Main Cast: Ryan O'Neal, John Hurt, Kenneth McMillan, Robyn Douglass, Jay Robinson
Release Year: 1982
Country: US
Run Time: 93 minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Plot
TV director James Burrows made his feature debut with this unusual film that's a situation comedy-style twist on both The Odd Couple (1968) and Cruising (1980). The murder of a male model in a gay, beachfront enclave of L.A. warrants an undercover investigation, so police officer Benson (Ryan O'Neal), a straight, macho, law-and-order type, is assigned to partner with file clerk Kerwin (John Hurt), a mild-mannered homosexual. Benson and Kerwin are to pose as a gay couple who have just moved to the area. At first, Benson's slovenly ways drive the fussy Kerwin to distraction, while Kerwin's sexual orientation and prissy manners are a source of constant frustration for straight-arrow Benson. However, the two eventually become friendly roommates, if not exactly friends, and Benson even begins to see the world through Kerwin's eyes. Although he carries a badge, the fussy Kerwin is essentially a civilian, but as he and Benson close in on the murderer, Kerwin reveals himself to be a far more capable cop than Benson assumes him to be. Partners was written by Francis Veber, author of La Cage aux Folles (1978) and The Man with One Red Shoe (1985). ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
Review
Movies -- in general -- don't get much worse than this flat, woefully misconceived odd-couple "comedy" that somehow manages to be offensive while being utterly toothless. Apparently a gloss on the same subject matter as 1980's reviled psycho-sexual thriller Cruising, Partners seems to forget from moment to moment what it's trying to be: an "outrageous" gay-straight farce, a sub-Scooby Doo murder mystery, or an unusually static police procedural. Scenes last far longer than they should, the score is meek and arbitrary, and most of the performances seem to be unrehearsed first takes. The one bright spot -- if you can call it that -- in this debacle is John Hurt, who at his best is trying to imbue the material with more dignity than it deserves. At his worst, however, he looks utterly dejected and visibly embarrassed by the tasteless, denigrating gay jokes perpetrated by the script. Most audience members will likely be on the same wavelength. ~ Michael Hastings, All Movie Guide
Denise Galik - Clara; Joseph R. Sicari - Walter; Michael McGuire - Monroe; Rick Jason - Douglas; James Remar - Edward K. Peterson; Darrell Larson - Al; Jennifer Ashley - Secretary; Bill Cross; Bridget Fonda; John Garber - Body Builder; Seamon Glass - Gillis; Wendy Hughes; Carl Kraines - 1st Aide; Tony March - 2nd Aide; Ed McCready - Doorman; Bob Ozman - Detective; Gene Ross; Ray Sanders - Muscle Man; Luis Torres - Pablo; Carol Williard - Officer; Douglas Bruce; Gregory Hodal - Cop; Craig Shreeve
Credit
Wayne A. Finkelman - Costume Designer, Thomas Lofaro - First Assistant Director, James Burrows - Director, Danford B. Greene - Editor, Francis Veber - Executive Producer, Georges Delerue - Composer (Music Score), George P. Gaines - Production Designer, Ida Random - Production Designer, Richard Sylbert - Production Designer, Victor J. Kemper - Cinematographer, Aaron Russo - Producer, George P. Gaines - Set Designer, Francis Veber - Screenwriter
After a series of murders in the Los Angeles gay community, heterosexual police sergeant Benson (O'Neal) is assigned to the case. He is ordered to go undercover as half of a gay couple. The other half of the couple is Officer Kerwin (Hurt), a records clerk who everyone in the department knows is gay although he thinks he's closeted.
Analysis
The film derives much of its alleged humor from Benson's discomfort with homosexuality and his stereotypical ideas of "gay behaviour." The film shows the evolution of Benson's attitudes toward Kerwin and by extension gay people in general.
Reception
Rex Reed, writing for the New York Post, panned the film, saying, "Hollywood's latest crime against humanity in general and homosexuals in particular is a dumb creepshow called Partners - stupid, tasteless and homophobic, this sleazy, superficial film implies that gay cops can't be trusted to work with straight cops because they might fall in love with them."[citation needed]
