{Editor's Note: This is a semi-regular series of high-water mark performances that spans movies, television, books and life its ownself.}
"What's your name?"
"Bend over."
"Nice to meet you Ben."
Lines like this uttered by most actors would be marginally funny at best. However, with Chevy Chase as Fletch the lines pop, laughter ensues and you find yourself repeating the lines with your friends later in the day and laughing all over again.
Choosing a peak performance for one of Comedy's elder statesmen was a difficult task. However, after a thorough examination of his body of work and a quiet evening of solemn contemplation, I can say with confidence that Chevy Chase's best work was as Irwin Fletcher. 
In both films, Chase plays the perfect fast talking, wise ass reporter. 
The films themselves are well done and well written with interesting plots. However, the real driving force in the movie is the character of Fletch. And Chevy Chase makes Fletch work.
They have kicked around the idea of making a Fletch prequel and several names have been thrown around in rumors to be the new Fletch. Ben Affleck was mentioned several times before he inflicted Gigli and a string of box office poison pills on the public. Now the name I see the most is Jason Lee. Lee is a closer fit than Affleck by far, but I really hope that they just don't make a new Fletch movie. Nobody will be better than Chevy Chase. Nobody.
--JWS
Damn straight.
By the way, I always thought Mrs. Stanwyk (chick in the pic of your post) was one of the more underappreciated hot chicks from the 80's.
I'm a huge fan of Chevy Chase.
I honestly think I've loved everything I've ever seen him in. Very funny guy...
You're right...nobody can top Chevy Chase in those roles. Can you imagine anyone else playing the dad in "Vacation"?
You're right, no body can do it like Chevy Chase. I've enjoyed all movies and shows that star him. I"m a big fan of the Griswalds Vacation stuff too. For some reason in Australia they show all the Vacation episodes on Christmas eve. Who knows why lol.
Ahhh...Chevy Chase. My hero.
one of the funniest movies..ever.
Dr. Rosenpenis, the mattress police. love it.
Jason Lee WAY better than Affleck. Honestly, I still don't know how Affleck's name pops up for anything.....
But agree with all of the above. No Fletch prequel.
I don't think we need any more movies of old TV shows, or hits from 70s or 80s. What are these people doing out there in Hollywood? Why can't they come up with NEW hits instead of churning out the idea, "HEY! Let's make a no-brainer Dallas MOVIE" or "HEY! Let's RE-make the hit movie, Fletch - but BEFORE Fletch!"
Ugh.....
To all - I'm glad to see that there is so much Chevy Chase love out there. He's been doing dreck like Snow Day for so long, I fear taht many people forget his wonderfully funny achievments.
To Carmel - Deciding between Fletch and Vacation was the toughest part of this segment of UotM. I believe I chose correctly though.
--JWS