Hot to Trot

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The 1988 comedy Hot to Trot is one of those peculiar films that can leave audiences scratching their heads, wondering what they just watched. It’s a zany, offbeat movie that combines a variety of odd elements, including talking animals, absurd plotlines, and a heavy dose of surreal humor. Starring Bobcat Goldthwait and featuring the voice of John Candy as a talking horse, Hot to Trot attempted to bring something unconventional to the comedy genre. While it didn’t fare well at the box office or with critics, the movie has since garnered a small cult following for its strange charm and unique premise.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the movie’s plot, its production background, the performances, and its lasting impact. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of what makes Hot to Trot such a curious entry in late-1980s comedy cinema.

Plot Summary

Hot to Trot follows the story of Fred Chaney (played by Bobcat Goldthwait), a down-on-his-luck man with little direction in life and a severe lack of confidence. Fred is stuck working for his overbearing stepfather, Walter Sawyer (Dabney Coleman), who owns a brokerage firm. Fred’s world is turned upside down when his mother, who had married Walter, passes away unexpectedly, leaving him a 51% share of a struggling horse stable. Fred’s new co-owner in the stable turns out to be a talking horse named Don, voiced by the legendary comedian John Candy.

Setting the Stage: The Premise and Fred’s Dilemma

When Fred inherits the horse stable, he’s unsure what to do with it, especially considering his lack of experience with horses and the fact that his stepfather is determined to gain control of the stable for himself. Walter, portrayed as an unscrupulous and arrogant businessman, wants Fred to sell his share of the stable to him, thus giving him full ownership. Fred, feeling pressured and out of options, contemplates the sale until he meets Don, the talking horse.

The Role of Don the Horse

Don is not your typical horse. He’s a fast-talking, wisecracking, cigar-smoking equine with a penchant for giving financial advice. Don reveals to Fred that he was friends with Fred’s late mother and that she trusted him to help Fred succeed. Skeptical at first, Fred soon realizes that Don is more than just a talking animal—he’s also quite savvy in the stock market. Using Don’s tips, Fred begins to turn his luck around by making lucrative investments.

The relationship between Fred and Don is at the core of the movie, serving as both comedic fodder and the heart of the story. Fred’s interactions with Don range from humorous to heartwarming, and the film’s comedic tone hinges on their odd-couple dynamic. John Candy’s voice performance as Don brings an added layer of charisma and humor to the character, making him one of the film’s most memorable aspects.

The Rivalry with Walter Sawyer

As Fred starts making money and gaining confidence, his stepfather Walter becomes increasingly furious. Walter, a ruthless broker with no regard for others, views Fred as an incompetent fool who has no business succeeding in the world of high finance. Walter’s frustration grows as Fred’s investments, guided by Don’s inside knowledge, continue to outperform everyone else at the brokerage firm.

Walter is determined to bring Fred down and reclaim his position at the top. He concocts various schemes to sabotage Fred, including manipulating stock prices, attempting to buy out Fred’s stable share by underhanded means, and eventually challenging Fred to a high-stakes horse race. This race becomes the climax of the movie, with Walter’s prized horse going up against Don in a race that’s as comedic as it is suspenseful.

The Race: A Comedic Climax

The race is the movie’s most high-energy sequence, filled with sight gags, slapstick humor, and a surprising amount of tension given the film’s generally light-hearted tone. Don, despite his talents in finance, is not exactly a racehorse. However, through a series of unexpected events, including a wild ride and some creative maneuvering, Don manages to pull off a victory, defeating Walter’s horse and securing Fred’s position.

Themes and Humor

The film’s humor is a mix of slapstick, absurdity, and situational comedy, often relying on the bizarre premise of a talking horse giving stock tips. Much of the humor derives from Bobcat Goldthwait’s signature erratic delivery and John Candy’s laid-back, sardonic voice work. The contrast between Fred’s high-strung nature and Don’s calm confidence creates a comedic rhythm that drives the film.

At its core, Hot to Trot explores themes of self-confidence, resilience, and the unlikely bonds that can form in the strangest circumstances. Fred’s journey from being a meek underdog to a self-assured individual is paralleled by his relationship with Don, who serves as both a mentor and a friend. The film’s portrayal of the cutthroat world of stock trading, though exaggerated, adds a satirical edge, poking fun at the greed and superficiality often associated with high finance.

Production Background

Hot to Trot was directed by Michael Dinner and produced by Steve Tisch. The script underwent several rewrites, and the film’s production was marked by creative differences and a struggle to find the right tone. Initially, the project was envisioned as a straightforward family comedy, but as it evolved, it became more of a surreal, adult-oriented film with an edge of dark humor.

Bobcat Goldthwait was brought in as the lead to capitalize on his rising popularity as a stand-up comedian and his previous work in the Police Academy series. Goldthwait’s unique comedic style—marked by his high-pitched voice and unpredictable mannerisms—made him an unconventional choice for the role of Fred, but his performance ultimately became one of the defining aspects of the film.

John Candy’s involvement came later in the process. Originally, the producers considered other actors for the role of Don, but Candy’s distinct voice and impeccable comedic timing made him a perfect fit. Candy’s performance is one of the highlights of the movie, elevating the talking horse character from a simple gimmick to a genuine comedic presence.

Reception and Legacy

Upon its release, Hot to Trot was met with overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics. It was criticized for its uneven tone, lack of coherent plot, and reliance on lowbrow humor. Many reviewers felt that the film failed to fully capitalize on its premise and that its humor was too juvenile for adult audiences while being too mature for children.

Despite its critical failure, Hot to Trot managed to find a small audience among fans of oddball comedies and those who appreciate Bobcat Goldthwait’s unconventional style. Over the years, the film has been reevaluated by some as a cult classic, with its unapologetically strange humor and off-kilter performances earning it a niche following.

Analyzing the Performances

Bobcat Goldthwait’s performance as Fred Chaney is polarizing. For some, his manic energy and peculiar delivery add a sense of unpredictability to the character, making Fred more sympathetic and relatable as an underdog. For others, his performance comes off as grating and out of place in a film that struggles to balance comedy and narrative coherence.

John Candy’s voice work as Don, on the other hand, is universally praised. Candy brings a warmth and wit to the character that contrasts nicely with Goldthwait’s frenetic energy. His comedic timing is impeccable, and he manages to imbue the talking horse with a surprising amount of personality and charm. The scenes between Fred and Don are the movie’s strongest, thanks in large part to Candy’s voice performance.

Dabney Coleman’s portrayal of Walter Sawyer is appropriately over-the-top. Coleman plays the villainous stepfather with gleeful abandon, making Walter a cartoonish antagonist who’s easy to root against. His exaggerated arrogance and constant scheming provide a good counterbalance to Fred’s naivety, making their rivalry entertaining even when the plot falters.

Why Hot to Trot Didn’t Quite Work

Several factors contributed to Hot to Trot’s lackluster reception and failure at the box office. First and foremost is the film’s confused tone. It veers wildly between slapstick comedy, surreal humor, and moments of sincerity that feel out of place. This lack of focus makes it difficult for audiences to fully engage with the story or the characters.

Additionally, the film’s premise, while original, is not fully developed. The idea of a talking horse giving stock tips is inherently comedic, but the movie struggles to build a cohesive plot around it. The script relies heavily on gags and set-pieces that don’t always serve the narrative, resulting in a disjointed viewing experience.

The film’s humor is also hit-or-miss. While John Candy’s voice work and Bobcat Goldthwait’s performance provide some genuinely funny moments, many of the jokes feel forced or fall flat. The movie’s reliance on animal-based humor and visual gags limits its appeal, especially when compared to other comedies of the time that offered sharper writing and more sophisticated humor.

Revisiting Hot to Trot Today

In retrospect, Hot to Trot is an interesting artifact of 1980s comedy cinema. It represents a time when studios were willing to take risks on unconventional projects and bank on the popularity of comedic performers like Bobcat Goldthwait and John Candy. While the film didn’t succeed in its initial run, it stands as a testament to the experimental nature of comedy during that era.

For those who appreciate offbeat comedies with a touch of

surrealism, Hot to Trot offers a unique viewing experience. Its oddball charm and eccentric characters make it a curiosity worth revisiting. While it may not stand alongside the great comedies of the decade, it certainly has its own quirky appeal.

Cultural Impact and Relevance

Although Hot to Trot was not a box office success and received a lukewarm critical reception, its cultural impact, especially within certain comedic circles, is notable. The film exemplifies a time when talking animal movies were popular in Hollywood, and it reflects the sensibilities of late-1980s humor. The talking animal trope, combined with the absurdities of the stock market, speaks to the decade’s fascination with excess, success, and the quirky nature of American life.

The film has also been referenced and parodied in various other media, showcasing its lasting influence on pop culture. The character of Don, in particular, has become a memorable figure among fans of niche comedies. His catchphrases and interactions with Fred Chaney remain etched in the minds of those who appreciated the film’s offbeat humor.

Moreover, Hot to Trot showcases the work of two significant comedians—Bobcat Goldthwait and John Candy—whose styles shaped the landscape of comedy in the 1980s and beyond. Goldthwait’s unique voice and erratic performance style would later influence a new generation of comedians, while Candy’s warmth and ability to portray lovable characters have made him a beloved figure in the world of film.

Legacy of Bobcat Goldthwait

Bobcat Goldthwait is often remembered for his distinctive comedic style, which involves a mix of absurdity and heartfelt moments. Following Hot to Trot, he would continue to build his career in various ways, transitioning from acting to directing. Goldthwait’s later works, such as World’s Greatest Dad and God Bless America, showcase a more mature and reflective side of his creativity, which has allowed him to carve out a unique niche in the film industry.

His involvement in Hot to Trot is an essential chapter in his career, as it allowed him to showcase his talent in a mainstream film context. While the film itself may not have been a critical darling, Goldthwait’s performance contributed to the film’s quirky identity and left an impression on audiences familiar with his work.

John Candy’s Lasting Influence

John Candy remains one of the most cherished figures in comedy, and his performance in Hot to Trot is a testament to his immense talent. His ability to create humor through voice alone is impressive and shows his versatility as a performer. Candy’s legacy continues to resonate in Hollywood today, with many comedians citing him as a significant influence in their careers.

His approach to comedy often involved creating lovable, relatable characters that audiences could root for. In Hot to Trot, Don serves as both a comedic foil and a source of wisdom for Fred. Candy’s warm delivery makes Don more than just a source of jokes; he becomes a character with depth and emotion, making their bond feel genuine.

The Talking Animal Phenomenon

Hot to Trot is part of a broader trend in the 1980s and 1990s that featured talking animals as central characters in films. This trend includes movies like Beverly Hills Cop and Beethoven, which tapped into the humor and charm of animal characters to appeal to family audiences. The success of such films led to a slew of sequels and spin-offs, proving that the combination of humor and animals could yield profitable results at the box office.

In Hot to Trot, the idea of a talking horse adds an element of whimsy and absurdity, creating comedic scenarios that are both unexpected and entertaining. While the film may not be the most memorable of its kind, it serves as a reminder of the popularity of anthropomorphized characters during that era.

Final Thoughts: The Enduring Quirkiness of Hot to Trot

In conclusion, Hot to Trot is a quintessential example of late-1980s comedy that straddles the line between absurdity and heartfelt moments. Its plot, centering around the unlikely friendship between a man and a talking horse, may seem outlandish, but it captures the spirit of a time when filmmakers were willing to explore unusual premises in search of laughter.

While the film may not have achieved significant critical acclaim or box office success, it has found a place in the hearts of those who appreciate its offbeat humor and the performances of its lead actors. The dynamic between Fred and Don, coupled with the zany antics of Walter, creates a charmingly chaotic narrative that resonates with viewers who enjoy lighthearted comedies.

Hot to Trot stands as a testament to the creativity of its era, showcasing a time when film was an experiment in storytelling, humor, and character dynamics. It reminds us that, sometimes, laughter can be found in the most unexpected places, and that quirky, unconventional comedies have their own unique place in cinematic history.

In the end, Hot to Trot invites audiences to embrace its weirdness, revel in its absurdity, and find joy in the unlikely friendship of a man and his talking horse. Whether you’re revisiting it for nostalgia or discovering it for the first time, Hot to Trot is a whimsical ride that leaves a lasting impression, much like the unforgettable characters it introduces.

 

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