Doctor Detroit

Doctor Detroit, directed by Michael Pressman and released in 1983, is a zany, spirited comedy that expertly leverages the comedic genius of Dan Aykroyd, as the film's lead, playing alongside a strong supporting cast including Howard Hesseman and Donna Dixon.

The film begins with a mild-mannered, bookish university professor named Clifford Skridlow, portrayed by Aykroyd. Skridlow teaches at the renowned and prestigious, though fictitious, Monroe College. He is your ordinary, mostly unnoticed academic who wouldn't seem out of place amidst the stacks of any university library, engrossed in recondite texts, and spewing jargon-laden lectures to half-interested students. However, Skridlow’s placid, peaceful, nerdy existence is about to drastically change, steering him towards an extraordinary path from which there will be no turning back.

Enter smoothly manipulative pimp, Smooth Walker, played by Hesseman. Smooth is an astute businessman, albeit a shady one, and a player in the city’s underground scene. However, he has a problem: Mom, a voracious mobster queen, has her eyes set on him for a debt that he cannot pay. To escape this predicament, Smooth invents a character named Doctor Detroit, a flamboyant figure ostentatiously replete with flashy accessories and a metal claw hand. Smooth cunningly intends to use this mythical figure as a diversion, setting up Doctor Detroit as the new patsy liable for his substantial debt.

The somewhat naïve Clifford Skridlow becomes entangled in this elaborate plan when he, through a series of comedic twists, unexpectedly finds himself having to assume the outrageous persona of Doctor Detroit. Despite being a far cry from his mundane academic life, Skridlow is uncannily talented at bringing this character to life in all its colorful, outrageous—sometimes downright bizarre—glory. This transformation places Skridlow in insane, hair-raising situations that you might never have imagined a strait-laced professor to be in.

There is depth in this laughter-filled ride too, as the film cleverly explores the duality of personality, the hidden side of every individual and the liberating role-play that can end up revealing the 'real' person beneath the inhibitions. The movie also subtly touches upon themes of social pressures, economic survival, and the decisions individuals are forced to make in striving circumstances.

Rounding up the cast is Donna Dixon, who plays the part of Monica, one of Smooth’s girls and the romantic interest of Clifford. Monica's character adds another dimension to the socio-political undercurrents the film plays with, even as it belies its narrative with humor.

Throughout the multitude of adventures and misadventures, a constant is Aykroyd's performance that effortlessly oscillates between the nerdy professor and the all-out absurd attire of Doctor Detroit. It's an occasion for Aykroyd to showcase his formidable range as a comedian, seamlessly and convincingly switching between a bumbling academic and a hustling, flashy character living on the edge of legality—often in the very same scene.

Howard Hesseman's performance as Smooth is another highlight, as he perfectly nails the fast-talking conman whose charm can make anyone fall into his cleverly-laid traps. The playful tension between Hesseman and Aykroyd in their scenes is a delight to watch.

Doctor Detroit is an out-and-out comedy, but it is not just about the laughs. It challenges perceptions, breaks stereotypes, and offers commentary on society and identity—all while making sure the audience is entertained with moments of hilarity throughout.

To conclude, Doctor Detroit is a wild, entertaining comedy that shines because of the brilliant comic timings of Dan Aykroyd, Howard Hesseman, and the rest of its delightful ensemble cast. The film, even after years of its initial release in 1983, continues to have a loyal fan base, making it a classic of its genre. So sit down, buckle up, and allow yourself a hilarious journey with Doctor Detroit—you won't regret it!