---
title: "Plain Clothes"
year: 1988
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/plain-clothes-1988"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 55728
imdb_id: null
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 98
community_rating: 5.9
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "PG"
---

# Plain Clothes (1988) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/plain-clothes-1988

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Plain Clothes is a film first released in 1988. Catalogued under Comedy, Thriller, Mystery, Crime. Produced and broadcast by Sierra Alta Productions, Paramount Pictures. Current status: Released.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "An undercover cop returns to high school to clear his brother’s name."

### Why Watch
- Blend of comedy and thriller elements
- Nostalgic high‑school setting
- Romantic subplot adds charm

### Caveats & Content Note
- Tone shifts between humor and suspense may feel uneven
- PG rating limits graphic intensity
- Tone & Suitability: With a PG rating and a playful tone, the film is appropriate for general audiences.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: comedic, mysterious, teen, action‑filled

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/plain-clothes-1988#watch.

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Martha Coolidge
- **Networks / Studios**: Sierra Alta Productions, Paramount Pictures

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Arliss Howard** as *Nick Dunbar*
- **Suzy Amis** as *Robin Torrence*
- **George Wendt** as *Chet Butler*
- **Diane Ladd** as *Jane Melway*
- **Seymour Cassel** as *Ed Malmburg*
- **Larry Pine** as *Dave Hechtor*
- **Jackie Gayle** as *Coach Zeffer*
- **Abe Vigoda** as *Mr. Wiseman*
- **Robert Stack** as *Mr. Gardner*
- **Alexandra Powers** as *Dawn-Marie Zeffer*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What is the basic plot of Plain Clothes?
Undercover officer Nick enrolls in high school again to prove his brother’s innocence and locate the real murderer.

### Q: Who directed Plain Clothes?
The film was directed by Martha Coolidge.

### Q: Which actors are featured in the movie?
The cast includes Arliss Howard, Suzy Amis, George Wendt, Diane Ladd, and Seymour Cassel.

### Q: When was Plain Clothes released and what is its rating?
It was released in the United States on April 15, 1988, and carries a PG rating.

### Q: What genres does Plain Clothes combine?
It blends comedy, thriller, mystery, crime, romance, and action.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Plain Clothes — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/55728)
- [Plain Clothes (1988) | ČSFD.cz](https://www.csfd.cz/film/11997-plain-clothes/prehled/)
- [Plain Clothes (1925 film) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plain_Clothes_(1925_film))
- [Plain Clothes (1988)](https://www.sms.cz/film/plain-clothes)
- [Plain Clothes 56% (1988) | Kinobox.cz](https://www.kinobox.cz/film/230543-plain-clothes)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*