Doctor Detroit is a goofy comedy film starring Dan Ackroyd. Smooth Walker (Hesseman) is a Chicago pimp, with a stable of four high-end call girls (two played by Fran Drescher, who would achieve fame as the vocally challenged Nanny on TV; and Donna Dixon, who later married Ackroyd in real-life). When he gets into trouble with mob boss Mom (Kate Murtagh), Smooth invents a powerful business partner to take the blame. He somehow manages to persuade mild-mannered college professor Clifford Skridlow (Ackroyd) to play the part, playing on his concern for the girls' safety, then quickly leaves town. Clifford surprises everyone by transforming himself into "Doctor Detroit", complete with a steel right hand. Predictably, he grows into his character and defeats Mom in the end, but along the way, there are many hilarious moments.
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Best part of story, including ending:
It rises above its pedestrian plot with deft, funny touches throughout, and Ackroyd is a marvel. Plus the legendary James Brown sings "Get Up Offa That Thing". What more could you ask for in the way of harmless entertainment?
Best scene in story:
When Doctor Detroit first meets Mom face to face in a junkyard at night, Ackroyd is at his comic best.
Opinion about the main character:
The doctor is a demented joy to behold.
