Splash (1984)
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92% of critics liked it
(36 reviews) -
52% of users liked it
(111,701 ratings)
"I'm in love with a mermaid!" read the opening line of Leonard Maltin's original review for Splash. And with the delightful Darryl Hannah in the lead, who could fault Maltin for his public declaration of ardor? The story begins in 1959, when a young boy is rescued from a watery… More "I'm in love with a mermaid!" read the opening line of Leonard Maltin's original review for Splash. And with the delightful Darryl Hannah in the lead, who could fault Maltin for his public declaration of ardor? The story begins in 1959, when a young boy is rescued from a watery grave by an adolescent mermaid. Twenty-five years later, the boy has grown up--and lo and behold, it's Tom Hanks. Meanwhile, the mermaid, likewise grown up, has surfaced in search of Hanks, her long-lost love. On dry land, the mermaid is able to walk about on legs; any contact with salt water, and she reverts to her half-fish form. Adopting the name of Madison from a New York street sign, the girl manages to win Hanks' heart. Alas, a secret government lab, populated by such smarmy types as Richard B. Shull and Eugene Levy, captures Madison for research purposes--and possible vivisection. Egged on by his brother John Candy, Hanks rescues his beloved, joining her in the ocean depths as a mer-man (mer-fellow? mer-guy?) A captivating confection from the peerless creative team of director Ron Howard and screenwriters Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel, Splash was a winner all the way--especially at the box office, where the $11 million film racked up a huge profit. Historical sidebar: Splash was the first release from Disney's Touchstone Pictures division. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Directed By
- Ron Howard
- Written By
- Lowell Ganz, Babaloo Mandel, Bruce Jay Friedman
- Genres
- Romance, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Comedy
- In Theaters
- Mar 9, 1984 Wide
Critic Reviews
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Richard Schickel, TIME Magazine
A romantic comedy that is as salty and bracing as a plunge in the surf.
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Variety Staff, Variety
Although film is a bit uneven, production benefits from a tasty look, an airy tone, and a delectable, unblemished performance from Hannah.
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, Time Out
Howard demonstrates exactly the correct soft touch, skirting the myriad problems of taste.
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Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
It's too bad the relentlessly conventional minds that made this movie couldn't have made the leap from sitcom to comedy.
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Janet Maslin, New York Times
Splash may feature a heroine with fins, but it's mostly a standard love story, albeit one with some delightful new twists.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Tom Hanks
as Allen Bauer
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Daryl Hannah
as Madison
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John Candy
as Freddie Bauer
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Eugene Levy
as Walter Kornbluth
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Dody Goodman
as Mrs. Stimler
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Shecky Green
as Mr. Buyrite
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Richard B. Shull
as Dr. Ross
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Royce D. Applegate
as Buckwalter
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Bobby Di Cicco
as Jerry
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Joe Cirillo
as Sgt. Munson
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Patrick Cronin
as Michaelson
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Lee Delano
as Sgt. Lelandowski
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Jack Denton
as Man by Elevator
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Tony di Benedetto
as Tim the Doorman
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Jeff Doucette
as Junior
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Darryl Edwards
as Reporter
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Pierre Epstein
as Dr. Hess
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Corki Grazer
as Wife
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Joe Grifasi
as Manny
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Jack Hallett
as Reporter
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Clint Howard
as Wedding Guest
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Rance Howard
as McCullough
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Amy Ingersoll
as Reporter
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Jodi Long
as Reporter
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David Knell
as Claude
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Ron Kuhlman
as Man with Date
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Tony Longo
as Augie
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Louisa Marie
as Girl at Wedding
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James Ritz
as T.V. Dept. Manager
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Bill Smitrovich
as Ralph Bauer
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Charles Walker
as Michaelson's Partner
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Valerie Wildman
as Wedding Guest
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Than Wyenn
as Mr. Ambrose
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Lowell Ganz
as Stan the Tour Guide
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Fred Lerner
as Husband
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Babaloo Mandel
as Rudy
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Howard Morris
as Dr. Zidell
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David Nelson
as Lt. Ingram
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Tom Toner
as Parilli
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Nora Denney
as Ms. Stein
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Jason Late
as Young Freddie
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Clare Peck
as TV Reporter
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Lou Tiano
as Bartender
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Richard Dano
as Wedding Guest
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Fil Formicola
as Policeman
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Ronald F. Hoiseck
as Dr. Johanssen
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Charles Macaulay
as The President
- Nancy Raffa
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Eileen Saki
as Dr. Fujimoto
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Christopher Thomas
as Wedding Guest
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Nick D'Elia
as TV News Truck Driver
- Shecky Greene


