Casting Henry Winkler against type as Chuck, the mild-mannered mortuary attendant with a domineering and neurotic fiancée who just wants some peace and quiet, is a stroke of comedic genius that’s only one reason Night Shift (1982) remains a classic of 1980s comedy.

Directed by Happy Days alumnus Ron Howard – Splash (1984), Parenthood (1990) – Night Shift pairs Winkler with the dynamic feature film debut of Michael Keaton – Beetlejuice (1988), Birdman (2015). Keaton plays Billy Blaze, ideas man armed with a tape recorder and an over-excited personality. Shelley Long (star of TV’s Cheers (1982-1987)) is Belinda, hooker-with-a-heart and a dead pimp, who turns out to be Chuck’s neighbour and as Chuck learns about the plight of New York City’s sex workers Billy convinces him to enter into a lucrative side-line as “Love Brokers”, running their game from the morgue itself, much to the anger of the gangsters whose business toes they’re stepping on. Also featuring the legendary comic and actor Richard Belzer – The Groove Tube (1974), Law & Order: SVU (1999-2016) – and a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it appearance by Kevin Costner (Dances With Wolves (1990)), Night Shift is a real treat!

Screening from a very rare 35mm film print from the BFI archive with introduction by Rebecca Nicole Williams and full supporting programme.

Doors open at 15.00, for a 15.30 start.

Refreshments will be available in our licensed cafe/bar.