Partners [Blu-ray]

RIP Ryan O’Neal.There are some cringeworthy moments that did not age well, but for the most part this movie treats its gay characters with respect and delicacy. I remembered a part of a scene from when I saw this in theater as a kid, and I was afraid that it would disappoint me with age. I am happy to say that it did not.

The murder of a male model in a gay, beachfront enclave of L.A. warrants an undercover investigation, so police officer Benson (Ryan O'Neal), a straight, macho, law-and-order type, is assigned to partner with file clerk Kerwin (John Hurt), a mild-mannered homosexual. Benson and Kerwin are to pose as a gay couple who have just moved to the area. At first, Benson's slovenly ways drive the fussy Kerwin to distraction, while Kerwin's sexual orientation and prissy manners are a source of constant frustration for straight arrow Benson. However, the two eventually become friendly roommates, if not exactly friends, and Benson even begins to see the world through Kerwin's eyes. Although he carries a badge, the fussy Kerwin is essentially a civilian, but as he and Benson close in on the murderer, Kerwin reveals himself to be a far more capable cop than Benson assumes him to be.This movie was made long before the openness of the the gay community and may seem somewhat simplistic in the way it deals with the subject, but that is part of what makes it so funny. It is respectful of both sides of the fence, and allows us to see what stereotyping is capable of leading to. It does exactly what a comedy should do, it keeps you laughing throughout the entire movie. It is well worth a watch and a shame that it doesn't come in a DVD format.

This film is definitely dated - many of the punch lines and situations are way too stereotypical, so much so I couldn't even get a chuckle out of them. Definitely not as funny as "La cage au folles" because of that. The hetero male partner is your typical macho type as is the gay partner - rather effeminate, gourmet cook, extremely domestic and shows up in lavender and pink sweat suits. The stereotyping almost can be offensive. But having said that this is a glimpse into the early 80's and how the culture viewed gays at that point. The wardrobe has the gay 'look' of the 80's down to the last detail! And given all of the above the gay partner ends up as the real hero - a break through for that time period (?) So you have to give credit to the producers, perhaps they were trying to breakthrough those stereotypes with this film. In the end, get this as a timepiece of a cultural phenomenon when gays were becoming more visible and vocal in the culture, but keep in mind there's nothing deep or noteworthy about the portayal of either character that will have you thinking at the end. This is just for entertainment.

This a comedy that blurs the fine line between bad taste and innocuous fun. Sure, the "f" word is sprinkled among the dialogues (mostly from O'Neal's character). But, you have to remember that is was the 1980s, political-correctness was not in the venecular of the times. I found this movie funny. I have not seen this film in a long time, but I remember laughing at it the first time. It doesn't mean to offend any particular group of people. This was written by the same person who wrote Le Cage Au Folles so you can imagine the kind of humor it contains: raunchy, offensive and soooo politically incorrect. It is also fun to watch it for the 80s-gay fashion. You know, tight short shorts, pinching t-shirts, and headbands. All of this would not work if not for the two leads. Ryan O'Neal and John Hurt played their roles to great and funny effect. They play against and with each other to help us understand why they were paired (relunctantly) by their superior. Turn off your 2017 political radar and turn on your 80s-sensibilities....just sit back and enjoy this fun and innocent little gem.

I have just ordered this DVD. Had a copy on VHS which I taped from a rental copy and I watched it many times. I am one of those people who reeeeely does not like Ryan O'Neal but he really fits this role and John Hurt, as usual, is a genius. Some of the scenes are so subtle that you have to really be paying attention to catch the humor. In a way, it's a love story - not romantic love but how an affection can come about between two very different people who are thrown together like this. I recommend it whole heartedly. LATER: The DVD came and I looked at it. They did a good job on it. Looks like a new movie. And, I could see again how much I enjoyed this movie. John Hurt is wonderful in it. I think it's worth mentioning that while the Hurt character, the gay guy, continued to do his job, the straight guy was too busy off chasing a woman most of the time.

This is a real gem in the "gay-themed" genre - apparently not widely known, the story of an investigation into a recent murder in the gay community (West Hollywood area) - which places Ryan O'Neal, Sergeant Benson, a not too aggressive, but definitely straight officer in partnership with the very closeted (and inexperienced, sexually) Kerwin who up to now has a desk job in the department. They must live together as partners in the heart of the gay community, and the fun (and mystery) develops from there. It's fun to watch these two adjust to each other, and the results are surprising, as more murders take place and the two of them are in the thick of things. The delightful and satisfying results of the partnership are just as we would like it to be. Partners

I have always enjoyed this movie (1982). Ryan O'Neal & John Hurt are great actors I think. The other movies that are in the same vein is Ellen Barkin's "Switch" (1991) & Jennifer Aniston/Paul Rudd in "The Object of My Affection" (1998).

I love the characters, sensitivity and overall meaning of the story. Interesting to go back in time and see how much we have changed.

Fantastic movie

Classic...love the rapor between Ryan O'neal/John Hurt...gold !

Un film qui a curieusement bien vieilli,sûrement dû aux 2 talentueux acteurs principaux,Ryan O'Neal et John Hurt

First off, this is a Region 1 DVD and you will need a compatible device to play it. When I bought it this was clearly stated in the product description, so it shouldn't come as a surprise to anybody. The film is hard (or impossible?) to come by in a Region 2 format, so it's nice this version is available.The film itself is pure 80s camp, but quite enjoyable if you're in the mood for it. You see a hunky straight cop (Ryan O'Neal) partnered with a mousy gay cop (John Hurt) and sent undercover to investigate a series of crimes in a gay community. While there may have been an opportunity to address gay issues, it's played purely for fun here. It's all a bit too stereotypical and this likely will not appeal to everybody. John Hurt is expectedly excellent and his character has some depth and rings true. O'Neal is unfortunately all too uncomfortable in his role, and while that also goes for his character, it does make for a few cringeworthy moments.I remember seeing this on the big screen back in the 80s and bought it for nostalgia's sake. It was fun too see it again. The pink beetle still makes me laugh, as did the landlord of the apartment. It's certainly not the greatest film ever made, but it was fun to see it again. Don't expect too much and you might enjoy it well enough on a slow evening.

I first saw this comedy/thriller on video in the 1980's with John Hurt and Ryan O'Neal It is still as funny now as it was then. A straight cop (Ryan O'Neal) and a gay associate (John Hurt) have to pose as a gay couple to track down the murderer of a prominent gay.