The Pick-up Artist is a 1987 American romantic comedy drama film produced and distributed by 20th Century Fox, written and directed by James Toback, starring Molly Ringwald and Robert Downey Jr. in the lead roles. Synopsis Randy Jensen (Ringwald) is a smart, independent tour guide who beats womanizer Jack Jericho (Downey Jr.) at his own game. After a quick fling, her indifference only causes him to become smitten with her. Randy is too busy for romance, trying to keep her alcoholic gambler father, Flash Jensen (Hopper), out of harm's way. Jack's persistence soon pays off when he offers to help rescue Randy's dad from the mob. Cast Molly Ringwald as Randy Jensen Robert Downey Jr. as Jack Jericho Dennis Hopper as "Flash" Jensen Danny Aiello as Phil Harper Mildred Dunnock as Nellie Harvey Keitel as Alonzo Scolara Bob Gunton as Fernando Portacarrero Brian Hamill as Mike Tamara Bruno as Karen Vanessa L. Williams as Rae, Girl with Dog Angie Kempf as Jack's Student Polly Draper as Pat, Jack's Colleague Victor Argo as Harris Frederick Koehler as Richie Robert Towne as Stan Victoria Jackson as Lulu Lorraine Bracco as Carla Fred Melamed as George Joe Spinell as Eddie Daniel Smith as Casino Cashier Christine Baranski as Harriet, Woman on Bus Production James Toback wrote the film for Warren Beatty who liked the script but was reluctant to play a character driven by his erotic compulsions. Toback then considered Robert De Niro but ultimately decided the role should be played by a younger actor. The film was at Paramount. Then in 1984 Beatty bought it and set up the production at Fox. Toback says the film was "not even remotely" based on Beatty. "The guy in the script chases after people. Warren always has people chasing after him." It was Toback's fourth film as director. He says his first three "were all dark movies that ended unhappily. Now I'm taking a vacation from dread and gloom. If you were casting Pick Up Artist 30 years ago you would have wanted Cary Grant and Irene Dunne. No two actors would have been more wrong for my other movies." Reception Critical response The film has gained generally mixed reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes the film holds a 61% rating based on 23 reviews. Box office The film opened at number 5 at the US Box Office. Home media The film was released on Laser Disc