By chance, the 1980s farce Night Shift came to mind, so I reserved it. This online review is a bit much, but does suggest its charm:
This was one of [Ron] Howard's early directorial efforts (he even gives himself a Hitchcockian-style cameo in an alley kiss near the beginning [and later]), and one of his straight-out funniest. Many have commented on Keaton's top-notch breakout performance.... But, there are many other wonderful tidbits to enjoy thoroughly -- beginning with an incredibly clever script by Ganz and Mandell -- so many classic lines I almost don't know where to begin. Gina Hecht is also magnificently memorable in her supporting role as Winkler's neurotic girlfriend, and Nita Talbot is a gem as the domineering mother. Winkler is perfect as the understated nebbish lead, and the contrast of the low-income realities and the humor found in the script is marvelously unusual in American movies beyond "Little Shop of Horrors". In fact, the movie deftly blends reality and absurdity in a manner few have succeeded at. Finally, the ahead-of-its-time cast includes Shannen Doherty as a junior girl scout, Richard Belzer as a grotesque gangster pimp, Kevin Costner as a frat boy, Clint Howard (Ron's younger brother who starred in Gentle Ben and a classic Star Trek episode) as Keaton's first limo customer, Murphy Brown's Pat Corley as Hecht's father, and Ghost's Vincent Schiavelli as an obnoxious deliveryman. And, I do disagree with mainstream thought that Shelley Long was miscast -- she actually imbues her character with some underappreciated mannerisms that ring very true for me that transcend the hooker-with-a-heart-of-gold cliche. All in all, a funny and harrowing film much better than it is generally given credit for.The film is enjoyable for the reasons reflected here -- it is not only often quite funny (Winkler does his Happy Days co-star proud here), but it also has a serious edge. On this level, it reflects Night Court, and when Belinda calls in Chuck when she is arrested for prostitution/assault, you almost expected Harry T. Stone to be presiding.* It has its predictable parts, but also shows skill throughout. Even the fan of empty pleasures like that. And, good supporting characters always helps.
You should not take this film too seriously, you almost know that when you have the "film citing a film" moment, putting aside the idea of a prostitution ring in a morgue. But, like other good films of its ilk, it has a certain truth. Don't expect TOO true to life views of prostitution, but Shelley Long is a no worse (and in some ways better) reflection of reality (she is beaten up, arrested, etc.) than Julia Roberts' in Pretty Women. The film also suggests that criminalization is clearly in some ways harmful for the women. Anyway, just because something is not true to life does not mean it is completely something that only pops up in film land.
Meanwhile, the film Cross Creek also been on TMC a few times lately. This is another worthwhile film I first saw some time back, is also not quite true to life, even if this time somewhat based on real events (and a book by the same name). Not a comedy as such though, if having amusing moments. The invasion of privacy case arising form the book is also an interesting historical tidbit. [The book on the case cited here, as I recall, also is a worthwhile read and of short length as well.] And, the film too has a good cast, including some familiar faces in supporting roles.
Oh, and if you toss in two lesser known films (including the one with Kate Winslet), there are four films about Nazis out there, two more that in some part take place in the 1940s. Who needs the History Channel? Well, it is cheaper. And, respecting Australia at least, probably somewhat less stupid and/or unintentionally funny. Well, maybe you like that sort of thing.
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* Night Court has a similar 'R' rated locale mixed with a cutesy 'PG' sensibility, even sexist pig Dan Fielding deep down a nice guy. You won't find nicer prostitutes than those here. The film can easily be shown on USA, if a few shots of boobs and the like are removed. It even has several commercial like breaks that might reflect Howard's background.