Off and Running

Off and Running is a 1991 American comedy mystery film directed by Ed Bianchi, written by Mitch Glazer, and starring Cyndi Lauper and David Keith. Orion Pictures originally had plans to give this movie a wide release but due to the company's financial problems at the time, the movie went straight to video in United States. However, in United Kingdom in was released in theaters on June 12, 1992 by Rank Film Distributors.

Plot
Lauper stars as a mermaid-themed lounge singer and actress who gets involved with a caring but troubled man (played by Jose Perez). Because of his involvement with horse racing and breeding (and consequent mafia ties), the man is murdered in front of her, and she goes on the lam to escape his killers. On the way, she takes on the company of a professional golfer and a rebellious pre-teen boy, and together they attempt to unravel the mystery behind her slain lover's past.

Release
The film was not widely distributed and coasted into notability mainly because of Lauper's involvement. It is generally available on VHS for less than a dollar. The film fared far better in other countries where Lauper's popularity has sustained.

In Germany and Japan it was released under the title Moon Over Miami.

Reception
Film critic Derek Elley from Variety gave it a negative review writing: A lame meld of comedy, thriller and romance, “Off and Running” doesn’t make it far out of the starting blocks.... With her pretzel voice and offbeat looks, Lauper still shows evidence of being a passable screwball thesp given a decent script and director, but she gets neither here.