Tricks of the Trade

The mystery part of this made-for-TV flick is better than the comedy routines, most of which fall flat, though there are a few skits that tickle the funny bone, such as the shootout in a sex toy shop. To enjoy the show, the viewer must accept John Ritter as a philandering stockbroker crafty enough to foil big time wise guys; Markie Post as a Hollywood hooker named Marla, without a pimp or madam; and Cindy Williams as Catherine Todsen, the most naive woman since Doris Day was a virgin. If you can dig this, then you should enjoy the shenanigans of the two opposites, Marla and Catherine, trying to solve the mystery of who killed the husband/lover Donald Todsen (John Ritter), gunned down in the line of duty (while being serviced by Marla). Add to this pot of mirth two of the dumbest cops since Rosewood and Taggart in "Beverly Hills Cops," and you have a dukes mixture that works part of the time.

Though this film predates the big hit "Pretty Woman" by two years, its depiction of prostitution is just as far-fetched, Marla being viewed as a victim of society's pliers and philosophizing about the virtues of being a streetwise harlot. Only once does Catherine bring up the ugly subject of such negative aspects of the trade as disease. Marla makes a short rationalization in reply then changes the subject. Making such a virile and demeaning profession glamorous is questionable, especially when it is compared to the dreary, boring, unexciting lifestyle lived by Catherine.

"Tricks of the Trade" as a double entendre is an apropos title since Marla uses her tricks of the trade to track down the killer and uncover the hidden loot. The viewer may also be surprised when the real murderer is revealed at the end.

I saw this being filmed when I was fourteen. I was down for summer vacation from Washington State. My brother took me to Hollywood to get drunk. I think we were on either Sunset or Hollywood Blvd when I saw a movie set. My brother was pretty wasted and didn't realize the two hookers he was chatting up were Cindy Williams and Markie Post! I was a huge fan of Night Court at the time and I was STOKED!! I never realized this movie was released because I assumed it was a feature film. I will try to get it from NetFlix now that I know it was actually finished, plus it's got John Ritter! I was surprised as hell to even find it on here! I was watching an episode of Scrubs featuring Markie Post, that's what jarred my memory and instigated this comment on a movie I'VE NEVER SEEN!!

Although this was a made for TV film I would have recommended you go see it even if it had been released at the box office. What's not to like with three bona fide TV stars such as Cindy Williams (Laverne & Shirley), Markie Post (Night Court, and Hearts Afire), and John Ritter (Three's Company, and John Ritter), starring in this made for TV comedy/mystery film.

A murder takes place and the prissy well to do Catherine Todsen (Cindy Williams) teams up with the hot looking street savvy hooker (Markie Post) to solve the murder of Catherine's stockbroker cheating husband Donald Todsen (John Ritter). Simply put it's a murder mystery comedy with some funny scenes and great acting. A "should see" film.

It's a cute funny movie in the similar vein of Michael Keaton/Henry Winkler's successful 1982 comedy Night Shift.

They are not making any more John Ritter films any more. RIP John. You are greatly missed.

Cigarette smoking stock broker Don Todsen (John Ritter) is cheating on his wife Catherine (Cindy Williams). He is having a long-lasting affair with a prostitute named Marla (Markie Post). One night while he is over at her place he is shot and killed. There is no rhyme or reason as to why he was killed. So, the two of the most unlikely of partners in Williams and Post match up to solve the case. Along the way some secrets about Don are revealed.

A good TV movie from the late 80s. Williams and Post work well together and Williams is quite funny and brings some laughs out. More of an adult aimed TV movie due to some of the content. But, it is mostly shown in a comic light.

Pretty darn good for a made-for-TV comedy/mystery. After her husband (John Ritter)is found murdered in the apartment of his prostitute mistress(Markie Post), a very naive young woman(Cindy Williams)joins forces with the hooker to solve the murder. The two run into trouble with some bad guys that have unfinished business with the dead man.

Also in the cast are: Jack Nance, James Whitmore Jr. and Chris Mulkey.