Get Shorty (HBO)

About Get Shorty (HBO)

Released in 1995, "Get Shorty" is an American crime-comedy film based on Elmore Leonard's novel of the same name. The plot follows a tough-talk Miami mobster who travels to Los Angeles to collect a debt from a low-budget film producer, only to find himself in the Hollywood movie business.

Making / Production

"Get Shorty" is directed by Barry Sonnenfeld and produced by Danny DeVito's company, Jersey Films, and MGM. The screenplay was written by Scott Frank, who brought Leonard's humour and dialogue out in the best possible ways.

Actors

• John Travolta as Chili Palmer: An enforcer for the mob who finds himself drawn to Hollywood life and film production.
• Gene Hackman as Harry Zimm: A sleazy Hollywood producer who owes the mob.
• Rene Russo as Karen Flores: Harry's ex-lover and a current B-movie actress.
• Danny DeVito as Martin Weir: A big-time actor who ends up being in Chili's movie.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• John Travolta reportedly accepted the role of Chili Palmer only after Quentin Tarantino personally recommended the script to him.
• The role of Martin Weir, played by Danny DeVito, was initially offered to Warren Beatty, who turned it down.
• The original novel by Elmore Leonard was inspired by the author's own experiences in Hollywood.

Awards

"Get Shorty" won the prestigious Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for John Travolta's stunning performance as Chili Palmer.

Quotes

• "I'm not gonna say the name of it on the phone. You know how these people are." - Chili Palmer
• "I don't go to movies. Too much make-believe." - Ray Bones
• "Look at me, Harry. Take a good look at me. This is as good as I'm gonna look." - Karen Flores

Music, Soundtrack

• "Stink" - John Lurie
• "Green Onions" - Booker T. & the MG’s
• "Chili Hot" - Us3