Plain Clothes 1988
"An Undercover Nightmare."
Dive into the undercover chaos of *Plain Clothes (1988)*, Martha Coolidge's darkly comedic blend of thriller and teen drama.
Director: Martha Coolidge
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Plain Clothes (1988) about?
*Plain Clothes* follows undercover officer Nick as he reinvents himself as a high school student to expose his brother's wrongful conviction. Between navigating cliques, romantic entanglements, and a murder mystery, Nick's mission tests his patience—and his sanity. The film turns the teen experience into a deadly game of cat and mouse.
Who directed Plain Clothes?
Martha Coolidge directed *Plain Clothes*. Known for her sharp, character-driven storytelling, Coolidge infuses the film with a mix of humor and suspense that keeps audiences on edge.
Who stars in Plain Clothes?
The film stars Arliss Howard as the undercover cop Nick, Suzy Amis as his love interest, George Wendt as a memorable teacher, and Diane Ladd and Seymour Cassel in supporting roles.
Is Plain Clothes (1988) worth watching?
With its unique premise and genre-blending approach, *Plain Clothes* offers a fresh take on undercover stories. While it's not a mainstream classic, its quirky tone and clever twists make it a hidden gem for fans of dark comedies and mystery-thrillers.
How long is Plain Clothes?
Plain Clothes has a runtime of 98 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Plain Clothes (1988) — A Cop's High-School Cover in a Darkly Funny Thriller
Dive into the undercover chaos of *Plain Clothes (1988)*, Martha Coolidge's darkly comedic blend of thriller and teen drama. When undercover cop Nick must enroll in high school to clear his brother's name, he's thrust into a world of cliques, crushes, and cruel pranks, all while unraveling a murder mystery. With quirky teachers, relentless bullies, and a schoolyard popularity contest that turns deadly, Nick's mission becomes a surreal battle of wits and deception. The film balances humor and suspense, painting a vivid portrait of adolescence turned inside out by crime. Coolidge's direction sharpens the contrast between the innocence of teenage life and the gritty reality of Nick's double life, creating a story that's as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.
Starring Arliss Howard as the determined undercover officer and Suzy Amis as the love interest caught in the crossfire, *Plain Clothes* blends genres seamlessly—mystery, romance, and action collide in this high-stakes experiment. The film's tagline, *An Undercover Nightmare*, hints at the absurdity and tension Nick endures, proving that sometimes the most dangerous place to hide is in plain sight.