Imagine combining the cool demeanor of Henry Winkler with the explosive, comedic flair of Michael Keaton, and you get nothing short of a comedy masterpiece!

Night Shift, released in 1982, marked Ron Howard’s first venture as a director, paving the way for a cult classic beloved by many. The movie bubbles with the magnetic chemistry between Winkler and Keaton, alongside the delightful presence of Shelley Long. There’s even a sneaky glimpse of a young Kevin Costner in the mix…

And perhaps most memorable is Shelley Long’s “magic in the kitchen” moment that’s embedded in film history. Curious about the juicy details behind this iconic film? Let’s dive into the past!

From Morgue to Mayhem

This gem of a comedy set in a New York City morgue pairs the mild-mannered Chuck Lumley, played by Henry Winkler, with the spontaneous and ambitious Bill Blazejowski, portrayed by Michael Keaton.

The duo embarks on a wild ride when they transform the morgue into a hub for a high-end escort service, leading to a series of hilarious mishaps.

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What elevates this film beyond its humor is the incredible chemistry among its leads, whose likeable characters make every scene a joy to watch.

Callback After Callback

Discussing Night Shift without highlighting Michael Keaton’s breakout role is nearly impossible.

Though little remembered now, this movie captures Keaton in all his 1980s glory—goofy, charismatic, and irresistibly entertaining. Night Shift served as Keaton’s gateway to stardom, a feat made even more remarkable considering his then-limited exposure from a B-comedy and a CBS series called Report to Murphy.

“I don’t know how many callbacks I had,” Keaton reminisces. “It seemed endless.”

Ultimately, Keaton won hearts and roles with his swift wit, unique charm, and a tad of fortune too: the transition from TV to film actors played to his advantage.

Before each take, Keaton revved up his energy by blasting Bruce Springsteen’s “10th Avenue Freeze-Out”.

Recalling the premiere: “I watched it alone in the theater, smack dab in the middle at midday—it was magical.”

The Man Who Helped Keaton Steal the Movie

Ron Howard struck gold by casting Keaton in Night Shift.

Scene after scene, Keaton outshone the more established Henry Winkler, famous for his iconic TV alter ego, “The Fonz”. Critics praised Keaton’s magnetic performance, propelling him to Hollywood stardom. But behind this success was Winkler’s subtle yet crucial support.

“Henry could’ve chosen either part and went for the quieter role,” Howard disclosed to the Boston Globe.

“Henry aided Keaton in stealing scenes by suggesting humorous extensions of his acts.”

Choosing to play the reserved morgue manager, Winkler offered an intentional contrast to his usual tough-guy persona. On Twitter, he humorously remarked, “Playing Richie Cunningham’s role in a way.”

Henry Winkler Didn’t Like Keaton

Though their on-screen chemistry was palpable, Winkler and Keaton never worked together again post-Night Shift. Why? When Winkler first met Keaton, he was uncertain about their synergy. As recounted by Howard: “The guy’s talented, but I wasn’t sure about teaming up.”

Howard assured Winkler that what felt like friction only added depth to their on-screen dynamic. Over time, the initial unease faded, shaping a more genuine rapport onscreen.

Big Names Almost Landed the Iconic Role

Rumor has it Kurt Russell and Mickey Rourke were contenders for Bill Blazejowski. Yet, others like John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd were also considered but felt the role wasn’t substantial.

Ron Howard recounted a writer’s insight: “Lowell Ganz was keen on Keaton, predicting his stardom. ‘Might as well start with us,’ he said.”

Improvised Scene

Night Shift feels imbued with Keaton’s improvisational genius. One notable scene: when approached by a blind man seeking change, Keaton whimsically writes a check. A genuine Keaton moment!

Did You Spot Ron Howard in the Movie?

Howard’s directorial debut grossed an impressive $21,095,638. And keen-eyed fans may find him and his wife, Cheryl, sharing a tender moment on camera outside Chuck’s apartment. The subway scene also features Howard playing a saxophonist quite literally adding his personal note to the film.

Kevin Costner Shows Up

Night Shift hosts a slew of familiar faces early in their careers, including Kevin Costner in a non-speaking role as a party-goer at the morgue. Scout for a young Costner in a checkered shirt and college cardigan, beaming in the background.

Look out for Shannen Doherty’s debut as a fleeting “Bluebell” (miscredited as a “Bluebird”) in an elevator. These nods to soon-to-be stars add layers of nostalgia.

The Birthplace of an Iconic Song

Fun fact: Night Shift introduced Rod Stewart’s rendition of “That’s What Friends Are For”. It later became a global anthem when revisited by Dionne Warwick and friends, raising millions for AIDS research.

The soundtrack is peppered with classics like Quarterflash’s Night Shift theme and Van Halen’s “You Really Got Me”.

Shelley Long Didn’t Want to Play a Prostitute

In Night Shift, Shelley Long plays Belinda, a charming yet tough prostitute living near Chuck. Initially hesitant about the role, Long, enhanced by her Caveman (1981) appeal, took on Belinda, conducting thorough research before accepting the part.

Her audition even had producers buzzing instantly at its promise.

“The Happiest, Most Wholesome Hooker…”

The early ’80s had a penchant for comedies built around prostitution, with films like The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas making waves.

Long’s interpretation of Belinda radiated joy, earning her accolades as the most delightful on-screen portrayal of her character type.

The Classic Egg Scene

Night Shift brims with little comedic gems, not least being Belinda preparing breakfast for Chuck in unforgettable undergarment attire. Yet observant fans notice Belinda unwittingly switches egg types mid-cook – when all eyes are naturally on Long, not the eggs!

It’s a whimsically memorable error only adding more charm to Long’s role.

Shannen Doherty’s Character

Attention to detail catches another slip: Doherty’s role is credited improperly as “Bluebird”, when Chuck mistakenly refers to her as a “Bluebell”. A small, amusing mix-up for loyal fans to chuckle over.

“Part of My Anatomy He Likes”

While filming, Long was uneasy about her scantily clad scenes, light-heartedly questioning her husband’s reaction. “He enjoys the view,” she jested warmly, adding how she lived with it on set.

The Subway Mistake

Though many scenes were shot in New York, the morgue set was crafted in Hollywood. Notably, in scenes supposedly on the Times Square – Grand Central shuttle, “stops” occurred where none exist in reality—a funny oversight in post-production.

This comedy stands on the irreplaceable synergy of Winkler, Long, and Keaton. They bring laughter, soul, and lasting impressions in a tale about unlikely bonds, growth, and unforeseen friendships.

What’s your favorite bit from this 80s gem? Share with friends and reminisce about one of the era’s comedic giants!