Under the Rainbow Poster

Under the Rainbow 1981

★ 5.138 votes98 min📅 1981-07-31

"Who knew so many little people would throw such a huge party?"

Set in the wartime bustle of 1940s Los Angeles, "Under the Rainbow (1981)" follows a hotel manager who entrusts his nephew with the reins of the Culver Hotel for a single weekend.

Director: Steve Rash

Cast

Chevy Chase
Chevy Chase
Bruce Thorpe
Carrie Fisher
Carrie Fisher
Annie Clark
Eve Arden
Eve Arden
The Duchess
Joseph Maher
Joseph Maher
The Duke
Robert Donner
Robert Donner
The Assassin
Billy Barty
Billy Barty
Otto Kriegling
Mako
Mako
Nakomuri
Cork Hubbert
Cork Hubbert
Rollo Sweet
Pat McCormick
Pat McCormick
Tiny
Adam Arkin
Adam Arkin
Henry Hudson

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Under the Rainbow (1981) about?

This 1981 comedy unfolds when a hotel manager leaves his nephew in charge of the Culver Hotel for a weekend. A series of disastrous overbookings turns the place into a lively hub of royalty, spies, and eccentric guests, all while a secret agent and a casting director find romance amid the confusion.

Who directed Under the Rainbow?

Steve Rash directed this chaotic comedy, infusing the film with a lively, over-the-top energy that matches its wartime Los Angeles setting.

Who stars in Under the Rainbow?

The film stars comedy icon Chevy Chase alongside Carrie Fisher, veteran actress Eve Arden, and supporting roles from Joseph Maher and Billy Barty.

Is Under the Rainbow (1981) worth watching?

While it may not be a blockbuster, "Under the Rainbow" offers a fun, nostalgic ride for fans of classic comedies. Its blend of slapstick humor, wartime charm, and a touch of romance makes it a quirky pick for viewers who enjoy lighthearted, old-school fun. As an IMDb-unrated film from 1981, it's best suited for those seeking a breezy escape rather than high-stakes drama.

How long is Under the Rainbow?

The runtime for "Under the Rainbow (1981)" is 98 minutes.

About Under the Rainbow (1981) — A Wartime Comedy Where Chaos Meets Romance

Set in the wartime bustle of 1940s Los Angeles, "Under the Rainbow (1981)" follows a hotel manager who entrusts his nephew with the reins of the Culver Hotel for a single weekend. What begins as a lighthearted experiment—renaming the venue the Hotel Rainbow and wildly overbooking it—quickly spirals into a madcap circus of royalty, spies, and eccentric guests. Directed by Steve Rash with a playful eye for chaos, the film blends slapstick humor with a touch of wartime intrigue, all wrapped in the golden glow of classic Hollywood charm. Chevy Chase and Carrie Fisher lead a cast that leans into the absurdity, while the hotel's over-the-top occupancy turns every corridor into a stage for unexpected encounters and romantic sparks.

At its heart, the movie is a love letter to the unpredictability of life, where every guest—from secret agents to tiny visitors—brings their own flavor of madness. The atmosphere crackles with the energy of a bygone era, where even the smallest decisions can spark a chain reaction of hilarious consequences. With its mix of fast-paced comedy and whimsical storytelling, "Under the Rainbow (1981)" captures the magic of a moment when everything feels possible, even in the midst of global upheaval.