I guess this is what is meant by the term "screwball" comedy. Scavenger Hunt has an odd assortment of family members and servants gathering up various items around San Diego for the chance at winning a $200 million inheritance. That would be great money today. Thirty years ago it would have been astronomical. The cast has more familiar faces and cameos than one could easily count. Successful people, soon to be successful people, washed up people, and flavor of the month types like Dirk Benedict and Willie Ames round out the impressive cast. The film has some interesting stunts and car chases, and makes good use of the filming locations. A good many of these cast members have since perished.

When watching this film, one thing is certain. The director was not interested in reigning in anyone's performance. Most of these actors over-act to the point of delirium. Richard Masur, for example, is lucky he ever got work again as the spoiled son of Cloris Leachman. But somehow he went on to serve two terms as the SAG president. Go figure. Perhaps it was his serious turn as a Slavic train station worker in Michael Cimino's Heaven's Gate the following year that set him on a greater path.

Speaking of Cloris Leachman, we should all wish for even a fraction of her energy and longevity. Still as active as anyone in this cast at age 82, may she live on forever. She spends much of this film hiding under a black mourning veil, as she plays the sister of the millionaire who just died. All in all, there isn't a serious moment to be found here amongst the silly scenes and car chases. There are cameos by such an eclectic bunch as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Pat McCormick, Vincent Price, Meat Loaf, and even the Doritos guy who plays a stressed out zoo keeper. Give the film a try if you can find it. It's worth about 6 of 10 stars. 7 if you add the Scatman Cruthers bonus star I like to award.

The Hound.

Yes, this is a silly farce. So were "Animal House" and "The Blues Brothers", and they are considered classics. I liked this better; certainly it's more suited for the whole family.

The plot is simple: wealthy Milton Parker has died and his will specifies that his survivors (servants as well as relatives) must complete in a scavenger hunt to gather up various items, which must be taken and not purchased. The items are placed into various bins per group of competitors, and the items are awarded points. Those who get the most points by the end of the time period wins the fortune while the others get nothing.

The rest of the movie consists of funny ways for the various groups to get the items and making it back to the home with them, along with one family who resorts to stealing from the others. Not high art, but good low art.

Some would say over-acting. Almost a parody. And, it had Cloris Leachman.