Fletch is a 1985 comedy mystery film, based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Gregory Mcdonald. The film stars Chevy Chase as Irwin "Fletch" Fletcher, a journalist who constantly gets in trouble with his boss Frank Walker, played by Richard Libertini.
Fletch's latest story is about the drug trade in Los Angeles, and he goes undercover to investigate. While on the beach, he is approached by Alan Stanwyk, a wealthy businessman who mistakes Fletch for a homeless man. Stanwyk offers Fletch $50,000 to assassinate him, claiming that he has a terminal illness and wants to go out on his own terms. Intrigued by the offer, Fletch decides to investigate Stanwyk and finds out that the businessman is connected to the drug trade he is investigating.
Along the way, Fletch adopts various disguises to gather information and to avoid getting caught by the police. He also gets involved with Stanwyk's wife Gail, played by Dana Wheeler-Nicholson, who is suspicious of her husband's behavior.
As Fletch uncovers more about the drug trade and Stanwyk's involvement, he realizes that he is in over his head and his life may be in danger. With the help of Gail and his friend Chief Karlin, played by Joe Don Baker, Fletch must unravel the conspiracy and bring those responsible to justice.
Fletch was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $50 million at the box office. Chevy Chase's performance as Fletch was praised, and the film spawned a sequel, Fletch Lives, in 1989.