Written by Andrew Bergman, from the novel by Gregory Macdonald, and directed by Michael Ritchie, FLETCH opens. Dir. Michael Ritchie. Chevy Chase shines in signature role as insouciant LA-based investigative reporter trading disguises, alter-egos & a steady stream of wise-ass, deadpan rejoinders with a motley collection of drug traffickers and crooked cops. With Joe Don Baker, Richard Libertini and Tim Matheson.