Benson (O'Neal) has a new partner. His name is Kerwin (Hurt), and he's not what Benson is used to - Kerwin is gay and they've been assigned an unusual case. They're to solve a series of murders in the gay community in LA by setting themselves up as members of it. This film walks a fine line of trying to be sensitive to the newly visible gay community and milking it for comedy - frequently the comedy wins out. Benson is given a ridiculous car and wardrobe to match, obviously playing on the stereotypes straight America had of gay men in 1982. Though much of the film is strained and uncomfortable to watch, there are some fun moments - particularly Benson's modeling session for a gay mag.
This film was not well received by the gay community and was eviscerated by the critics when it was released. If you've never seen it, it's worth a watch as a time capsule of where we were in our attitudes toward gay men in 1982. It's also an interesting study of the objectification of the male form, and how uncomfortable it made, and still makes some men.
Partners was released on DVD in '08. There's very little video of it online, however. Above is the scene where Benson gets his new car. It's uploaded by Tudorhead.
Obscurity factor: 5 (available on DVD, remembered, if not fondly by many)
