Wrongfully Accused starring Leslie Nielsen opened in theaters on August 21, 1998, roughly five years after its inspiration, “The Fugitive” starring Harrison Ford. Unfortunately, it did not follow in the successful footsteps of “The Fugitive” as “Wrongfully Accused” grossed $3.5 million in its opening weekend in 12th place and just ahead of “Armageddon” starring Bruce Willis that was in its eighth week of release.
“Wrongfully Accused” was the latest in the line of parody films starring Nielsen beginning with “Airplane!” and “The Naked Gun” series that also included “Repossessed” (1990), “Dracula: Dead and Loving It” (1995), “Spy Hard” (1996), and “2001: a Space Travesty” (2000).
Ironically, Nielsen appeared in two episodes of the 1960s series version of “The Fugitive.”
Nielsen stars as world-famous violinist Ryan Harrison (a play on Harrison Ford’s name and his character Jack Ryan from “Patriot Games” and “Clear and Present Danger”), who attends a party at the home of millionaire Hibbing Goodhue (Michael York) following one of his concerts. Goodhue’s seductive wife Lauren (Kelly LeBrock) summons Harrison to their home the following evening and when he arrives, Goodhue has been killed by Sean Laughrea, a one-armed, one-eyed, one legged man. Harrison ends up framed for the murder.
Harrison is arrested and convicted for the murder, but escapes from his prison transport following an accident.
Lieutenant Fergus Falls (Richard Crenna) arrives on the scene and vows to do whatever it takes to capture the fugitive ala Sam Gerard in “The Fugitive” while Harrison remains at-large and searches for the real killer and his accomplice.
Crenna, best known for his role as Col. Trautman in the Rambo series alongside Sylvester Stallone, as well as “Body Heat” (1981), “The Flamingo Kid,” (1984), and “Jade” (1995), also had a history in the popular parody film genre in “Hot Shots! Part Deux” (1993) with Charlie Sheen and Lloyd Bridges. His role as Fergus Falls would be his last theatrical role before he passed away in 2003.
“Wrongfully Accused” was the directorial debut of Pat Proft, a prolific screenwriter with credits including “Police Academy” starring Steve Guttenberg, “Bachelor Party” starring Tom Hanks, “Real Genius” starring Val Kilmer, both entries in the “Hot Shots!” series and all three of “The Naked Gun” films.
The long list of films that are spoofed in “Wrongfully Accused” includes “Mission Impossible,” “The Usual Suspects,” “Titanic,” “Up in Smoke,” “Braveheart,” “North by Northwest,” “Fatal Attraction,” “Field of Dreams,” “Anaconda,” “JFK,” “Star Wars,” and the popular syndicated series “Baywatch.” While on the run, Nielsen’s character also comes in contact with America’s Most Wanted host John Walsh.
Entertainment Weekly called “Wrongfully Accused” “sloppy, tired, obvious, and overdone” in its opening week C+ review.
Variety‘s review said “Nielsen seems to be suffering the weight of too many films with second-rate material and road-company casts” and “the best gags pop up in the closing credits, which should tell you something about what precedes the finale,” so keep that in mind when watching the 85 minute film.
“Wrongfully Accused” currently has a 19% rating with critics and 57% with audiences on Rotten Tomatoes.
WRONGFULLY ACCUSED (Rated PG-13)
Scale of 1-10: 5
