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One Small Hitch
One Small Hitch
One Small Hitch
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One Small Hitch
Theatrical released poster
Directed byJohn Burgess
Written byDode B. Levenson
Produced by
  • John Burgess
  • Brett Henenberg
Starring
CinematographyTari Segal
Edited byRyan Koscielniak
Distributed byFreestyle Releasing
Release dates
  • November 8, 2012 (2012-11-08) (CIFF)
  • February 6, 2015 (2015-02-06)
Running time
105 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

One Small Hitch is a 2012 American romantic comedy film directed by John Burgess and written by Dode B. Levenson.[1] Shane McRae stars as Josh Shiffman, who learns that his father is dying and his only regret is that he will not get to meet the woman who will one day become his son's wife. Desperate to fulfill his dad's final wish, Josh claims that he already met that woman, Molly Mahoney, who is played by Aubrey Dollar.

Plot

[edit]

Molly Mahoney is going home for her mother's wedding, and is bringing her boyfriend Lance to meet her family. Knowing they will be skeptical of him if she tells them he's in a band, she doesn't tell them anything about him, including his name. En route to the airport she discovers he's married and breaks up with him. At the airport, Molly meets up with Josh Shiffman, her brother's playboy best friend from childhood, as he is also flying from LA to Chicago for the wedding.

While waiting at the airport with Molly, Josh receives a call from his parents and learns that his dad, Max, is expected to die of cancer in the next 6 months. His father says that his only regret is not seeing the woman his son would marry. Josh, in a moment of panic, says that it is Molly. She agrees to play along for the weekend.

At Molly's mother's wedding, Josh reconnects with a former flame, Giselle Brousard. After telling her the truth about the fake engagement, they begin a friends with benefits relationship. While Molly says the relationship isn't a problem, she eventually begins to feel jealous of Giselle. Josh's parents ask Josh and Molly to stay longer to help with Josh's family's framing shop, as Max's health is failing. They agree, and the family starts to plan the wedding. Josh continues to see Giselle, and Molly tries to date other men.

One night, Josh is with his dad who asks him if he's happy with Molly, stating that being truly in love means you can be yourself with the other person. Josh replies that he is more comfortable with Molly than anyone else he knows. The same night, Molly attends her surprise bachelorette party where Molly describes Josh as one she could spend the rest of her life with. Josh overhears this and walks away in confusion before he is discovered. That night, they have sex. The next day, as they jokingly register for their wedding, Josh and Molly run into Giselle. Josh and Giselle flirt and Molly is upset.

Later, in front of their parents, Molly ends the engagement, saying she can't do this anymore. Josh chases after her and she admits that she loves him, returns his grandmother's ring, and leaves. Josh ends the "benefits" part of his relationship with Giselle and confesses he may love Molly.

Meanwhile, Josh's father has what the family thinks is a heart attack. Josh and Giselle rush to the hospital where Molly and the family are waiting. Josh's mother angrily reveals she knew he was having an affair and is horrified that he would bring Giselle to the hospital. Josh finally admits the truth; that he and Molly are not engaged.

After much yelling, Josh admits that he loves Molly. Molly, surprised, punches him. When Josh regains consciousness, he proposes to Molly. She accepts and they kiss. After a fade to black, we see Josh and Molly in the delivery room as they have their first baby. They name him Max.

Cast

[edit]

Release

[edit]

One Small Hitch premiered at the California Independent Film Festival on November 8, 2012.[citation needed]

It was released theatrically in the United States on February 6, 2015.[2]

Reception

[edit]

The Radio Times rated it 2/5 stars and called it a "by-the-numbers romantic comedy".[3]

Awards

[edit]
  • Best Picture Comedy – California Independent Film Festival (2012)[4]
  • Best Production Design – Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival (2012)[5]
  • Best Picture Comedy – Cinequest (2013)[6]
  • Best Picture Comedy – Sedona International Film Festival (2013)[7]
  • Best Feature Film – Omaha Film Festival (2013)[8]
  • Audience Award – Bahamas International Film Festival (2013)
  • Best Ensemble Cast – Chicago Comedy Film Festival (2013)
  • Best Screenplay – L.A. Comedy Film Festival (2013)[9]
  • Best Director – Laugh Or Die Film Festival (2013)[10]
  • Best Director – Stony Brook Film Festival (2013)[11]
  • Rising Star – Naples International Film Festival (2013)[12]
  • Audience Award – Durango Film Festival (2014)[13]
  • Special Jury Commendation – Durango Film Festival (2014)[13]
  • Award of Excellence – Accolade Competition (2014)[14]

Soundtrack

[edit]
  1. "White Dress" – Ben Rector
  2. "Cold Shoulders" – Gold Motel
  3. "Spirit Of Waste" – Goodbye Satellite
  4. "Little Horn" – Suns
  5. "The Joker" – Ives The Band
  6. "Hearts Don't Beat Right" – New Cassettes
  7. "Take It Easy" – Francis
  8. "Hymn 101" – Joe Pug
  9. "421" – The Wildbirds
  10. "Hiding – This Is Me Smiling
  11. "Falling Apart" – The Sleeptalkers
  12. "Beam Me Up" – Go Back To The Zoo
  13. "Puppet" – Brian Lee
  14. "Stay" – Dot Dot Dot
  15. "Chupacabra" – Flatbed Orange
  16. "Now The Rabbit Has The Gun" – Now The Rabbit Has The Gun
  17. "For Your Love" – Marching Band
  18. "Dope Fiend" – Jaime Wyatt
  19. "Right Or Reason" – The Blissters
  20. "Closer" – Sabrosa Purr
  21. "Both Young & Wild" – Aktar Aktar
  22. "Safe & Sound" – Capital Cities
  23. "Poison & Wine" – The Civil Wars
  24. "One Day" – Erin Martin
  25. "Terrified" – Kevin Andrew Prchal
  26. "Stockholm" – Brian McSweeney
  27. "Jag Alskar Dig" – Volcanoes Make Islands
  28. "Under Your Wings I'll Hide" – Immanu El
  29. "This Is For You" – David Dunn
  30. "Made in Hollywood" – Puppet

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

One Small Hitch

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
One Small Hitch is a American film directed by John Burgess and written by Dode B. Levenson. The story centers on lifelong friends Josh Shiffman (played by ) and Molly Mahoney (), who, while flying to for a , agree to pretend they are engaged to comfort Josh's terminally ill father. This ruse spirals into complications as real feelings develop between the pair, blending humor with themes of , , and budding romance. The film features a supporting cast including as Josh's ex-girlfriend, in a key role, with filming primarily taking place in to capture the wedding and family dynamics. Premiered in 2012, it received a in 2015 before going , exploring the tension between familial expectations and personal authenticity, drawing comparisons to classic rom-com tropes like those in . Critically, One Small Hitch received mixed reviews, holding a 17% critics' approval rating on (based on 6 reviews), with the consensus praising its heartfelt moments but critiquing the predictable plot; the audience score is 63%. On , it scores 6.5 out of 10 from over 5,600 user ratings, with viewers appreciating the chemistry between McRae and Dollar amid the film's lighthearted tone. The movie is available on streaming platforms like (as of 2025), appealing to fans of feel-good romantic comedies.

Production

Development

The screenplay for One Small Hitch was written by Dode B. Levenson, drawing inspiration from his personal experiences with wedding preparations and the pressures of family expectations during that time. Levenson completed an early draft around the late 2000s, refining it amid his own marital transitions to infuse the story with emotional realism about fabricated relationships in familial contexts. John Burgess, a Chicago native and first-time feature director after graduating from USC's film school, optioned the script and collaborated with Levenson on rewrites to balance comedic elements with the sensitive theme of illness, aiming to create an authentic low-budget romantic comedy rooted in Midwestern family dynamics. Development progressed through the early , with pre-production focusing on leveraging Illinois' 30% film tax credit to enable a localized shoot emphasizing 's urban and suburban authenticity. Produced by Principle Entertainment under an independent LLC structure, the project faced funding challenges amid the economic downturn, prompting Burgess to self-finance much of the production by selling his condo and taking out mortgages, while raising $125,000 through stock sales to community members, for an estimated $500,000 budget. This constrained approach prioritized cost efficiency through Chicago-based production, including the use of local casting directors to assemble supporting talent from the regional theater scene while sourcing leads from . Production began in 2012, setting the stage for the film's festival the following year.

Filming

Principal photography for One Small Hitch took place primarily in , Illinois, during 2012. The independent production, directed by Chicago native John Burgess, utilized the city's urban and residential settings to evoke an authentic local atmosphere. Key filming locations included the Jazz Showcase at 806 S. Plymouth Court for musical performance scenes, 22 W. Hubbard Street to depict bustling urban environments, and 934 W. Roscoe Street for interior family home sequences. Additional shots featured the Renaissance Blackstone Chicago Hotel's Crystal Ballroom, overlooking Grant Park and Michigan Avenue, highlighting the city's architectural landmarks. A portion of the production also occurred in to open the story in a Hollywood context. The shoot employed a predominantly local Chicago crew, including casting director Claire Simon, to leverage regional talent and resources for the low-budget endeavor, which benefited from Illinois' 30% film tax credit. This approach supported the film's intimate romantic comedy tone while minimizing logistical expenses through on-location shooting.

Narrative and characters

Plot

One Small Hitch follows the story of childhood friends Josh Shiffman and Molly Mahoney, who reconnect on a flight from Los Angeles to Chicago after years apart. When Josh learns that his father is terminally ill and expresses regret over not seeing his son settled down, the two impulsively decide to pretend they are engaged during the trip, hoping to bring some comfort to the family. This ruse is timed with their arrival for Molly's mother's remarriage, setting the stage for a weekend filled with family gatherings. Upon landing in , the fake engagement quickly draws the attention of both families, leading to a series of light-hearted misunderstandings and escalating complications as they navigate wedding preparations and personal revelations. The narrative unfolds linearly over a few days, blending comedic errors—such as awkward introductions and impromptu celebrations—with deeper emotional moments centered on family bonds and unspoken feelings that begin to emerge between and Molly. Amid the chaos of the wedding events, their pretense starts to blur the lines between friendship and romance, highlighting interpersonal dynamics through humorous and heartfelt interactions. The film's 105-minute runtime emphasizes these evolving relationships and the whimsical pitfalls of their deception, all set against the backdrop of Chicago's vibrant urban environment.

Cast

The cast of One Small Hitch centers on an ensemble that blends national leads with Chicago-based performers, creating a grounded family dynamic central to the film's tone. leads as Josh Shiffman, the protagonist who navigates personal and familial pressures through an unexpected ruse. co-stars as Molly Mahoney, Josh's longtime friend whose quick thinking draws her into the central deception. Their chemistry anchors the story's exploration of friendship turning romantic amid wedding chaos. Supporting roles deepen the family interplay, with portraying Max Shiffman, Josh's ailing father whose wishes propel the narrative. Janet Ulrich Brooks plays Frida Shiffman, Josh's supportive mother who adds emotional warmth to the household scenes. On Molly's side, embodies Art Burke, a meddlesome parental figure influencing the wedding festivities, while Mary Jo Faraci appears as Doreen Mahoney, Molly's mother whose remarriage event brings the families together. Additional supporting players include as Sean Mahoney, a in the lively Mahoney clan, and as Carla Mahoney, contributing to the bustling ensemble of relatives and wedding guests. The casting emphasized local Chicago talent for supporting roles to capture authentic Midwestern flavor, complementing the leads selected through broader searches. This approach fostered strong group chemistry, evidenced by the film's win for Best Ensemble Cast at the 2013 Chicago Comedy Film Festival.

Release and commercial performance

Premiere and distribution

One Small Hitch had its world premiere at the California Independent Film Festival on November 8, 2012. The film continued on the festival circuit with screenings at the Stony Brook Film Festival in July 2013 and the Kansas City FilmFest in April 2013. It also received a limited international premiere in on July 19, 2013. Following its festival run, the film achieved a in the United States on February 6, 2015, starting in and select urban markets through independent distributors , with a focus on audiences. The low-budget indie production influenced this targeted rollout strategy. Home media distribution included a DVD release on February 10, 2015, along with Blu-ray availability. As of 2025, the film is accessible via streaming on platforms such as and .

Box office

One Small Hitch had an estimated of $500,000, characteristic of independent films with constrained resources. The film earned $7,965 at the domestic in the United States and . Its opening weekend grossed $5,328 on February 8, 2015, across a limited release in 10 theaters. Internationally, the film generated $12,735, primarily from markets like , bringing the worldwide theatrical gross to $20,700. In terms of market performance, it ranked among the lowest-grossing domestic releases, reflecting the challenges faced by niche romantic comedies with minimal marketing and limited theatrical distribution. Despite the low , the film's overall financial returns were modest, underscoring its limited wide appeal in traditional metrics.

Music

Score

The original score for One Small Hitch was composed by Cody Westheimer.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack of One Small Hitch incorporates several licensed songs from independent artists. These tracks punctuate key scenes, blending and folk elements. Prominent featured songs include "White Dress" by , which plays during the opening and closing credits. "Cold Shoulders" by Gold Motel plays as Josh gets in a cab and Molly tries on a dress. The drive to the airport features "Spirit of Waste" by Goodbye Satellite. "Hearts Don't Beat Right" by New Cassettes is heard when Molly cries in the airport bathroom. Additional tracks include "Hymn #101" by , which plays during a on the plane, and "Hiding" by This Is Me Smiling, heard at a get-together. No official was released; the songs gained visibility primarily through the film's and curated streaming playlists on platforms like .

Reception

Critical response

One Small Hitch received mixed reviews from s, who often highlighted its adherence to conventional elements while acknowledging some engaging aspects of its performances and setting. On , the film has a 17% Tomatometer approval rating based on 6 reviews, contrasted by a 63% score. The limited consensus describes it as relying on formulaic rom-com tropes but buoyed by the charming leads. Key reviews underscored these divides. characterized the film as "sweet but predictable," noting its typical structure. Similarly, the deemed it "overly familiar," critiquing its frantic energy and lack of fresh ideas in the genre. Positive remarks in other outlets praised the authenticity of its backdrop and the warmth of the , including Daniel J. Travanti's understated performance as the ailing father. Common praises centered on the strong on-screen chemistry between leads and , which lent charm to the central romance, as well as the heartfelt family moments that provided emotional grounding. Reviewers also appreciated the effective use of locations to enhance the story's familial and cultural dynamics. Criticisms frequently targeted the clichéd plot, uneven pacing that dragged in early scenes before picking up, and a general lack of originality within the indie rom-com landscape, with some noting stereotypical portrayals of the Irish Catholic and Jewish families. Overall, the reception was mixed, appealing more to audiences seeking than to critics looking for innovation; as of 2025, it holds an user rating of 6.5/10 from over 5,000 votes.

Awards

One Small Hitch received several awards at independent film festivals, primarily recognizing its comedic elements and direction, though it did not garner major national or international accolades such as Oscar or Golden Globe nominations, aligning with its status as an indie production. At the California Independent Film Festival in 2012, the film won the Slate Award for Best Feature . It also secured the Director's Choice Award for Best and the Jury Award for Best Feature at the same event. In 2013, One Small Hitch won Best Director for John Burgess at the Stony Brook Film Festival. Additionally, the received the Best Ensemble Cast award at the Chicago Comedy Film Festival that year. These early festival successes, including wins at the California Independent and Stony Brook events, contributed to the film's visibility on the circuit and helped facilitate its limited theatrical distribution in 2015. The recognitions highlighted the film's strengths in comedy writing and ensemble performance.

References

  1. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/one_small_hitch
  2. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1937269/
  3. https://www.amazon.com/One-Small-Hitch-Shane-McRae/dp/B00SML5BGC
  4. https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/one-small-hitch
  5. https://www.kcjc.com/section-blog/1819-news/archived-news/1856-kc-filmfest-features-award-winning-film-by-jewish-screenwriter
  6. https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/making-things-up-without-a-hitch-387419
  7. https://popcornandvodka.com/2013/02/27/john-burgess-director-one-small-hitch/
  8. https://achicagothing.com/chicago-based-movie-one-small-hitch-to-hit-theaters/
  9. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1937269/locations/
  10. https://dceo.illinois.gov/whyillinois/film/filminginillinois/madein/2010s.html
  11. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/one-small-hitch-film-review-770853/
  12. https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-one-small-hitch-review-20150206-story.html
  13. https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/one-small-hitch
  14. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/one-small-hitch
  15. https://www.tvguide.com/movies/one-small-hitch/cast/2030085186/
  16. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/166879-one-small-hitch/cast
  17. https://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue0617/One-Small-Hitch.html
  18. https://patch.com/new-york/portjefferson/stony-brook-film-festival-unveils-its-2013-lineup
  19. https://www.scene-stealers.com/reviews/print-reviews/kc-filmfest-2013-one-small-hitch-movie-review/
  20. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1937269/releaseinfo/
  21. https://www.fandango.com/one-small-hitch-163872/movie-overview
  22. https://www.blu-ray.com/dvd/One-Small-Hitch-DVD/98784/
  23. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt1937269/
  24. https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/One-Small-Hitch
  25. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0922755/
  26. https://www.whatsong.org/movie/one-small-hitch
  27. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1937269/soundtrack/
  28. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7aacONE92q0dx3qGzWPj8D
  29. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1937269/awards/
  30. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1623943/awards/
  31. https://www.tvguide.com/movies/one-small-hitch/2030085186/
  32. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0266990/awards/
  33. https://www.broadwayworld.com/monaco/article/Festival-Hit-ONE-SMALL-HITCH-Coming-to-Theaters-in-February-20141216
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