In fact, the movie deftly blends reality and absurdity in a manner few have succeeded at. Winkler is perfect as the understated nebbish lead, and the contrast of the low-income realities and the humor found in the script is marvelously unusual in American movies beyond "Little Shop of Horrors". Gina Hecht is also magnificently memorable in her supporting role as Winkler's neurotic girlfriend, and Nita Talbot is a gem as the domineering mother. But, there are many other wonderful tidbits to enjoy thoroughly - beginning with an incredibly clever script by Ganz and Mandell - so many classic lines I almost don't know where to begin. Many have commented on Keaton's top-notch breakout performance - and it truly is one of the funniest supporting performances since Matthau's Whiplash Willie Gingrich. This was one of Howard's early directorial efforts (he even gives himself a Hitchcockian-style cameo in an alley kiss near the beginning), and one of his straight-out funniest. That's the target audience, but even in my mid-30's, I still find Keaton's performance refreshing and laugh-out-loud funny. I recommend this film if you have any craziness to your sense of humor, or just if you're a male between the ages of 17 and 25. It's hard to see Shelly Long as a prostitute, but she plays it gamely and has fun with the role. The plot, of course, is contrived, as is any plot involving hookers with hearts of gold. We identify with Winkler's character even though we can see how cowardly he is. He is completely convincing as an in-over-his-head nebbish with a nervous stomach, and deserves credit for pulling it off without seeming whiny. Henry Winkler does a bang-up job with a straight role that affords audiences little to get excited about. I credit the script for great lines, but I doubt anyone could have made an annoying character like Billy loveable - except Keaton. But when I was 18, a loony pre-college me dreamed of being as funny as Billy Blaizejowski, Keaton's character in the film. Sure, the movie will never be in the AFI's top 100 list. Adam Sandler and Pauly Shore can only DREAM of being as funny as Michael Keaton in "Night Shift." Keaton's hilarious performance only serves to underscore the fact that he's never been near as funny since.
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