Tin Men

A great classic about rival aluminum salesmen in the 1960’s. Richard Dreyfuss and Danny De Vito along with a strong supporting cast deliver a great performance that was in theaters in 1987, but is set in 1960’s era in Baltimore.

What was Sales like back in the 50s and 60s selling aluminum siding well this gives you an idea but it's got a whole lot of other things that will make you laugh. Are you kidding Danny DeVito Richard Dreyfus very funny movie and I love the soundtrack by the Fine Young Cannibals.

I've watched this film at least 3 times over a couple of decades or more, and find it more moving and delightful each time. I've introduced others to it, and they have similar feelings. It's dramedy at its very best. It does have a lot of moving parts that grind for the better part of the story but somehow mesh satisfactorily at the end. I know this movie is well-loved by many, but I feel that it is neglected a bit in serious circles. I never see it listed in "Best Films of… lists" anywhere.

I don't recall what initially drew me to this movie. The one-sheet (poster) doesn't give away much in the way of plot, so I assumed it was a film about used car salesmen in the era of "shark fins." I did know that the pairing of one of my favorite (and underrated and under-appreciated) actors Richard Dreyfuss with Danny DeVito was a plus, and this teaming did not disappoint! It's the story of two aluminum siding salesmen (Tin Men) in 1960's Baltimore. DeVito accidentally bumps into Dreyfuss's new Caddy and from there these two build into the greatest game of one-upsmanship since Sam Sheepdog and Ralph Wolf met in "Looney Tunes land!" They both sparkle here, but Dreyfuss shows more character depth when he vengefully seduces DeVito's wife, and unexpectedly really falls in love with her. The scene where he tells her the truth of while he slept with her originally , but is now in love with her,is portrayed with such honesty that you can forgive this man for doing this most heinous act.Barbara Hershey, as DeVito's wife, delivers a fine performance as well, as she portrays a woman who feels "trapped" with an unlucky, lovable loser, but in a nice twist, isn't in love with Dreyfuss either. Underlying all of this is the pressure these men face, on a daily basis, to sell a product that people really don't want or feel they need. The weekly, liquor soaked meetings where they are harangued by an intimidating J. T. Walsh, gives us an unflinching glimpse into what drives the desperation that these men carry along with their samples. Overall this film is a finely crafted character study by the always solid Berry Levinson.

After a minor fender bender and a heated argument, two men become locked in a battle of 'one upping' each other in a quest for revenge. Written and directed by Barry Levinson (Diner, Avalon, Rain Man, Wag the Dog), Tin Men stars Richard Dreyfuss as Bill "BB" Babowsky and Danny DeVito as Ernest Tilley.Set around 1962, the title, Tin Men, refers to aluminum siding salesmen. This is the profession of both BB and Tiley, although they work for rival companies. Throughout the movie, we are treated to different shady tactics employed by these salesmen to peddle their wares. A wonderfully funny movie, Dreyfuss and DeVito play their parts so well, taking two fairly unscrupulous characters and making them somewhat likable. They are supported by an excellent cast including Barbara Hersey as Tilley's wife, John Mahoney, Jackie Gayle, Seymour Cassel, and Bruno Kirby.The main crux of the movie revolves around BB and Tilley going back and forth, supported by subplots involving a failing marriage, an investigation by a governmental agency into improper business tactics, and a budding romance. The film did slow down a little near the end in tying up the various plot threads, but that mattered little to me, as it's a treat to see so much talent properly utilized. The casting is dead on, the dialog truly quotable and seemingly appropriate for the time, and the direction very professional. The musical score was well chosen, but I did wonder about the use of the band Fine Young Cannibals. Their signature song, Good Thing, fit the scene it was in nicely, but I've always had a bit of an issue with the use of contemporary music in movies set in the past. I'd rather see music of the period incorporated, with credit going to the artists of the time.The movie is presented in wide screen, and extras include a trailer, a deleted scene, and a commentary with most all major contributors to this movie, except Danny DeVito. I haven't had a chance to listen to the commentary, but given the people involved, I'll venture to bet it's pretty entertaining and informative.

This is the second story in the Baltimore trilogy. The first part is "Diner" and the third is "Avalon". I like them all, but this is a personal favorite as it brings back memories of my childhood in the 60s.

Good entertainment great topic

This film has one of the absolute best screenplays I have ever seen in a motion picture. The dialogue is witty, thoughtful, intelligent, funny, and most of all...real. It has incredible verisimilitude.That dialogue is carried by two stars in top form: Richard Dreyfuss and Danny DeVito, as rival aluminum siding salesmen ("Tin Men") who get into a feud when their Cadillacs collide, and the stakes elevate to possession of the love of DeVito's wife, played by the luminous Barbara Hershey.A terrific supporting cast of John Mahoney, Brad Sullivan, J.T. Walsh, and Bruno Kirby help support this second act of Director/Writer Barry Levinson's "Baltimore Trilogy," and some of his messages are artfully and subtly placed -- bricks going over his iconic diner's shining wall, a pots-and-pans dealer driving his horse late in the movie, a McDonald's arch being assembled, hearings being held while work crews create a state government facility around the procedure, rows of tailfinned Cadillacs, all suggesting a society in flux, moving out of the muscular 50s and into the humbler and more complex 1960s.This film is a comedic delight, and just one of my absolute favorites.

A good fast paced amusing comedy

Oh boy......another film from the 80's I've been searching forever for. One of the greatest in my opinion comedies ever......with just a touch of dramatics. Dynamite cast and the interaction between the characters is hilarious and touching. Another one of these films few people saw but I'm so happy to add to my collection and share with friends who never saw it back then. And what a GREAT price!!!!!!!!! I couldn't believe it. Super mega fast delivery as well, Thank you to roundmedia for getting the movie which seems newly pressed and lookiing great. I couldn't be happier.

Quality if recording means that with surround sound sometimes the voices are over run by the music sound track. Very frustrating

Funnier than when I saw it the 1st time. Well worth the $5 spent

A superb movie which has never had the accolades its deserves - the 'brat pack' type banter is humourously excellent and Devito & Dreyfuss are brilliantly cast - their characterisations are Oscar winning worthy! Much like Shawshank Redemption which initally was never recognised but now is rightly regarded as masterful cinema, one day too, Tin Men also will be finally given its rightful place in the halls of fame of cinematic excellence!