What happens when Michael Keaton’s crazy, scene-stealing energy is combined with Henry Winkler’s suave charisma? You earn hilarious gold!
In addition to being Ron Howard’s first feature film, Night Shift (1982) marked the start of a cult classic. Shelley Long adds her irresistible charm, Winkler and Keaton’s electrifying chemistry lights up the screen, and if you look closely, you could even see a young Kevin Costner amidst the mayhem.
The true surprise, though? The enduring “magic in the kitchen” moment of Shelley Long. Are you prepared to explore the hidden meanings of this classic movie? Let’s begin!
From mortuary to chaos
Night Shift, a quirky comedy classic released in 1982, introduced viewers to Michael Keaton’s enduring charm and demonstrated Ron Howard’s developing directing skills.
The film, which takes place in a morgue in New York City, centers on the unexpected alliance between mild-mannered night shift worker Chuck Lumley (played by Henry Winkler) and his new, quirky, and extremely ambitious coworker Bill Blazejowski (played by Michael Keaton).
The two end up in unexpected and humorous situations after they discover an unusual business opportunity: using the morgue as a base for a posh escort service.
The remarkable chemistry among the three characters is what really sets this film apart, not just the witty humor. Their characters are all quite likable, which adds to the enjoyment of watching.
Callback after callback
It would be impossible to discuss Night Shift without bringing up Michael Keaton.
Even though not many people recall Michael Keaton as a wild and crazy kid, Night Shift captures him perfectly in the 1980s: silly, humorous, and unquestionably charming. Having only starred in a B-comedy and the CBS comedy series Report to Murphy, Keaton was almost unknown at the time of the comedy film, which was his breakthrough performance and first significant leading role.
He remembers, “I don’t know how many times I had to go back in and audition.” “All that happened was callback after callback.”
The man who assisted Keaton in stealing the film
When Ron Howard chose Keaton for Night Shift, he had struck gold.
The iconic scene with the egg
One of the many amusing moments in Night Shift is when Shelley Long’s character, Belinda, prepares breakfast for Chuck. Henry Winkler’s response is anything but Fonz-like in the scene where Chuck first witnesses Belinda cooking in her panties. It’s a great moment!
Chuck then responds that he wants scrambled eggs when Belinda asks what sort he wants. She is obviously preparing fried eggs when she begins to cook.
However, she somehow dumps scrambled eggs onto their plates after the eggs are done! She clearly changes things up when Chuck speaks to her, but really, who is paying attention to the eggs when Shelley Long is delivering so much charm?
