Night Shift (movie)
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Night Shift is a 1982 comedy film, one of Ron Howard's earliest directorial efforts. It stars Howard's Happy Days co-star Henry Winkler and was Michael Keaton's first movie starring role. Also appearing are Shelley Long, Richard Belzer, and (as usual for Ron Howard films) Clint Howard. Kevin Costner, in his feature film debut, has a brief scene as "Frat Boy #1". The screenplay for the film was written by Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel.
Chuck (Winkler), formerly a successful stockbroker, has found a refuge from the ulcer-inducing Wall Street rat race in his job as an attendant at the New York City morgue. His displeasure at being "promoted" to night shift supervisor to make room for his boss's nephew is exacerbated by the irrational exuberance of Bill (Keaton), his new co-worker. However, both men are inspired by the plight of Chuck's neighbor, Belinda (Long), to apply Chuck's M.B.A. education and Bill's entrepreneurial spirit to open a call girl service with headquarters at the morgue. Hilarity ensues.
The movie's theme song, "That's What Friends Are For," was written by Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager. The song was performed by Rod Stewart in the film. It was later covered by Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, and Elton John; the cover version became a Number 1 hit and raised millions for AIDS causes.