Night Class (2001)

User Rating:

4.7/10   

Director:

Sheldon Wilson

Writers:

William R. Greenblatt (written by)
Willem Wennekers (written by)

Genre:

Crime | Thriller

Tagline:

One double-cross deserves another.

Plot:

When Jake, a security guard in a small hotel, inadvertently helps out a beautiful burglar, he becomes a primary suspect and is quickly fired...

Plot Keywords:

Security Guard | Jewel | Fake Death | Pawnshop | Jewel Theft

Cast

Sean Young	...	Claire Sherwood
Rick Peters	...	Jake Franklin
Ron Perlman	...	Morgan
John Saxon	...	Murphy
Edward Albert	...	Shelly (as Edward Laurence Albert)
Nicholas Walker	...	Warburton
Dana Barron	...	Heather
Ori Pfeffer	...	Richie
Gordon Michaels	...	Shank
Steven Williams	...	Sheehan
Julie Satterfield	...	Roxanne
William H. Basset	...	Holden
Lena Reno	...	Tazer woman
David Reynolds	...	Tall guy
Tyler Tuione	...	Bodyguard

Also Known As:

Seduced by a Thief (UK) (cable TV title) (USA) (cable TV title)

Runtime:

Germany:85 min | France:90 min | UK:90 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

UK:15 | Netherlands:16 (video rating) | Netherlands:6 (TV rating)

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

World International Network (WIN)

Nice Guys Finish Last?

Interesting tale of naive hotel security guard "Jake," duped by femme fatale jewel thief. He becomes prime suspect in crime, sets out to find her himself.

He's studying to join the force, but here he gets a real education. Life lessons learned the hard way.

All the elements are there, but "good enough for TV" aim doesn't allow piece to shine.

First time out for director Wilson. Bookmark him for future works.

Experienced writer Greenblatt may hyphenate himself toward producing, leaning toward efficacious journey. "Too many producers spoil the pot."

Credit may go to young Wennekers for depth story provides. "Still waters run deep."

Peters and Ori traditionally lean toward roles of a criminal ilk. This show doesn't give them room they deserve to break out of small screen.

Excellent cast: Young as "the lady" -- Perlman as jealous boss. (He seems here a cross between greying Tony Roberts and racetrack cigar chomper, but creates interest.)

John Saxon as Detective Murphy, "been there, done that" gumshoe who kicks down door without breaking sweat. AWOL much of second half.

Albert lost in too-small role.

Portrayal of "everyman" guard Jake Franklin not always believable. Too naive for someone pursuing career in justice. Gets honor points for passing on payola, though.

Good use of vintage G-series as getaway vehicle.

London's music works, but could have been mixed judiciously for better appreciation. Too much dialogue looping.

May have done better with feature-size crew and noir motifs. Start voiceover earlier, use flashbacks, multiple points-of-view.

Well done, though audience can handle a deeper black.

AKA "Seduced by a Thief."