The Naked Gun (Exclusive Series) (Hulu-Showtime/Paramount Plus)

FYI - 'The Naked Gun' is 34 years old!!!

Initial release date: December 2, 1988

Studio: Paramount Pictures

Plot: Frank Drebin, a rather clueless police detective, tries to foil a plot to turn innocent people into assassins through mind control. After his partner, Norberg, is shot, Frank sets out to find the culprit, leading him to business tycoon Vincent Ludwig. However, Frank has no evidence until he meets Jane Spencer, Ludwig's assistant. She knows nothing about Ludwig's devious plans, but falls for Frank and agrees to help him.

Cast

Leslie Nielsen - Frank Drebin

Priscilla Presley - Jane Spencer

Ricardo Montalban - Vincent Ludwig

George Kennedy - Ed Hocken

O.J. Simpson - Nordberg

Susan Beaubian - Mrs. Nordberg

Nancy Marchand - Mayor

Raye Birk - Pahpshmir

Writer(s): Jerry Zucker (Airplane; Police Squad)

Jim Abrahams (Scary Movie 4; Hot Shots 1 and 2; Police Squad)

David Zucker (Scary Movie V; Police Squad)

Pat Proft (Scary Movie 3-5)

Director: David Zucker (Scary Movie 3 and 4; My Boss's Daughter)

Rated PG-13 (85 minutes)

The 1988 comedy 'The Naked Gun' is one of those comedies that should me a must watch for anyone who really enjoys comedies. Sure, there is a good amount of slapstick gags featured in this movie. But, it really works and will make you laugh out loud.

There are several stand out moments that are simply hysterical. There are plenty of hilarious one liners and sight gags scattered throughout. Leslie Nielsen does a heck of a job making the viewing audience entertained and just makes you burst out with laughter.

Also, if you want to see another Leslie Nielsen comedy that will keep you entertained - check out the spoof 'Airplane.'

I haven't seen the other two 'Naked Gun' movies in years and will likely check them out for the Series down the road. So, if you're looking for a good laugh or several good laughs, make sure to check out this 1988 comedy classic!!

'The Naked Gun' is available through the Showtime subscription via Hulu, Paramount Plus, The Roku Channel or Amazon Prime. It's also available to rent online via YouTube, Google Play, Vudu and Apple TV.

Here are some interesting tidbits for 'The Naked Gun':

• According to David Zucker in the DVD commentary, the studio insisted on the casting of an Oscar winner in one of the major roles. This led to the casting of George Kennedy, who had been actively campaigning for the role of Ed Hocken for several months, saying that he was furious at having missed his chance to spoof himself in 'Airplane.'

• While Frank is impersonating an umpire, the batter swings back and hits Frank in the face. The joke was suggested by Mel Brooks.

• The terrorist organization that Frank attacks and beats up in the opening scene was written as a nod to SPECTRE, the terrorist organization in the Bond franchise.

• All of the scenes in the baseball stadium, which is at the end of the movie, were the first scenes filmed. They had to do this because the Dodgers season was getting ready to start and the stadium wouldn't be available once the season started.

• The movie is based on the character portrayed by Nielsen in the TV series 'Police Squad!,' and is also a continuation of the latter. Features fast-paced slapstick comedy, including many visual puns and gags.

• Released on December 2, 1988, and in its opening weekend, finished at No. 1 at the box office in the US and Canada, grossing $9.3 million. Went on to gross $78.8 million at the domestic box office and $73.7 million overseas, for a worldwide total of $152.4 million.

• Followed up with two sequels: 'The Naked Gun 2 1/2: The Smell of Fear' (1991) and 'The Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult' (1994).

https://youtu.be/aIOWG7lKfKk