The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!
Introduction
Released in 1988, The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! remains a masterclass in comedic absurdity. Born from the short-lived TV series Police Squad!, the film cemented its place as a cinematic favorite through relentless visual gags and deadpan delivery.
Origins & Creative Vision
The movie was conceived by the Zucker–Abrahams–Zucker (ZAZ) team following their success with Airplane!. Taking the sketch-based tone of the TV show and expanding it into a feature-length narrative allowed the filmmakers to layer set pieces, sight gags, and running jokes across a broader canvas.
Casting serious dramatic actors in deliberately earnest roles — performers such as Leslie Nielsen, Ricardo Montalbán, Priscilla Presley, and George Kennedy — amplified the film’s comedic impact: their straight-faced performances made absurd situations land harder.
Plot & Style
The plot centers on Lt. Frank Drebin (Leslie Nielsen) as he attempts to foil an assassination plot — a story thread that serves primarily as scaffolding for a torrent of visual jokes, wordplay, and escalating absurdity. Iconic set pieces (including the baseball-game climax) exemplify how the film blends lowbrow gags with precise comedic timing.
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