What an Institution!|Mar. 22, 1984|United States|97 Min.|R
Genre: Comedy;Crime
Description: In 1984, the comedy film *Police Academy* follows the story of an unnamed city facing a shortage of police officers. Mayor Mary Sue Beal mandates the police department to accept all recruits, regardless of their background. Carey Mahoney, a laid-back individual with a history of legal troubles caused by his defiance of authority, is given an ultimatum by Police Captain Reed: join the police academy or face jail time. Mahoney chooses the academy, intending to fail so he can be expelled.
Chief of Police Henry Hurst, displeased with the mayor’s decision, devises a plan to make the training experience unbearable for the new recruits, hoping they will quit. Lieutenant Thaddeus Harris takes charge of making their lives difficult, while Commandant Eric Lassard believes in giving the cadets a fair chance. Harris appoints Copeland and Blankes as squad leaders to assist him in his mission.
Mahoney discovers a secret deal between Lassard and Capt. Reed that ensures he remains at the academy for the full term. During his time there, Mahoney develops a romantic interest in cadet Karen Thompson and befriends a group of fellow recruits, including Larvell Jones, a talented beatboxer; George Martin, a ladies’ man; Eugene Tackleberry, a firearms enthusiast; Leslie Barbara, a timid individual; accident-prone Douglas Fackler; and gentle giant Moses Hightower.
When Mahoney organizes a party, Copeland and Blankes investigate, only to be tricked into visiting a gay bar called the Blue Oyster. Later, the duo plants a prostitute in Mahoney’s dormitory to frame him during room inspections. While trying to sneak her off campus, Mahoney hides with her under a lectern as Commandant Lassard enters with a group of officers. Unbeknownst to Mahoney, the prostitute performs an inappropriate act on Lassard, leading to a misunderstanding when Mahoney emerges.
In another incident, Hightower confides in Mahoney about his fear of driving since age 12. To help him prepare for a driving test, they steal Copeland’s car. After Hightower passes the test, Copeland racially insults cadet Laverne Hooks over an accident. Enraged, Hightower overturns Copeland’s car with him inside. Harris expels Hightower from the academy, leaving the other cadets deeply upset.
Cast director: Hugh Wilson
Cast actor: Steve Guttenberg, Kim Cattrall, G. W. Bailey, Bubba Smith, Donovan Scott, George Gaynes, Andrew Rubin, David Graf, Leslie Easterbrook, Michael Winslow
Original name: Police Academy