In See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Dave Lyons is a deaf man who runs a small retail kiosk in New York. Although Dave can’t hear, he is proficient in lip reading.
One day, after placing an advert for an assistant, Dave meets Wally Karew. Wally is a fiercely independent blind man looking for work.
After some initial confusion, the pair hit it off and start working together at Dave’s kiosk. But shortly into their working relationship they find themselves in the midst of a murder.
Between the two of them, Dave and Wally saw and heard enough of the murder to have key information about the crime. However, they are unable to prove their innocence while locked up at police headquarters.
Determined to clear their names, Dave and Wally bust themselves out of custody and go on the run. But can they get to the bottom of the situation before the police or the killers catch up with them?
Directed by Arthur Hiller, See No Evil, Hear No Evil is a comedy thriller starring Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder. Originally released in 1989, the film was the third collaboration (of four) between Pryor and Wilder, following 1976’s Silver Streak and 1980’s Stir Crazy (and eventually followed by Another You in 1991).
As with its predecessors, See No Evil, Hear No Evil was a financial success, however, unlike the two previous Pryor/Wilder team-ups it wasn’t a critical hit. The film received mixed reviews upon release, with criticism largely aimed at the story, suggesting it was a weak link.
But is this a completely fair assessment of the film? Well, the story isn’t always the strongest, but for the most part it is perfectly fine.
The narrative provides Pryor and Wilder with plenty of opportunities to goof off, and the end result is something which at times is hilarious. See No Evil, Hear No Evil was a gas back in ‘89 and it remains a chuckle-filled caper today!
The chemistry between Pryor and Wilder is superb and the real selling point of this movie. Every scene they share is hilarious and their interplay is unmatched.
All the way through the film, both actors have a ball with their characters and clearly enjoy the material. They also bounce off each other at every opportunity, delivering some hilarious scenes along the way.
Highlights include a bar fight, a scene with ice cream cones, and a short sequence when Dave and Wally get mugshots. The initial meeting between the duo is also excellent, with neither aware of the other person’s disability.
It’s fair to say See No Evil, Hear No Evil does lose a little steam during the final third of the film, but there’s enough laughs and goodwill to smooth over a few bumps. Pryor and Wilder maintain comedic consistency throughout and See No Evil, Hear No Evil is a great example of the mirth and magic they brought to the screen.
Should you wish to check out See No Evil, Hear No Evil, so you can have your ribs tickled, the film is currently available on DVD. The movie is also available on digital.
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