Burglar (1987)

27% of critics liked it
(11 reviews)
42% of users liked it
(6,571 ratings)

Director of the first Police Academy movie, Hugh Wilson is also responsible for the action comedy-caper Burglar. Bernice Rhodenbarr (Whoopi Goldberg) is a retired cat burglar who works at a bookstore. Bad cop Ray Kirschman (G.W. Bailey) blackmails her, so she agrees to do a job for Dr. Cynthia… More Director of the first Police Academy movie, Hugh Wilson is also responsible for the action comedy-caper Burglar. Bernice Rhodenbarr (Whoopi Goldberg) is a retired cat burglar who works at a bookstore. Bad cop Ray Kirschman (G.W. Bailey) blackmails her, so she agrees to do a job for Dr. Cynthia Sheldrake (Lesley Ann Warren) in order to get the money. While she is doing the robbery, she accidentally stumbles onto the scene of a murder. Since she is the prime suspect, Bernice is forced into many chase scenes as she plays detective to find out who the real murderer is in order to clear her name. She is aided by her only two friends: the hapless dog groomer Carl Hefler (Bob Goldthwait) and the drunken floozy Frankie (Elizabeth Ruscio). Along the way, she almost gets killed by numerous tough guys while being closely followed by two stupid cops (Anne DeSalvo and John Goodman). ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 43 min.
Directed By: Hugh Wilson
Written By: Hugh Wilson, Joseph Loeb, Matthew Weisman
Genres: Drama, Comedy

In Theaters: Mar 20, 1987 Wide
On DVD: Mar 30, 1999
Studio: Warner Home Video

Critic Reviews

Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Basically rubbish with star power and a very funny Bobcat Goldthwait.
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
One of Whoopi's laziest vehicles ... and she's done her share.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

I love Bobcat in this movie, he's funny as usual, but the rest of the cast is just okay. I liked this movie, but it could have been better, it's pretty cheesy at times.
Leigh R

Funny... Bobcat is hilarious in this.
danny d

eh
Anthony V

A film that taught me how painful watching until the credits roll can be.

Cast

            Whoopi Goldberg as Bernice Rhodenbarr

            Bobcat Goldthwait as Carl Hefler

            G.W. Bailey as Ray Kirschman

            Lesley Ann Warren as Dr. Cynthia Sheldrake

            James Handy as Carson Verrill

            Anne De Salvo as Detective Todras

            John Goodman as Detective Nyswander

            Elizabeth Ruscio as Frankie

            Vyto Ruginis as Graybow

            Larry Mintz as Knobby

            Jack Andreozzi as Knobby's Apartment Manager

            Raye Birk as The Jogger

            Thom Bray as Shoplifter in Bookstore

            Elaine Corral as TV Anchorwoman

            Nathan Davis as Mr. Paggif

            Gary Hershberger as Young Officer

            John LeFan as Customer at Parker's on Fifth

            Margaret Lenzey as Waitress at Parker's on Fifth

            Jack O'Leary as Ray's Friend

            Vincent Pantone as IBM Man

            Ethan Phillips as Bartender at Parker's on Fifth

            Michael Pniewski as Man in Gray Uniform #1

            Eric Poppick as Deliveryman

            Al Pugliese as IBM Man

            Stephen Shellen as Christopher Marshall

            James Terry as Bartender at The Art Bar

            Justin Derosa as IBM Man

            Robert Ernst as Officer with Warrant

            Michael Nesmith as Cabbie

            Hugh Wilson as Customer at Mayday

            Rick Hamilton as Man in Hallway

            Scott Lincoln as Man in Cadillac

            Amy Michelson as Waitress at The Art Bar

            Spike Sorrentino as Chief of Detectives

            Bill Jelliffe as Officer with Searchlight

            David J. Partington as Ray's Friend

            G. W. Bailey
            
See full cast