Easy Money is a 1983 American comedy film built around the persona of comedian Rodney Dangerfield. Released in 1983, the picture mixes broad humor and character-based jokes common to the era and features a cast that balances established performers and rising young actors.

Cast

  • Rodney Dangerfield — leading role and a credited contributor to the film's writing/development.
  • Joe Pesci — supporting role, before some of his later high-profile dramatic parts.
  • Geraldine Fitzgerald — veteran stage and screen actress in a featured role.
  • Jennifer Jason Leigh — an early film appearance by the young performer.
  • Candy Azzara and other character actors populate the supporting ensemble.

Production and release

The movie was directed by James Signorelli, a filmmaker known for his work on television comedy and sketches. Rodney Dangerfield is listed among the creative team and brought much of his stand-up tone to the screenplay and performance. The film was distributed by Orion Pictures and released during a period when studio-backed comedies were a staple of American cinemas.

Easy Money follows a familiar comic structure: a central, larger-than-life comedian in a situation that amplifies his public persona. The script and direction aim to showcase one-liners, visual gags, and situations that allow supporting players to provide contrast and occasional straight dramatic beats.

Reception and legacy

Critical reaction to the film was mixed, with reviewers noting that fans of Dangerfield’s stand-up would find much of the material familiar while others felt the plot was secondary to the jokes. Over time the movie has retained interest largely among collectors of 1980s comedies and followers of the principal performers.

Notable points

  • The film illustrates how stand-up comedians of the era transitioned into feature films by adapting their stage personas for broader audiences.
  • It includes early-screen appearances by actors who later developed significant careers.
  • For viewers studying comedy or 1980s American cinema, the film offers examples of studio comedy production and the marketing of comedian-led vehicles.