This is one of the funniest movie's I've ever had the privelege of viewing. I didn't have the opportunity to see it when it was released, but was fortunate enough to see it a few years later on video. Arliss Howard is a fine actor who does a terrific job with his character in this movie. This film, and Real Genius are some of the best, if not forgotten, movie's of the 80's.
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I really loved this movie also. From the looks of the message board I just don't think enough people have seen it. Thinking of George Wendt for some reason today, I remembered this movie but had no idea what the name of it was. Thank goodness for IMDB so I didn't go crazy all day trying to think of it. I am going to see if Amazon has it. It's a fun movie to have in your collection, and I remember I had some what of a crush on "Nick" after seeing it!
shareWell, one reason why it is overlooked is because it is not available on DVD. Also, the people who marketed it have no idea HOW to market it, they don't know if it is a comedy or a mystery. Worse, sometimes I have seen it marketed as a sex comedy, which it is certainly not. Have you seen the cover art here on IMDB? Absolutely the dumbest and least representative art in the world.
The new movie Brick (2006) is very similar in that it is a mystery set in a high school, with quirky music, it's own specific language and a real mystery surrounded by surreal characters. If you have not seen Brick I suggest you see it immediately, it is very, very good; an excellent adjunct to Plain Clothes.
"...nothing is left of me, each time I see her..." - Catullus
thanks - it's been a while, no I have never even heard of Brick, Ill go check it out now
that explains it, that cover art is horrible, looks like some freaky acid trip
If this movie going to be release on DVD, I would appreciate if it will have closed captioned because there is one deaf actor in it and the deaf community would like to see the movie.
shareThat would be great if they did, I really don't want to buy it on video. I'll post it if I find out anything. I keep checking amazon.
Who is the deaf actor?
CLick on the MORE.. near the end of the cast.. he is the next peron.
Jason something.. mt memory isnt the greatest. I only read it for a second. :)
I was in this movie and it was alot of fun to make even though I was on the for 2 days. But as an adult now, I look back at all the talent in this film and I think about how funny it was and I too wonder why it was overlooked. It did better overseas I think. One thing I can remember for sure was it was a crazy hot summer in Seattle!!!
shareWell, on behalf of those of us who are fortunate enough to have seen this wonderful movie, thanks for posting that comment. It's a breath of fresh air very time I watch it. What an amazing experience it must've been to have worked on this film!
If you have any ideas on who to contact to get it released to DVD, please feel free to pass along any & all information.
I have a review of this film at Amazon.com, who also have better Cover Art!
http://www.amazon.com/Plain-Clothes-Arliss-Howard/dp/6301133404/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-9560385-3111118?ie=UTF8&s=video&qid=1184890088&sr=8-1
I think the film is 'witty', as opposed to 'haw haw funny' - North American audiences just aren't used to thinking so much (we can -- it's just that Hollywood doesn't believe it). It is a fine PG-13 mystery-comedy. No graphic content. George Wendt and Robert Stack are delightful (remember Stack showed his comedy chops in Airplane I, much to everyone's surprise?)
Some DVD's of older great flicks are pricey, or not available (yet). I was able to buy a slightly-used original VHS copy of 'Plain Clothes' from an Amazon.com reseller - very reasonable price.. (replaced my scratchy copy recorded from TV).. IT DOES HAVE CLOSED CAPTIONING!! (someone was inquiring on this thread).. I did the same thing with another older fav of mine, 'The Candidate'.
Suggestion: If you buy VHS media (sometimes available at bargain bin prices), make a copy for viewing by taping VCR-to-VCR - save the original. or: invest in that gadget at Walmart that writes a DVD from a VHS tape ($130 USA?). (--:
Well - to the reason I was browsing this thread tonight: Larry Pine, a fine journeyman supporting actor, plays a not-so-nice cop in 'Plain Clothes' - I just spotted him in the Redford-Mirren DVD of 'The Clearing' - knew I'd seen him somewhere before.. he looks much the same, even after 15 years,,
hope everyone's having a nice day - life for classic movie buffs recently got better in Ontario with the arrival of TCM (etc.) - sorely needed, considering the junk being turned out by Hollywood nowadays... *sigh* - on days when the pain is too much, I get out my copy of 'Plain Clothes'...
:-) canuckteach (--:
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Arliss Howard playing a pretend high-schooler is most definitely the films biggest flaw. His teacher/love-interest says, "You like a 17 year old to me" and it's like WHAAAAAAAAAAAAT!?!?. Come on, Movie. Come on.
But still.... It's a better one of these movies than Hiding Out(just rewatched for first time since the early 90s), and Jon Crier actually did look the part. He just happens to be much lamer.
(with the said, against all odds, I still didn't dislike Hiding Out. Not a terrible way to spend a couple of hours in bed, on a lazy sunday morning.)
It's now available for instant view on Netflix. Hopefully, that can start a little buzz.
And, I doubt this was the case, but I couldn't help but always believe that George Wendt's character was an homage to the horsehead bookends shop teacher from Student Bodies. Bowling pin...horsehead bookends.
"Do you know what we do with sh*t around here, Nick?"
Yup. It's on Netflix. I was presently surprised when I looked it up since this never comes on TV anymore and it's hard to find on video. I am actually watching this movie now. It brings my back to my teen years when this used to come on cable from time to time. Such a great film and genuinely funny. This movie kills the genre that comes up today. It's purely crap compared to Plain Clothes.
shareJust watched this again on Netflix. This is one of Robert Stack's funnier roles. He plays it so dead serious it is hilarious. My favorite part is when Nick is in the office after accidentally punches out the Principal. Stack pulls out the big paddle and when Nick says "Isn't that illegal now?", Stack replies "I'm the law around here son". Makes me laugh every time. Reminds me exactly of my old high school VP.
share"From your breath, I'd say you eat it."
"What time is Recess?"
Overlooked for the usual reasons, not financially successful.
But I remember seeing it in the nineties sometime and thought the directing was energetic at a time when it was not the done thing. It is a quality movie so I'm going to look for a tv rip or a hdtv rip on Google now since no dvd is being released...
You have taste like a pile of dung in the street left in the sun.....
shareaccording to videoeta it has been released on dvd and bluray. Check amazon.
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