Expert: Barbara L. Baker - 10/3/2005

Question
Dear Barbara,
For some reason I am having a very difficult time finding information on a particular "stupid" comedy movie. It starred a couple of zany brothers (I can't for the life of me remember their names but they were listed as the 'something' brothers) and I believe it came out in the late 80's or early 90's. Stars Martin Landau and Chuck Connors were also in the movie but no filmography of theirs seems to list this movie (NOT that I blame them). In it the brothers try to solve paranormal problems including a hilarious botched exorcism. Anything you can come up with would be truly appreciated.
Thanks,
Dan

Answer
This sounds somewhat like "Strange Brew" (aka "The Adventures of Bob and Doug McKenzie:  Strange Brew") a Canadian film from 1983, starring "the McKenzie Brothers" (aka Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas).  In some ways this film is a precurser to "Dumb and Dumber," since the characters are esp. stupid.  "Bob & Doug" were developed first as comedy skits on the old SCTV, and this film was their only full-length appearance, as far as I can tell. Its also the only film I found (so far) starring zany "brothers" who are credited that way in the titles, except for the much earlier Marx Brothers films.

However, I'm doubtful that this is the movie you are looking for, for several reasons.  Clearly this film is not late 1980s but early 1980s.  Martin Landau & Chuck Conners are not listed on the cast list (but might be uncredited cameos). The famous actor Max von Sydow does play a big role.  Its been awhile since I've seen this film, but the plot description is closer to a very bent version of "Hamlet," which is not the same as what you've provided--indeed, your plot description seems somewhat like "Ghostbusters," but I know that isn't the film! In "Strange Brew," the "brothers" work for a beer company, and one of the jokes involves consuming a giant vat of beer.

So, if this isn't the film, is there any other information you can provide that might help me locate it?  Could it have been a TV show instead of a film?  Do you recall any other people or events from it?  Any additional information would be helpful.  I'll also keep looking, but it may take awhile (currently doing mid-terms in my classes).