken Shapiro. Plot Summary. Air traffic controller Max Fiedler is exposed to toxic waste in a traffic accident ...Credits · Alternative Titles · LinksMissing: details | Show results with:details
  14. [14]
    Modern Problems (1981) Technical Specifications » ShotOnWhat?
    The movie Modern Problems, released in 1981 and directed by Ken Shapiro with Edmond L. Koons as cinematographer and editing by Michael Jablow.Missing: practical | Show results with:practical
  15. [15]
    https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082763/fullcredits/
  16. [16]
    Modern Problems (1981) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
    Cast · Chevy Chase at an event for The 36th Annual People's Choice Awards (2010). Chevy Chase · Patti D'Arbanville · Dabney Coleman · Mary Kay Place at an event for ...
  17. [17]
    Modern Problems | Cast and Crew - Rotten Tomatoes
    Cast & Crew ; Ken Shapiro · Director, Screenwriter ; Chevy Chase · Actor ; Patti D'Arbanville · Actor ; Mary Kay Place · Actor ; Nell Carter · Actor.Missing: 1979 | Show results with:1979
  18. [18]
    Rejected Scores INFO
    Score Programmer: Paul Kock. Last Updated: February 22, 2013. Fun With Dick and Jane Composer: Billy Goldenberg ... Modern Problems Composer: Marvin Hamlisch.
  19. [19]
    Nuclear Power in Film: Influencing Public Opinion - Stanford
    Jan 27, 2018 · The film that most influenced public view of nuclear energy was extremely realistic, and happened in almost tandem with a real life nuclear scare.
  20. [20]
    How Three Mile Island and the nuclear industry influenced popular ...
    Mar 20, 2019 · The topic was well-suited for a range of genres, from folk protest songs to political punk to metal to comedic spoofs.
  21. [21]
    The 1981 PATCO Strike - UTA Libraries
    Sep 2, 2021 · On August 5, 1981, Reagan fired PATCO members who remained on strike and banned them from being rehired. He then began replacing them with a ...
  22. [22]
    [PDF] ~i\ a~ Oollrobrn? - University of Wyoming
    :Shapiro, Ken, Sherohman, Tom and Sellers, Arthur, MODERN PROBLEMS. : l - 97 pages, bound, marked ''revised second draft, November 17, 1979''. ' ' i Shaipro ...
  23. [23]
    Modern Problems (1981) - Filming & production - IMDb
    Modern Problems: Jealous, harried air traffic controller Max Fiedler ... Filming dates. Apr 6, 1981 - Jun 1981. Production dates. 1981 - 1981. Contribute to ...Missing: principal photography
  24. [24]
    https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082763/locations
  25. [25]
    The Truth About Chevy Chase's Near-Death Experience - Grunge
    Jul 16, 2021 · In 1981, while on the set of the film "Modern Problems," a stunt ... Electrocution and addiction did not help Chevy Chase's career.
  26. [26]
    Chevy Chase: Modern Problems - '80s Movie Guide
    A critical failure, a box office success. Despite terrible reviews, the Los Angeles Times declared Modern Problems a winner. It earned more than $26 million ...
  27. [27]
    [PDF] Whose Standard? - World Radio History
    MODERN PROBLEMS (20th Century-Fox). Score: Dominic Frontiere Songs: Dominic Frontiere, Adrienne Anderson. Publisher: Fox Fanfare Music, Inc. le/0 %eel 1000.<|separator|>
  28. [28]
    Modern Problems - Box Office Mojo
    Release DateDec 25, 1981. Running Time1 hr 33 min. GenresComedy Fantasy Sci-Fi. Widest Release1,119 theaters. IMDbPro See more details at IMDbPro. Domestic ...
  29. [29]
    Modern Problems (1981) - The EOFFTV Review - WordPress.com
    Sep 14, 2023 · Poorly paced and quite an unattractive film visually, it's also as puerile as many of Max's frankly annoying antics (he plays immature practical ...
  30. [30]
    Taglines - Modern Problems (1981) - IMDb
    Max Fielder has just discovered the power of telekinesis, and he's about to move your world. · A broken-hearted man + amazing moving powers = Out-of-control fun.Missing: poster | Show results with:poster
  31. [31]
    Release info - Modern Problems (1981) - IMDb
    Release date ; United States. December 25, 1981 ; Spain. May 1, 1982 ; Portugal. October 28, 1982 ; Australia. June 30, 1983 ; Japan. June 1984.Missing: theatrical theaters premiere
  32. [32]
    'Modern Problems' [01] movie trailer-TV commercial (1981) - YouTube
    Sep 6, 2009 · 1981 movie trailer & TV ad for "Modern Problems", starring Chevy Chase. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_Problems.Missing: financing budget 20th Century Fox
  33. [33]
    1981 Modern Problems Movie Promo VTG 1980s PRINT AD Chevy ...
    $$9.77 In stock $4.95 deliveryThis vintage print ad from 1981 is a great addition to any collection. Featuring the stars of the movie Modern Problems, Chevy Chase and Dabney Coleman, ...Missing: film | Show results with:film
  34. [34]
    Modern Problems - 1981 - Reel Deals Movie Posters Product Details
    In stock 14-day returns"CHEVY HAS THE POWER TO MAKE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON THE FUNNIEST EVER!" This movie poster is the US Final Style. It is an original 1-sheet from 1981 that ...Missing: tagline | Show results with:tagline
  35. [35]
    Sneak Previews with Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel - YouTube
    May 15, 2019 · This is the original review of Modern Problems by Siskel & Ebert on "Sneak Previews" in 1982. All of the segments pertaining to the movie ...<|separator|>
  36. [36]
    https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0080487/
  37. [37]
    Caddyshack (1980) - Box Office Mojo
    All Releases · By Release · By Region. Domestic, # Releases, Lifetime Gross, Rank. Domestic, 2, $39,918,650, 2,372. Latest Updates: News | Daily | Weekend | All ...
  38. [38]
    https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0082558/
  39. [39]
    https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0083131/
  40. [40]
    Stripes (1981) - Box Office Mojo
    Stripes (1981). Two friends who are dissatisfied with their jobs decide to join the army for a bit of fun. Cast information · Crew information · Company ...
  41. [41]
    Modern Problems/Home media | Moviepedia | Fandom
    VHS · Modern Problems (Selections VHS). September 19, 1995, FoxVideo, Selections ; DVD. Modern Problems (DVD). February 22, 2005, Anchor Bay Entertainment ...Missing: 1981 | Show results with:1981
  42. [42]
    Search - 0082763 - LaserDisc Database
    Modern Problems (1981), P&S/MONO, 1982, NTSC, USA. 1129-740, Modern Problems (1981), P&S/ANA, 1983, PAL, Netherlands. 1129-70, Modern Problems (1981), P&S/ANA ...
  43. [43]
    Modern Problems (1981) - DVD Release Date
    PG | 89 min | $26.2 mil | imdb: 4.6 Theater date : December 25, 1981 Genre(s): Romantic Comedy, Science Fiction DVDs and Blu-rays
  44. [44]
    Watch Modern Problems | Prime Video - Amazon.com
    $$10.79 Rating 4.6 (1,282) · 30-day returnsA frazzled air-traffic controller finds himself blessed with telekinetic powers when a nuclear dumptruck spills some slimy green matter on him.Missing: Tubi iTunes
  45. [45]
    Modern Problems - ‎Apple TV
    Director Ken Shapiro · Trailers · Modern Problems. Comedy. Related · Cast & Crew · Chevy Chase. Max Fielder. Patti D'Arbanville. Darcy. Mary Kay Place. Lorraine.Missing: characters | Show results with:characters
  46. [46]
    Modern Problems Blu-ray
    A high-strung air traffic controller whose bad day is about to get much worse: His girlfriend has moved out, his ex-wife is in love with his old friend.<|separator|>
  47. [47]
    Talking about 80s cult geek transformation movies | Cult Film Club
    Apr 25, 2013 · Modern Problems (1981) – I'll start this off with a movie that uses ... It's a true adult comedy (with a deserved MPAA rating of R). I ...
  48. [48]
    CHEVY CHASE PHYSICALLY SUFFERING THROUGH 'MODERN ...
    Oct 9, 2022 · cult film freak. BETWEEN THE LINES OF CINEMA ... MODERN PROBLEMS... His convertible's been keyed... nothing compared to the nuclear waste ...
  49. [49]
    1981 Movie Reviews – Modern Problems | The Nerdy
    Dec 25, 2021 · Chevy Chase is an acquired taste at times. Modern Problems is ... West Side Story wins a quiet weekend at the box office · Movie News ...
  50. [50]
    Podcast: MODERN PROBLEMS is the most off the rails look at the ...
    Dec 25, 2020 · Modern Problems (1981) is the weirdest, off the rails, PG-rated Christmas hit. It's biggest problem was turning a raunchy mature R-film into a PG one.Missing: retrospective | Show results with:retrospective
  51. [51]
    Vintage Video Podcast - 0344 - Modern Problems (1981) - YouTube
    Oct 23, 2023 · Vintage Video Podcast - 0344 - Modern Problems (1981) · Comments.Missing: retrospective | Show results with:retrospective
  52. [52]
    Modern Problems | Audience Reviews | Rotten Tomatoes
    Modern Problems poster · Modern Problems. PG , 1h 31m; Comedy; Directed By: Ken Shapiro; In Theaters: Dec 25, 1981; Streaming: Mar 1, 2013; Twentieth Century ...
  53. [53]
    Modern Problems (1981) - User reviews - IMDb
    Putting this film under the 'Comedy' genre is being extremely generous. One of a handful of videos I've hit the rewind and eject buttons on before it even ...Missing: classification | Show results with:classification
  54. [54]
    Groundbreaking comedy director Ken Shapiro dies in Las Cruces
    “After 'Modern Problems,' Shapiro's discomfort with the corporate structure of studio and television networks drove him to leave Hollywood and relocate to New ...