It was 1982's Partners that helped inspired this post. As stereotypical as many of the scenes and dialogue is, writer Francis Veber and director James Burrows keep it from being too offensive, even looking back through today's lens. Burrows many know directed some of televisions biggest comedies, including; Cheers, Frasier, Friends and Mike & Molly. Watching Partners, I couldn't help thinking there were more groanworthy and offensive gay jokes on Friends, which was made over 20 years later.
Partners (1982)
'A heterosexual police detective is unnerved when ordered to go undercover with a homosexual police clerk, as a couple, to solve a series of murders in the gay community.'
Before I actually watched Partners, I thought O'Neal's cop partner was played by Roddy McDowell. although they look a little similar, the role was actually played by actor John Hurt. The British actor was considered one of industries best actors. O'Neal and Hurt were not the producers first choices. Originally, they wanted Clint Eastwood and Woody Allen to play the roles. Eastwood wanted to work with Allen, and pulled out when Allen didn't take the role. Other actors once in contention were Alan Arkin, Sam Elliott, James Caan and Nick Nolte.
Oliver's Story (1978)
'A grieving Oliver is being pressured by his in-laws to move on and take part in the family business. He meets a pretty heiress and they start dating, but memories of Jennie come rushing back.'
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