How to Beat the High Cost of Living

PG

Released Jul 11, 1980

1 hr. 50 min.

Comedy

List

Reviews

42%

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Audience Score

A female trio of longtime friends once had happy lives, but now the dregs of suburbia and economic hardships are getting to them. Divorcée Jane (Susan Saint James) is dating the financially lacking Robert (Fred Willard), and she gets pregnant despite their lack of money. Elaine (Jane Curtin) is broke after her recent divorce. And Louise (Jessica Lange) is struggling with a failing business. In the midst of these problems, the seemingly average women hatch a plan to rip off a local mall.

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Audience Member

The funniest romantic comedy ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/28/23

Full Review

Audience Member

To answer the titular question: Invent a time machine, because this feels dated, especially next to The Dab's other 1980 feminist satire.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

01/30/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I went with 2 stars for this movie, Idk if I would give it more stars though. I seen it once and I think that I would watch it again. 80's comedy that seems dated but the concept of the high cost of living remains the same. Kinda funny and silly alright movie known actors and a SNL type vibe to it. A group of ladies rob a giant money ball filled with money and chaos happens 2 stars.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

01/16/23

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Audience Member

The movie still holds up and so do the themes of just getting by financially. Great performances and fun script.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/24/23

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Audience Member

I think it's funny; lots of cute, young actors who became stars later. It's just silly and charming AND I lived in Eugene at the time but I don't remember them filming this.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/20/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Pretty funny. Curtin's major feature debut.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/19/23

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Robert Scheerer

Director

Susan Saint James

Jane

Jane Curtin

Elaine

Jessica Lange

Louise

Richard Benjamin

Albert

Fred Willard

Robert

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How to Beat the High Cost of Living: Official Clip - I Need a Thousand Dollars

2:23

How to Beat the High Cost of Living: Official Clip - No Money, No Glory

2:04

How to Beat the High Cost of Living: Official Clip - Suing Your Wife

1:54

How to Beat the High Cost of Living: Official Clip - The Electric Company

1:59

How to Beat the High Cost of Living: Official Clip - Cash Grab

1:36

How to Beat the High Cost of Living: Official Clip - Impromptu Striptease

2:07

How to Beat the High Cost of Living: Official Clip - Safeway Stick-Up

2:03

How to Beat the High Cost of Living: Official Clip - Counting the Loot

2:24

How to Beat the High Cost of Living: Official Clip - Picking Up the Check

1:27

How to Beat the High Cost of Living: Official Clip - Divorce by Answering Machine

2:07

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Synopsis

A female trio of longtime friends once had happy lives, but now the dregs of suburbia and economic hardships are getting to them. Divorcée Jane (Susan Saint James) is dating the financially lacking Robert (Fred Willard), and she gets pregnant despite their lack of money. Elaine (Jane Curtin) is broke after her recent divorce. And Louise (Jessica Lange) is struggling with a failing business. In the midst of these problems, the seemingly average women hatch a plan to rip off a local mall.

Director: Robert Scheerer
Executive Producer: Samuel Z. Arkoff
Screenwriter: Robert Kaufman
Production Co: American Internat'l Pics
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 11, 1980, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 16, 2008

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