"You're supposed to be helping your brother Matt, not getting nippy with some cheerleaders!"
Nick Dunbar (Arliss Howard) is an undercover cop, posing as a high school student. Nick is investigating the murder of a teacher, a task made even more difficult when his own brother (Loren Dean) becomes the primary suspect.
"It's not like Dawn-Marie is a slamhound or anything Ed"
"Plain Clothes" is such an underrated flick from "Valley Girl" director Martha Coolidge. Arliss Howard was awesome as Nick, but he did look a bit old to really pass as a high school student. I read somewhere that he was actually in his 30's when he filmed this movie.
"Plain Clothes" is an unusual film in the fact it is able to move back and forward between comedy.. drama and at its best a quirky mystery without losing the audience.
Totally enjoyed the performance of Suzy Amis as the teacher that Nick develops an attraction for while being undercover.
I realize that some of these actors/actresses were on the downside of their careers, but check out this supporting cast: Robert Stack, Abe Vigoda, Diane Ladd, Seymour Cassell, and George Wendt.
Also, thought that Loren Dean was great as Nick's younger bro Matt. His suggestion about the boat with chicks on board was hilarious and effective. Muffy.. did you realize he was Joe from "Say Anything" while you were originally watching "Plain Clothes"?
And the use of the undercover name of "Nick Springsteen" is so 80's classic. Did you catch the scene when Nick is leaving school after accidently knocking out the principal .. and the one guy walking by says .. "Hey Boss"?
Fun to see Max Perlich (Can't Buy Me Love) and Reginald VelJohnson (Die Hard) in different roles.
"So you're a cop? Surprise .. Surprise"
[ 25. November 2010, 22:35: Message edited by: Valley ]
Posted by Muffy Tepperman (Member # 1551) on :
Valley this one was actually filmed up here where I live...........i'd have to watch it again to see if there are recognizable locations? I haven't seen it for a long time.....I do remember liking it though
You peeked my interest!
Posted by Valley (Member # 1322) on :
Muffy.. it's available on Netflix instant watch.
I was wondering about the filming locations.. check out Seymour Cassell's Seahawks jacket in one of the scenes. You should totally trackdown where that May Fair was located.
Posted by Spreadking (Member # 7280) on :
Love Plain Clothes. Watched it just the other weekend while working out! I want to be like Karl Kerns...I mean Kyle.
Posted by logan5 (Member # 1467) on :
Watch this in a double bill with 'Hiding Out' and have yourself a terrific undercover 80's experience!
This needs a DVD release.
Posted by Muffy Tepperman (Member # 1551) on :
I watched it on Netflix a couple days ago, thanks Valley!
quote: "Plain Clothes" is such an underrated flick from "Valley Girl" director Martha Coolidge. Arliss Howard was awesome as Nick, but he did look a bit old to really pass as a high school student. I read somewhere that he was actually in his 30's when he filmed this movie.
I totally agree!! on both points! I didn't know Arliss is married to Debra Winger has been for a long time? cool factoid?
I guess the school was filmed in Ballard, WA....and although there are not many location shots really........Never Never Land made me wonder??? there used to be a Never Never Land area in a park close to me....with a Humpty out front....it had opened in the 60's and turned into a free walk thru thing in the 80's only to be finally tore down this year in Oct.
I believe they must have built complete reproductions of it for the film (obviously because they destroy them).....I have some shots to compare for you guys
The Real Never Never Land entrance: The movie's entrance: Building from the real one: Building from the film:
and the poor little statues now......
I just found that interesting thought you guys would enjoy.
Really is a cute movie with a total goofball 80's feel!
Posted by JAY LEE (Member # 6345) on :
That last pic looks like my nightmares! Only they have more pigs in sailor outfits.... oddly enough!
Posted by Helen_S (Member # 5804) on :
lol, that last pic is creeptastic Posted by Muffy Tepperman (Member # 1551) on :
I know you guys!!! That WAS my plan to creep you out I thought it was so funny how all their arms are thrown up in the air and missing limbs hehehehe
Posted by logan5 (Member # 1467) on :
That pic is sick.
Posted by Secret Admirer (Member # 3574) on :
I watched this for the first time, due to this thread. It had a few nice moments, but the whole thing was definitely weird with how old Arliss Howard looked while he was pretending to be a teenager. Maybe they thought it was absurd too, so that was part of the joke?
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I thought it was so funny how all their arms are thrown up in the air and missing limbs hehehehe