The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! is a landmark of cinematic parody, a relentless assault of sight gags, one-liners, and deadpan delivery. Based on the short-lived but brilliant television series Police Squad!, the film stars Leslie Nielsen in his iconic role as the bumbling but well-meaning detective Frank Drebin, creating a legacy of spoof comedy that remains unmatched.
The film’s plot is a thin excuse for a parade of gags. It follows Drebin as he investigates the attempted murder of his police partner, Detective Nordberg (O.J. Simpson), and uncovers a plot to assassinate Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Los Angeles.
The nefarious scheme is masterminded by the wealthy and charismatic shipping magnate Vincent Ludwig (Ricardo Montalbán).
Drebin’s investigation is a masterclass in ineptitude, with every scene delivering a new dose of physical comedy and a running gag. He falls for Ludwig’s beautiful assistant, Jane Spencer (Priscilla Presley), who, unbeknownst to him, is a crucial part of the assassination plot.
Frank’s superior, Captain Ed Hocken (George Kennedy), is constantly exasperated by his detective’s antics but remains fiercely loyal.
Joe Grifasi also appears as a member of the police force, adding to the ensemble.
Reggie Jackson has a cameo as himself.
The film’s humor comes from its complete disregard for logic, its constant subversion of clichés from police procedurals and spy thrillers, and Nielsen’s masterful deadpan performance. He plays every absurd line and ridiculous situation with a straight face, making the comedy land with pinpoint precision.
The plot hurtles towards a chaotic climax at a baseball game, where Drebin’s bungling attempts to save the Queen result in some of the most memorable gags in comedy history.
Leslie Nielsen in The Naked Gun (Photo/Paramount Pictures)
Reception for The Naked Gun
The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! grossed $9.6 million on its opening weekend, finishing No. 1 at the box office, ahead of Scrooged ($7.5 million) and Tequila Sunrise ($6.4 million).
The film would gross $152.4 million worldwide.
Roger Ebert gave the film three and a half out of four stars in his review.
Legacy
The Naked Gun revitalized the spoof genre, which had been dormant since the Airplane! films, and established Nielsen as a comedic superstar. The film’s influence can be seen in countless comedies that followed, from its rapid-fire jokes to its clever use of visual gags and sound effects. It spawned two successful sequels and remains a cultural touchstone for a generation of comedy fans.
The film is remembered as a perfect storm of comedic talent, a script overflowing with wit, and a lead performance so brilliant in its subtlety that it turned a parody character into a cinematic icon.
It’s a film that proves that sometimes, the most intelligent comedy is found in the most absurd and ridiculous places.
