Sunburn is a stylish and sunny murder mystery that takes full advantage of its beautiful Acapulco setting and a star-studded cast. The film introduces us to Jake (Charles Grodin), a cynical and down-on-his-luck private investigator who accepts a shady assignment from a mysterious client.
The job requires him to go undercover in the Mexican resort town to investigate the disappearance of an insurance client.
His mission gets a glamorous upgrade when he is joined by Ellie (Farrah Fawcett), a beautiful model posing as his wife to help with the investigation.
As they immerse themselves in the high-society world of wealthy tourists and shady ex-pats, they uncover a web of deceit and murder.
The investigation leads them to a cast of colorful characters, including a retired private eye named Marcus (Art Carney) who offers his unsolicited advice, the alluring and formidable socialite Nera (Joan Collins), and a series of suspicious individuals played by seasoned actors like William Daniels, John Hillerman, and Keenan Wynn.
With a plot full of red herrings and double-crosses, the film keeps Jake and Ellie on their toes as they navigate dangerous situations.
The film also features an early appearance by Seymour Cassel.
The film was based on the 1970 novel, The Bind by Stanley Ellin.
Farrah Fawcett in Sunburn (Photo/Paramount Pictures)
Reception for Sunburn
Sunburn grossed $2.4 million in its theatrical run.
Gene Siskel gave the film two out of four stars in his review, saying “The result is a two-hour Charlie’s Angels episode that seems unnecessarily complicated.”
Legacy
The film’s legacy is largely tied to its status as a star vehicle for Fawcett at the peak of her popularity following Charlie’s Angels. While it was not a critical darling, it remains a beloved artifact of late 1970s cinema, celebrated for its playful tone and stunning visuals.
It perfectly captures a bygone era of jet-setting glamour and lighthearted mystery.
Sunburn is not a film that redefined its genre, but it stands as an entertaining time capsule, remembered fondly for its charismatic lead performances and its escapist, sun-drenched setting.
