L.A. Story, (released in theaters on Feb. 8, 1991) is a sparkling romantic comedy focused on Harris K. Telemacher (Steve Martin) is a television weatherman suffering from a deep sense of professional and personal malaise.
Living in a hyper-stylized version of Los Angeles, Harris spends his days pre-recording weather reports for sunny skies and navigating a vapid relationship with his social-climbing girlfriend, Trudi (Marilu Henner).
His life takes a magical turn when a digital freeway condition sign begins to communicate with him, offering cryptic advice on his love life.
Following the sign’s celestial guidance, Harris begins to pursue Sara (Victoria Tennant), a sophisticated British journalist who is visiting the city and finds its quirks utterly baffling.
As Harris attempts to win Sara’s heart, the plot meanders through the absurdities of Southern California culture, from grueling restaurant reservation “auditions” overseen by a haughty maître d’ (Patrick Stewart) to the frantic pace of the local dating scene.
Along the way, Harris is briefly diverted by SanDeE* (Sarah Jessica Parker), a bubbly, roller-skating quintessential “L.A. girl” whose youthful energy provides a comedic contrast to Sara’s understated elegance.
The film features a delightful ensemble, including Harris’s agent (Kevin Pollak), Sara’s eccentric ex-husband (Richard E. Grant), and an appearance by Iman as Cynthia.
Directed by Mick Jackson (The Bodyguard) and written by Martin himself, the story is a blend of slapstick, satire, and genuine magical realism, culminating in a literal change in the atmosphere that proves love can conquer even the most artificial of environments.
L.A. Story also featured uncredited cameo appearances by Chevy Chase, Woody Harrelson, Paula Abdul, Martin Lawrence, and Rick Moranis.
Sarah Jessica Parker and Steve Martin in L.A. Story (Photo/Tri-Star Pictures)
Reception for L.A. Story
L.A. Story grossed $6.6 million on its opening weekend, finishing second behind Sleeping with the Enemy ($13.8 million).
The film would gross $28.9 million in its theatrical run.
Roger Ebert gave L.A. Story four out of four stars in his review.
Legacy
L.A. Story‘s legacy is its reputation as one of the most affectionate and intelligent satires ever produced about Los Angeles.
Unlike many films that mock the city’s superficiality with bitterness, Martin’s script approaches the subject with a whimsical, almost Shakespearean sense of wonder, blending high-brow literary references with broad physical comedy.
It remains a definitive career highlight for Martin, showcasing his transition from a “wild and crazy guy” to a sophisticated comedic auteur capable of deep emotional sincerity.
The film is also remembered for its iconic, dreamlike cinematography and its ethereal Enya-infused soundtrack, which helped create a version of L.A. that feels both recognizable and mythological.
Over the decades, it has become a cherished cult classic, particularly among those who appreciate its unique brand of optimism and its assertion that beneath the smog and the vanity, there is a soulful, magical heart beating in the center of the city.
