Night Shift

Night Shift

Year: 1982

Runtime: 106 min

Language: English

Director: Ron Howard

Comedy

In this hilarious comedy, two down-on-their-luck brothers seize a desperate opportunity to save their childhood home from foreclosure by robbing a service station. But when a time lock thwarts their plans, they find themselves in a chaotic hostage situation that takes them on a wild ride of wacky misadventures and unexpected bonding.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Night Shift yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Night Shift (1982)
Trace every key event in Night Shift (1982) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
1

Franklin's Death

The film opens with pimp Franklin being chased through the night by gangsters Cleon and Pig. They ultimately catch him and punish him for not sharing the profits from his prostitution business by throwing him out of a high-rise window.

New York City
2

Body Identification

The following day, one of Franklin's girls, Belinda, identifies his body at the morgue. Chuck Lumley, the morgue attendant, awkwardly watches as Belinda remarks on how Franklin's death will affect his girls.

New York City Morgue
3

Chuck's Job Change

Chuck is informed by his boss that he is being moved to the night shift to accommodate the boss's nephew. Although clearly annoyed by this change, Chuck, who is introverted, does not protest.

4

Night Shift Begins

On his first night shift, Chuck trains a new partner, Bill Blazejowski. Bill is an outgoing character and continuously shares impractical ideas, which annoys Chuck, who is more reserved.

New York City Morgue
5

Domestic Disruption

Chuck invites his neurotic fiancée, Charlotte, over for an evening. However, their romantic plans are disrupted by loud country-western music from a neighboring apartment, causing tension between them.

Chuck's Apartment
6

Belinda's Injury

Chuck discovers Belinda injured in the elevator after being attacked by a client unwilling to pay. He helps her back to her apartment, but a group of girl scouts mistakenly thinks he is the attacker.

Building Elevator
7

The Love Brokerage Idea

Chuck confides in Bill about Belinda's plight and they brainstorm the idea of becoming 'Love Brokers' to manage the girls' welfare. Initially hesitant, Chuck becomes inspired by Belinda’s visit the next morning.

Chuck's Apartment
8

Successful Operation

The Love Brokers scheme takes off with Chuck and Bill only taking 10% of the earnings, earning the girls' trust. Chuck leverages his financial skills to help the girls invest in a business.

9

Celebration and Romance

Chuck and the girls celebrate their success at an end-of-year party. That night, after taking Belinda home, they share a kiss and spend time making love, deepening their connection.

Belinda's Apartment
10

Conflict Arises

Chuck is overjoyed to think Belinda will leave her job, but when she returns to work, they argue. Belinda feels she must continue working unless Chuck can voice his love for her.

New York City
11

Confrontation with Gangsters

While Chuck broods at the morgue, gangsters Cleon and Pig demand a cut of the Love Brokers operation. They capture Chuck, tying him to a lab table before a gunfight erupts between the gangsters and arriving police.

New York City Morgue
12

Jail Time

Following the intense confrontation, Chuck and Bill end up in jail. Charlotte visits but instead of supporting him, she rejects him, further disheartening Chuck.

Jail
13

Unexpected News

The girls bail Chuck and Bill out, and at their lawyer's office, they learn they can return to their old jobs after the incident. While Chuck is relieved, he disagrees with Bill's plan to exploit the situation.

Lawyer's Office
14

Goodbye to Belinda

Chuck meets Belinda outside their apartments, where she informs him she's taking a new job at an upscale club. This encounter highlights the emotional distance growing between them.

Outside Apartments
15

Standing Up for Himself

After a frustrating encounter with a deliveryman, Chuck realizes he must stand up for himself to achieve what he wants in life. Fueled by newfound determination, he rushes to the club to find Belinda.

Paradise Found Club

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:36

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