When his long-suffering schoolteacher girlfriend Betsy (Sarah Jessica Parker) threatens to leave him if he doesn’t marry her, small-time gumshoe Jack Singer (Nicolas Cage) – who is terrified of commitment – breaks a promise he made to his dying mother that he would never wed, and proposes.
But when the two arrive in Las Vegas for the quickie ceremony, Jack loses Betsy for a weekend in a bad $60,000 bet with mobster Tommy Korman (James Caan) after a game of poker.
Initially disgusted, Betsy becomes captivated by Korman, leaving Jack having to fight to win her back.
Director Andrew Bergman remains a much-underrated talent and expertly blends the classic elements of farce with a healthy dash of eccentricity to produce a delightful comedy.
Bergman largely steers clear of the gloopy sentimentality that blights so many other romantic comedies and stages a stunning finale with parachuting Elvis impersonators.
There are also some fine supporting performances from the distinguished cast, which includes Anne Bancroft, Peter Boyle, and Seymour Cassel.
Jack Singer
Nicolas Cage
Tommy Korman
James Caan
Betsy Nolan/Donna
Sarah Jessica Parker
Mahi
Pat Morita
Johnny Sandwich
Johnny Williams
Sally Molars
John Capodice
Sidney Tomashefsky
Robert Costanzo
Bea Singer
Anne Bancroft
Chief Orman
Peter Boyle
Roy
Burton Gilliam
Vern
Brent Hinkley
Lyle
Dean Hallo
Tony Cataracts
Seymour Cassel
Sid Feder
Jerry Tarkanian
Eddie Wong
Keone Young
Niko
Danny Kamekona
Chris
John Mcmahon
Laura
Lisa Ann Poggi
Walter
Ben Stein
David
Teddy Bergman
Director
Andrew Bergman