How to Beat the High Cost of Living

How to Beat the High Cost of Living

105 mins | Comedy | July 11, 1980

Oregon, 1980: Jane, Elaine and Louise are all feeling the effects of inflation and cannot afford the high cost of living. Jane cannot afford a babysitter or get married and if she wants privacy with her boyfriend, she has to sleep in the car. Even worse, her war veteran father comes to live with her to turn her life upside down. Louise lives a happy life with her veterinarian husband, Albert. She runs an antique shop on the side, but since it doesn't take in any profit, the IRS considers it a hobby. She needs to come up with the money to keep it going, or she will be trouble with the IRS. Elaine's husband has left her for another woman and without any money. She is in a constant struggle with banks, power companies, and gas stations. She needs money to get by and also catches the eye of police officer Jack. The local mall is having a contest that features a giant money ball that states it will help fight the inflation.

How to Beat the High Cost of Living

105 mins | Comedy | July 11, 1980

How to Beat the High Cost of Living
Oregon, 1980: Jane, Elaine and Louise are all feeling the effects of inflation and cannot afford the high cost of living. Jane cannot afford a babysitter or get married and if she wants privacy with her boyfriend, she has to sleep in the car. Even worse, her war veteran father comes to live with her to turn her life upside down. Louise lives a happy life with her veterinarian husband, Albert. She runs an antique shop on the side, but since it doesn't take in any profit, the IRS considers it a hobby. She needs to come up with the money to keep it going, or she will be trouble with the IRS. Elaine's husband has left her for another woman and without any money. She is in a constant struggle with banks, power companies, and gas stations. She needs money to get by and also catches the eye of police officer Jack. The local mall is having a contest that features a giant money ball that states it will help fight the inflation.
IMDb rating 6.0
Producers Filmways Pictures, Cinema 77, American International Pictures, Stage III Productions
Original title How to Beat the High Cost of Living
Directors Ana Maria Quintana, Robert Scheerer
Writers Leonora Thuna, Robert Kaufman

Cast

Jane Curtin

as Elaine

Jessica Lange

as Louise

Richard Benjamin

as Albert

Eddie Albert

as Max

Cathryn Damon

as Natalie

Dabney Coleman

as Jack Heintzel

Fred Willard

as Robert

Art Metrano

as Gas Station Attendant

Ronnie Schell

as Bill Pike

Michael Bell

as Tom

Sybil Danning

as Charlotte

Al Checco

as Tim Lundy

Susan Tolsky

as Patty

Garrett Morris

as Power & Light Man

David Lunney

as Leon - Stage Manager

Michael K. Daly

as Sheriff - Antique Store

Byron Morrow

as Charlie Goldring

James "Izzy" Whetstine

as Eddie - Bartender

Jack Krupnick

as Man in Chevy

James Aday

as Richard - Architects' Office

Wesley Baldwin

as Billy

Sarah Leonard

as Laurie

Allan Warnick

as Steve

Robin Hickman

as Singing Salesman

Danielle Maye

as Shoe Salesman

Tom Morrison

as Shoe Salesman

Jane Van Boskirk

as Woman in Vets' Office

Jon Dickman

as Donald - Garage Sale

Bill Ritchie

as Festive Young Man - Garage Sale

Robert Canaga

as Man - Garage Sale

Stan Boyd

as Card Cronie

Jerry Zinnamon

as Card Cronie

Tom Gressler

as Card Cronie

Pip Miller

as Security Guard #1 (as Philip Miller)

Ralph Garrett

as Security Guard #2

Robert W. Talbot

as Security Guard #3

Harvey Lewis

as Process Server

Nanci Westerland

as Woman Civilian

Joan Schumacher

as Woman Civilian on Stage

Scott Barkhurst

as Man Civilian on Stage

Linda Hall

as Woman Civilian on Stage

Craig Jackson

as Man Civilian on Stage

Larry Woodruff

as Man Civilian on Stage

Colleen Murff

as Lady at Garage Sale

Jonathan Schwartz

as Shoe Salesman (as Jonathan Schwarz)

Wendy Shawn

as Assistant - Pageant

Cindy Douglas

as High School Student

Chris Strong

as Follow spot operator

Carmen Zapata

as Mama (uncredited)