The Naked Gun Evokes Belly Laughs

Years ago, the writing and producing talents of brothers Jerry and David Zucker and Jim Abrahams created the classic Police Squad series (only six produced), which introduced straight man actor Leslie Nielsen to the world of comedy. He portrayed Lt. Frank Drebin, a serious police officer who's oblivious to the silly antics and ribald humor happening around him. Somehow Drebin manages to keep a straight face and do his job. That is the genius of casting Nielsen who evokes the belly laughs because he has no clue. Now years later, the team of Zucker and Abrahams return with "The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad," and bring it to the big screen. I watched the movie with great expectation. I knew I would laugh and groan at some of the outlandish scenes and off-color jokes. The story is straightforward: Queen Elizabeth is visiting the United States, and Police Squad is responsible for Her Majesty's security. They unwittingly uncover an assassination plot. Lt. Drebin and his colleagues must figure out who is behind it and how to foil the dastardly plot. During the course of his investigation, Drebin falls for the beautiful Jane Spencer, an assistant to evil businessman Victor Ludwig. It is Ludwig's diabolical plan to use a hypnotic device on an innocent baseball player to assassinate the Queen. Along the way we are treated to Leslie Nielsen's deadpan delivery and one-liners, as well as scenes bordering on the tasteless. I don't want to give anything away, but I almost lost it watching one scene when Drebin unknowlingly left a microphone attached to his lapel while he visited the men's room during a televised press conference. Just trust me when I say that you'll leave the theater laughing.