The Only Two Movies Starring Chevy Chase And Goldie Hawn: Why Their Box Office Magic Ended So Quickly

Despite their undeniable on-screen chemistry, comedy icons Chevy Chase and Goldie Hawn only starred together in a mere two films, creating one of Hollywood's most intriguing "what ifs" in the romantic comedy genre. As of December 2025, their collaborations remain a fascinating, albeit brief, chapter in 70s and 80s cinema. Their films, *Foul Play* (1978) and *Seems Like Old Times* (1980), perfectly captured the transition from the New Hollywood era to the blockbuster comedy age, blending Hitchcockian suspense with the quick-witted dialogue of a classic screwball comedy.

The enduring popularity of these two movies is evidenced by recent media attention, including the 4K Blu-ray revival of *Foul Play* and Goldie Hawn's appearance in the recent documentary, *I'm Chevy Chase and You're Not*, which premiered on CNN. This renewed focus highlights the unique blend of star power that made their limited partnership so memorable, leaving fans to wonder why they never teamed up for a third hit.

The Comedy Titans: Complete Biography and Career Highlights

To truly appreciate the power of their joint film projects, one must first look at the individual careers that converged for these two cinematic gems. Both actors were at the peak of their comedic influence when they made their joint films.

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Chevy Chase: The King of Deadpan and Slapstick

• Full Name: Cornelius Crane Chase
• Born: October 8, 1943, in New York City, New York, U.S.
• Nickname Origin: His grandmother nicknamed him "Chevy" after the wealthy community of Chevy Chase, Maryland.
• Career Start: Began as a comedy writer for the Smothers Brothers and *National Lampoon*.
• Breakthrough: Became the first breakout star of NBC's *Saturday Night Live* (SNL) in 1975, famous for his 'Weekend Update' segment and signature opening line, "Live from New York, it's Saturday Night!"
• Key Filmography (Selected): *Caddyshack* (1980), *National Lampoon's Vacation* (1983), *Fletch* (1985), and the TV series *Community* (2009–2014).
• Recent Update: Featured in the 2026 CNN documentary *I'm Chevy Chase and You're Not*, which includes an interview with Goldie Hawn.

Goldie Hawn: The Winsome, Ditzy Blonde with a Heart of Gold

• Full Name: Goldie Jeanne Hawn
• Born: November 21, 1945, in Washington, D.C., U.S.
• Career Start: Began as a professional dancer before transitioning to acting.
• Breakthrough: Gained fame on the sketch comedy show *Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In* in the late 1960s.
• Major Accolades: Won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in *Cactus Flower* (1969).
• Key Filmography (Selected): *Cactus Flower* (1969), *The Sugarland Express* (1974), *Private Benjamin* (1980), *Overboard* (1987), and *The First Wives Club* (1996).
• Personal Life: Has been in a long-term relationship with actor Kurt Russell since 1983.

1. Foul Play (1978): The Romantic Neo-Noir Comedy Thriller

*Foul Play* was the first and most successful pairing of Chevy Chase and Goldie Hawn, a true box office sleeper hit that cemented Chase's transition from television to film stardom. The film masterfully blended multiple genres, a daring move that paid off handsomely with critics and audiences alike.

Plot and Premise

The film centers on Gloria Mundy (Goldie Hawn), a recently divorced San Francisco librarian who becomes entangled in a bizarre, deadly plot after a casual encounter with a mysterious hitchhiker. She witnesses a murder that no one else believes, leading her on a frantic search for a hidden roll of film and a conspiracy to assassinate the Pope. Chevy Chase plays Tony Carlson, a wisecracking, clumsy San Francisco police detective assigned to her case, whose initial skepticism gives way to a romantic partnership as they navigate a series of increasingly absurd and dangerous situations.

Topical Authority and Key Entities

• Director/Writer: Colin Higgins, who also wrote *Harold and Maude* and directed *9 to 5*.
• Supporting Cast: The film featured an unforgettable performance by Dudley Moore as Stanley Tibbets, a sexually frustrated man who repeatedly attempts to seduce Gloria.
• Genre Blend: It is a perfect example of a romantic neo-noir comedy thriller, heavily influenced by the suspense and paranoia of Alfred Hitchcock's films, particularly *The Man Who Knew Too Much*.
• Box Office Success: The film was one of the biggest box-office successes of 1978, proving Goldie Hawn's drawing power and establishing Chevy Chase as a major leading man.
• Critical Reception: Critics praised the chemistry between Hawn and Chase, noting Hawn's "totally charming" performance as the damsel in distress and Chase's natural, dry humor.

2. Seems Like Old Times (1980): The Pure Screwball Comedy

Following the massive success of *Foul Play*, the pairing of Goldie Hawn and Chevy Chase was quickly reunited for a second feature. *Seems Like Old Times* attempted to recapture the magic, this time leaning heavily into the classic screwball comedy genre, reminiscent of 1930s and 40s Hollywood.

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Plot and Premise

The film shifts away from the thriller elements and focuses on a classic love triangle setup. Goldie Hawn stars as Laura Gardenia, a compassionate public defender. Chevy Chase plays her ex-husband, Nick Gardenia, a hapless writer who is forced to rob a bank after being kidnapped and is now on the run. The complication arises because Laura is currently married to the highly respected and straight-laced District Attorney, Ira Parks, played by the brilliant Charles Grodin. Nick seeks refuge with Laura, forcing her to hide him from her husband and the police, leading to a series of comedic misunderstandings and frantic near-misses.

Topical Authority and Key Entities

• Writer: The screenplay was penned by the legendary playwright and screenwriter Neil Simon, known for his witty dialogue and mastery of comedic timing.
• Director: The film was directed by Jay Sandrich, a veteran television director known for his work on classic sitcoms like *The Mary Tyler Moore Show* and *The Cosby Show*.
• The Grodin Factor: Charles Grodin's performance as the exasperated, straitlaced husband is often cited as the comedic highlight, stealing scenes from the two leads and providing the perfect foil for their chaotic energy.
• Genre: It is a direct homage to classic screwball comedies, focusing on fast-paced dialogue, mistaken identity, and farcical situations.
• Reception: While critically mixed, the film was a moderate commercial success, further proving the financial viability of the Hawn-Chase pairing, even if it didn't reach the heights of *Foul Play*.

The Burning Question: Why Only Two Films?

The biggest mystery for fans of 70s and 80s comedy is why such a successful and popular on-screen partnership ended after just two movies. The answer lies in a combination of timing, career trajectories, and the nature of Hollywood stardom.

1. Conflicting Career Trajectories

Following the success of *Foul Play* and *Seems Like Old Times*, both stars' careers exploded with individual mega-hits. Chevy Chase solidified his status as a bankable star with the *National Lampoon's Vacation* series and the *Fletch* franchise. Goldie Hawn produced and starred in her own major hits, including the Oscar-nominated *Private Benjamin* and the enduring romantic comedy *Overboard*. Their individual schedules became too demanding and their star power too immense to easily coordinate another joint project. They became two of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood, making a third collaboration a logistical nightmare.

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2. The Challenge of Topping the First Hit

*Foul Play* was a unique, genre-bending film that hit at the perfect cultural moment. While *Seems Like Old Times* was a financial success, it was perceived by many as a more conventional, albeit expertly written, screwball comedy. The pressure to find a third script that could recapture the original's unexpected magic—a mix of romantic chemistry, Hitchcockian suspense, and slapstick humor—was likely a major factor. Hollywood is often hesitant to risk a third film if the second doesn't significantly outperform the first.

3. The Documentary Connection: A Recent Reunion

While they never made a third movie, their professional respect and friendship have endured. In a fresh update for fans, Goldie Hawn appeared in the recent CNN documentary about Chevy Chase, *I'm Chevy Chase and You're Not*, which aired on January 1, 2026. Her participation, along with other key collaborators like Dan Aykroyd and Martin Short, serves as a testament to their lasting connection and the positive impact of their brief, but brilliant, cinematic partnership.

Ultimately, the two films starring Chevy Chase and Goldie Hawn are a perfect time capsule of late 70s and early 80s romantic comedy. They stand as a testament to the power of star chemistry, proving that sometimes, two perfect films are enough to create a timeless cinematic legacy.