Life Stinks

Life Stinks is an American comedy-drama about a billionaire who agrees to live as a homeless person in order to win a bet. The movie was written, directed, and produced by Mel Brooks. In the movie, Brooks portrays businessman Goddard Bolt. A conceited businessman whose main goal is making money, Goddard eyes a worn-down Los Angeles slum to purchase for redevelopment, tearing down many homes in the process. However, Goddard hits a roadblock in the form of his rival Vance Crasswell (Jeffrey Tambor). Eager to own the parcel of land as well, Crasswell proposes a wager with Goddard - spend one month living on the streets to prove he's a smart enough businessman. The rules are; Goddard has to live without money, not tell anyone who he is, and wear an electronic tracking bracelet.

Agreeing, Goddard is let out of a limo with only the clothes on his back. Meanwhile, Crasswell tries to make the experience as miserable as possible for him. Goddard is befriended by a number of skid row inhabitants, including Fumes and Sailor (Theodore Wilson and Howard Morris). He also meets and falls in love with Molly (Lesley Ann Warren), a former Broadway dancer who seems slightly unhinged.

Goddard eventually adapts to his life on the streets and is regretful when he's ready to return to a normal life. However, things don't go as planned, he finds out that Crasswell had no intention on Goddard winning the bet. Enlisting the assistance of Fumes and Molly, Goddard leads a small army of skid row inhabitants to confront Crasswell as a business party.

Life Stinks was produced by Brooks Films and distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). The film premiered in July of 1991 and was rated PG-13.