See No Evil, Hear No Evil reunites the iconic comedic duo of Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder for a fourth and final time, delivering a premise ripe for physical comedy and witty banter. The film takes a classic “wrongly accused” plot and injects it with a unique twist, as two sensory-impaired men become the unwitting witnesses to a murder.
The story introduces Wally Karue (Pryor), who is blind, and Dave Lyons (Wilder), who is deaf. The two men meet when Dave hires Wally for a job at his newsstand. Their immediate personality clash leads to a series of comical misunderstandings, but their lives take a dramatic turn when a murder occurs right outside Dave’s newsstand. Dave “sees” the killer’s legs but doesn’t hear the gunshot, while Wally “hears” the shot but doesn’t see the perpetrator.
This bizarre set of circumstances makes them the prime suspects in the eyes of the police.
However, the real killers, a ruthless hit-woman named Eve (Joan Severance) and her cold-blooded accomplice Kirgo (Kevin Spacey), are also hot on their trail, determined to eliminate the two “witnesses” before they can reveal anything.
Wally and Dave, despite their disabilities and their constant bickering, are forced to go on the run, relying on each other’s senses and their combined street smarts to evade both the police and the assassins.
Their escape leads to a series of increasingly absurd and hilarious situations, as they try to communicate what they know to a world that doesn’t believe them. The humor largely stems from their unique perspectives and the creative ways they overcome their individual challenges, often with chaotic and unintended consequences.
The film builds to a climactic chase and confrontation where their unlikely partnership is put to the ultimate test.
The film was directed by Arthur Hiller.
This is the third of four films featuring Pryor and Wilder, following Silver Streak (1976) and Stir Crazy (1980) and preceding Another You (1991).
Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder in See No Evil, Hear No Evil (Photo/TriStar Pictures)
Reception for See No Evil, Hear No Evil
See No Evil, Hear No Evil grossed $7.1 million on its opening weekend, finishing No. 1 at the box office.
The film would gross $46.9 million in its theatrical run.
Legacy
See No Evil, Hear No Evil is remembered for its stars, innovative premise, blend of slapstick and verbal humor, and the genuine warmth that often shines through the characters’ squabbles.
It stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of two comedic legends who, despite their individual struggles, could consistently create magic together on screen, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and a reminder that even in the darkest situations, humor and human connection can prevail.
