Weekend at Bernie's

The story follows Larry and Richard, insurance agents who uncover that their boss Bernie has been killed by criminals involved in insurance fraud. Instead of reporting the death, they try to maintain the illusion that Bernie is alive by moving his body around, leading to comedic scenarios involving mistaken identity and danger. The film's plot centers on the duo's increasingly desperate attempts to keep up the charade while evading a hitman sent to finish Bernie off.

Weekend at Bernie's was produced by Gladden Entertainment and directed by Ted Kotcheff. The cast includes Andrew McCarthy and Jonathan Silverman as the two employees, with Terry Kiser playing the titular Bernie, whose physical comedy as the lifeless body is key to the film's humor. Catherine Mary Stewart and Don Calfa also appear, adding to the ensemble.

The film's production involved creative physical comedy and practical effects to simulate Bernie's movement, often requiring careful choreography and timing. Terry Kiser’s performance as the dead Bernie earned a lasting place in pop culture, with his character’s stiff movements becoming iconic.

Collectors find Weekend at Bernie's available across multiple physical formats including VHS, DVD, Blu-ray, and other editions. Its availability in various releases allows fans to appreciate different packaging and distribution histories. The film also spawned a sequel and a collection set, making it a notable entry for collectors interested in late 1980s comedy or cult films involving crime and slapstick elements.

Weekend at Bernie's remains a reference point for dark comedies involving corpse humor and is often cited for its unique narrative approach and memorable physical comedy.