The Pick-up Artist (1987)

My Review

Robert Downey Jr. and Molly Ringwald star in “The Pick-up Artist,” a romantic comedy about a womanizer who falls for a girl whose indifference towards him only make him want her more.

Director-screenwriter James Toback (“Bugsy” 1991) put together this smooth motion picture reminiscent of the 1940’s screwball comedies. The talented supporting cast includes Dennis Hopper, Danny Aiello, Harvey Keitel, Bob Gunton, Robert Towne. It was filmed in New York City and Atlantic City.

“The Pick-up Artist” is a watchable film and a modest hit at the box office for producer Warren Beatty and 20th Century Fox. It featured early big screen appearances by future stars Victoria Jackson, Lorraine Bracco, and Christine Baranski. It also marked the final film role for Mildred Dunnock, whose first part was in 1944’s “The Invisible Man’s Revenge.” She played Downey’s grandmother in this picture.