Night Patrol

Night Patrol

Year: 1984

Runtime: 87 mins

Language: English

Director: Jackie Kong

Comedy

Corruption has hit a new low, and neurotic, accident‑prone officer Melvin White is demoted to the night shift. By day he hides behind a paper bag as the Anonymous Comic, a mystery stand‑up act. When a series of bar robberies are carried out by someone wearing the same bag, suspicion falls on White, forcing him to clear his name while juggling his police duties and secret comedy persona.

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Timeline & Setting – Night Patrol (1984)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Night Patrol (1984). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Urban city, Police precinct, Bar districts

The narrative unfolds across a bustling urban nightscape filled with dimly lit bars and late-night streets, with scenes shifting to the police precinct. Nightlife venues serve as the playground for chases, disguises, and the Unknown Comic performances. The city’s atmosphere blends crime with humor, highlighting the tension between public spectacle and private secrets.

🌃 Nightlife 🚓 Police presence 🍸 Bar culture

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:43

Main Characters – Night Patrol (1984)

Meet the key characters of Night Patrol (1984), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Officer Melvin White / The Unknown Comic (Murray Langston)

Melvin White is an inept beat cop who has been demoted to night patrol. By day he is stuck in a mundane, bumbling routine, but by night he transforms into The Unknown Comic, performing with a paper bag mask. His double life exposes him to suspicion from his own captain, while a chance at fame teases him with a path to riches. When a thief impersonates The Unknown Comic, White must uncover the culprit without exposing his alter ego.

🚓 Police 🎭 Entertainer 🕵️‍♂️ Dual life

Captain Lewis (Billy Barty)

The captain who demotes White and is given to lying and flatulence as comedic details; He wields power through manipulation and suspicion, straining his relationship with White. His overbearing style and capricious authority create a tense dynamic that White must navigate while keeping his secret intact. The clash between pompous leadership and real-world duty drives much of the film’s humor.

🏢 Authority 💨 Humor 🗝️ Power

Officer Kent Lane (Pat Paulsen)

A ten-year veteran who revels in risqué exploits in the back of the police car, Lane is brash and morally flexible, yet loyal to White in chasing the impersonator. He provides a rough, impulsive energy that blurs the line between duty and vice, complicating investigations. Lane’s antics supply much of the film’s rowdy humor and unpredictable twists.

💋 Lechery 🤝 Partner 🚔 Police

Officer Sue Perman (Linda Blair)

A fellow officer who is attracted to White and becomes entangled in the case. She exhibits willingness to deceive and manipulate to aid White, and her involvement culminates in a deceptive twist and a climactic encounter. Perman’s actions blur ethical lines and add a layer of sexual tension to the investigation.

💘 Crush 🕵️‍♀️ Deception 🚓 Police

Kate Parker (Jaye P. Morgan)

A fan of The Unknown Comic who is determined to uncover White’s true identity. Her fixation drives the subplot as she pursues clues and pushes the investigation forward, testing White’s ability to stay hidden. She embodies curiosity and a readiness to take risks that propel the caper toward its climax.

🕵️‍♀️ Fan 💖 Attraction 🎭 Performer

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:43

Major Themes – Night Patrol (1984)

Explore the central themes of Night Patrol (1984), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎭 Identity

The film centers on a man living a double life as a police officer by day and The Unknown Comic by night, exposing how appearances can mask motive. Impersonation and unmasking drive the plot, as White’s identity becomes the target of others who want to profit or expose him. The climax hinges on revealing who is truly in control of the persona, and what it costs when a public image collides with private life.

✨ Fame

White’s lure of quick fame through stand-up fame motivates risky choices and secrecy. The presence of a talent agent and a fan desperate to discover his identity adds a satirical look at celebrity culture. The pursuit of stardom creates tension with professional duties and personal relationships, underscoring a comedy of ambition and deception.

🚓 Duty vs Comedy

The plot juxtaposes law enforcement responsibilities with nightlife mischief, showing how White’s badge and stage persona collide. The captain’s manipulation, the partner’s roguish exploits, and the impersonation caper push the characters to improvise under pressure. Humor arises from absurd situations while the officers struggle to reconcile duty with desire and personal risk.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:43

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Night Patrol Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Night Patrol, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Night Patrol Summary

Night Patrol Timeline

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Night Patrol Timeline

More About Night Patrol

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More About Night Patrol