This early breakthrough comedy by Ron Howard is a rowdy, raunchy surprise from a Hollywood star known more for his wholesome fare. A mismatched pair of New York City morgue workers, hopelessly stuck working the night shift, decide to make a little extra cash during those long, late-night hours--they set up a call-girl service, becoming the funniest love brokers in the Big Apple. Henry Winkler stars as Chuck Lumley, a downtrodden pushover who unhappily endures a whining girlfriend (Gina Hecht) and a dead-end job at the morgue. But after meeting congenial hooker Belinda (Shelley Long), Chuck decides to help her and her friends organize their nightly endeavors. Michael Keaton, in his film debut, steals the movie as Bill Blazejowski, Chuck’s manic, crazed assistant at the morgue. Chuck and Bill perfect their new roles as pimps until Chuck’s romantic feelings for Belinda cause him to rethink his new career. NIGHT SHIFT was a HAPPY DAYS reunion of sorts for Howard: Former costar Henry Winkler (Arthur Fonzarelli) stars in the film, and HAPPY DAYS producers Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel wrote the screenplay. NIGHT SHIFT also marked Howard’s first collaboration with his longtime producing partner, Brian Grazer.

release year: 1982

star(s): Shannen Doherty