Night Patrol

Night Patrol is a zany, off-the-wall comedy film that landed on the big screen in 1984. Directed by Jackie Kong, it features an interesting ensemble cast led by Linda Blair, the actress renowned for her role in The Exorcist. In this far cry from her iconic horror role, Blair is paired up with other notable performers such as Pat Paulsen and Jaye P. Morgan, in a plot filled with comedic absurdity, whimsical slapstick, and riotous absurdity.

Set in the rather unnerving darkness of Los Angeles’ urban sprawl, Night Patrol chronicles the dual life of Officer Melvin White, a seemingly timid cop in the L.A. Police Department. By day, Melvin is an unassuming, bumbling beat cop, plying the crime-ridden streets of L.A, partnered with his seasoned cop companion, played by Billy Barty. However, when darkness falls, Melvin morphs into The Unknown Comic, a supremely talented stand-up comedian equipped with a paper bag mask and a seemingly inexhaustible assortment of hilarious quips and raunchy jokes.

At its heart, Night Patrol uses this unlikely superhero-esque transformation to infuse the narrative with high-energy humor and laugh-out-loud moments, even as it simultaneously tackles the grim reality of crime and corruption. Additionally, the stark contrast between Melvin’s two personas allows clever commentary on the duality of identity, offering viewers a chance to view the hilarious consequences when these two worlds inevitably collide.

Linda Blair plays Sue, a smiling woman who becomes embroiled in a romance with Melvin that adds another layer to his complicated equation of day cop and night comic. Her performance contrasts with her frightening performance in The Exorcist, showcasing her comedic timing and acting versatility. Alongside Blair is Pat Paulsen, who portrays Captain Lewis, Melvin’s by-the-books supervisor, with a droll, dead-pan delivery. Jaye P. Morgan rounds out the main cast as the overzealous talent agent, whose unrelenting pursuits for Melvin's alter ego spirals into chaotic circumstance after circumstance.

Night Patrol is most commendable for its commitment to comedy, leading it to tap into a variety of comedic styles ranging from vaudevillian slapstick and physical comedy, to raunchy adult humor and sparkling wit. Besides the main cast, the film even includes a smorgasbord of cameos from famous stand-up comedians of the time, providing a steady stream of one-liners throughout the narrative’s madcap progression.

Director Jackie Kong captures a peculiar aura of the 80s with Night Patrol, unifying the grungy streets of L.A. with the glitz and glamour of stand-up comedy. Similarly, the costumes, set designs, and overall look of the film evoke a delightful sense of nostalgia for the mid-eighties comedy genre. Moreover, Kong’s direction brings out the vibrant chemistry among the cast, their comedic timing, and their knack for physical hilarity, lending Night Patrol a quirky, memorable personality.

The movie’s script, penned by Murray Langston, William A. Levey, and Franelle Silver, is a spectacularly whimsical blend of comedy and mystery. There's an intriguing subplot involving a string of bank robberies that threaten to upend Melvin's carefully balanced dual existence. The trio's screenplay ties the diverse comedic styles together, marrying them with the plot's crime elements to create a decidedly unconventional but charming package.

In conclusion, Night Patrol stands as a comedic gem from the 1980s which continues to entertain audiences today. Its unique premise, coupled with the brilliant performances by Linda Blair, Pat Paulsen, Jaye P. Morgan, and the undeniably hilarious Murray Langston, guarantees a rollicking good time for viewers. Whether you are a fan of retro comedies or simply love a good laugh, Night Patrol is a movie that should definitely make your must-watch list.