Released in 1982, Partners is a buddy cop comedy with a unique premise that blends crime, humor, and social commentary. Directed by James Burrows and written by Francis Veber, the film follows two mismatched police officers—one tough and straight-laced, the other quiet and secretly gay—who must go undercover as a couple to solve a murder case in Los Angeles’s LGBTQ+ community.
Starring Ryan O’Neal and John Hurt, Partners delivers an unconventional take on the police procedural genre, using humor to explore themes of friendship, prejudice, and identity. Although it received mixed reviews upon release, the film has since developed a cult following, with audiences revisiting its blend of comedy and crime.
Overview
- Title: Partners
- Release Year: 1982
- Genre: Comedy, Crime
- Director: James Burrows
- Writer: Francis Veber
- Producer: Aaron Russo
- Music: Georges Delerue
- Cinematography: Reynaldo Villalobos
- Runtime: 93 minutes
- Language: English
- Country: United States
Partners movie screenshot
Plot Summary
“Partners” is a buddy cop comedy with a unique twist. The story follows Sgt. Benson (Ryan O’Neal) is a tough, straight-laced police officer who is reluctantly paired with Officer Kerwin (John Hurt), a quiet, reserved records clerk who is secretly gay.
When a series of murders occur in Los Angeles’s gay community, the police force assigns Benson and Kerwin to go undercover as a gay couple to infiltrate the scene and catch the killer. Benson, uncomfortable with the assignment at first, struggles with his new role, while Kerwin, being secretly gay, finds himself hiding his true self under the guise of their undercover operation.
As the two work together, they form an unexpected friendship. Despite comedic misunderstandings and cultural clashes, their partnership strengthens as they get closer to solving the case.
Cast and Characters
- Ryan O’Neal as Sgt. Benson – A traditional, tough police officer who finds himself out of his element in the undercover operation.
- John Hurt as Officer Kerwin – A reserved records clerk who is secretly gay and must navigate his identity while solving the case.
- Kenneth McMillan as Chief Wilkins – The police chief who assigns the duo to the case.
- Robyn Douglass as Jill – A journalist who becomes involved in the investigation.
- Jay Robinson as Halderstam – A suspect in the case.
- Denise Galik as Margo – A key figure in the investigation.
Themes and Analysis
“Partners” explores themes of friendship, acceptance, and prejudice within the framework of a crime-comedy movie. It attempts to bring humor into a serious topic—police attitudes toward LGBTQ+ individuals in the early 1980s.
However, while the film was meant to be a progressive take for its time, some critics argue that it relied on stereotypical portrayals of LGBTQ+ characters. The contrast between Benson’s discomfort and Kerwin’s struggles creates both comedic and dramatic moments, but modern audiences may find certain aspects of the humor outdated.
Critical Reception
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 14% (Critic Score)
- Audience Score: Mixed reviews
- Box Office: Modest earnings, not a major commercial success
Critics had mixed-to-negative reactions to the film. Some praised John Hurt’s performance, noting his nuanced portrayal of Kerwin. However, others felt that the film relied too heavily on stereotypical humor rather than more profound character development.
Despite this, “Partners” has gained cult status over the years, with some audiences appreciating it as a lighthearted and entertaining film from the early 1980s.
Behind the Scenes
- The film’s writer, Francis Veber, was known for his work in French cinema, which often blended comedy and crime themes.
- Director James Burrows is a well-known TV director who is known for sitcoms like Cheers and Friends. Partners is one of his few film-directing ventures.
- John Hurt, who played Officer Kerwin, was a celebrated actor known for serious roles in films like The Elephant Man and Alien. His role in “Partners” was an unusual but memorable part of his career.
Where to Watch
“Partners” (1982) is available on:
- Amazon Prime Video (Rental/Purchase)
- DVD/Blu-ray (Available via online retailers)
- Streaming Services (Varies by region)
Final Thoughts
“Partners” is a fascinating blend of crime, comedy, and social commentary. While it may feel outdated in some ways, it remains a noteworthy film from the early 1980s, especially for its attempt to address LGBTQ+ themes in mainstream cinema.
