Hot Stuff (1979 film)

Hot Stuff is a 1979 American comedy film directed by Dom DeLuise, who also stars in the lead role. The film revolves around a group of police officers in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, who establish a phony "fence" operation as a sting to trap criminals.

The plot follows Ernie Fortunato (Dom DeLuise), a somewhat bumbling police officer, who accidentally discovers a hidden room perfect for a sting operation. He convinces his superiors to allow him to run the operation, and they set up a storefront called "Hot Stuff," dealing in stolen goods. The store becomes surprisingly popular with local criminals, leading to a series of humorous situations and escalating tensions as the police try to maintain their cover and ultimately catch a bigger fish.

The film features a cast including Suzanne Pleshette, Jerry Reed, Ossie Davis, and Marc Lawrence. It is known for its slapstick humor and comedic performances. Hot Stuff received mixed reviews upon its release but has since gained a cult following. While not a critical darling, it remains a notable entry in Dom DeLuise's directorial filmography and a product of late 1970s comedy cinema.