the corpse that got away
Meet Roger and Dennis (Chris Cairo and Ray Revello, respectively), the least likely hitmen to get the job done right. Tasked with a straightforward poison plot, they find themselves navigating a cascade of mishaps and missteps. As the stakes get hilariously high, they must deal with unexpected twists, mistaken identities, and a knack for making a simple job spectacularly complicated. Can they navigate a world of square bagels and botched jobs, or will this duo's luck run out with the credits?
Behind the Scenes
The Corpse That Got Away occupies a unique place in the Dollars & Donuts filmography, not only for its chaotic humor but also for the pivotal role it played in the group’s creative evolution. Directed by Daryl Della in 2009, the project was a remake of a short film Ray Revello had originally created in 2007 for his film class. That first version, shot on super16mm, ended abruptly when the film stock ran out, ironically during its climactic scene. Despite its incomplete state, the title and concept lingered in both filmmakers' minds, eventually becoming the basis for their reunion after a brief falling out.
The remake began with Daryl and Ray locking themselves in Daryl’s bedroom to hammer out a full script in under an hour. The setting—Wasa Wasa Sushi House, owned by Ray’s Circuit City co-worker Andrew Song’s family—became the creative backbone of the story. Knowing the unique layout of the location, including a garage, a winding stairwell, and a dining area, allowed the duo to envision scenes with cinematic detail. Characters like “The Texan,” played by Becker Von Felsburg, emerged spontaneously during the writing process, inspired by Becker’s larger-than-life personality.
“You poisoned the wrong drunk!”
- Dennis, The Corpse That Got Away
This film served as a proving ground for many of the team’s core players, setting the stage for their continued evolution within the Dollars & Donuts roster. Chris Cairo, a longtime collaborator, finally landed a full-fledged part as Roger, a hapless hitman. Lorenzo Ocon, known previously for Jackass-style antics and hidden camera stunts, made his scripted debut as Andrew, a role originally intended for Andrew Song. Meanwhile, Richard Castromayor, often relegated to background roles or cameos, stepped up with his first major speaking part, signaling the start of more expanded roles to come.
Ambition extended to practical effects, with the crew creating their first on-screen blood splatter in a single shot. Brian Grima, a co-worker of Daryl’s at Office Depot, designed a DIY blood cannon using PVC pipes and a Pepsi bottle. Tested late at night in schoolyards to avoid messy cleanups, the device brought a new level of special effects to the team.
The Corpse That Got Away was a turning point in storytelling and production for Dollars & Donuts. The team’s improvisational beginnings evolved into a more deliberate approach, combining in-depth characters, unique locations, and practical effects. Despite its rough edges—what Daryl affectionately describes as “looking like shit and sounding like shit”—the film laid the groundwork for the group’s more polished future projects.
The film also marked a major milestone for Dollars & Donuts: their first official premiere party. The Corpse That Got Away debuted at The Comet Club in San Francisco on November 25, 2009, giving the crew their first taste of showcasing their work in a public setting. The premiere was a moment of validation, cementing the team’s commitment to creating bold, irreverent films that pushed the boundaries of what they could achieve.
dollars & donuts continuity
The Corpse That Got Away receives a notable callback in the Dollars & Donuts universe through a reference in 2010’s Something Else. During a scene in which Bill Bixler watches TV, a news anchor recounts the events of the film, describing the string of homicides that occurred at the Wasa Wasa Sushi House. The segment includes audio of the Texan’s unmistakable and wild “Yeeee-HAAAAWWW!” echoing through the broadcast.
Want to see how this chaotic nod ties into the larger Dollars & Donuts universe? Check out Something Else next and catch the madness unfold!