A cop masquerades as a high school student in order to find
those responsible for the death of his friend in this 1987 thriller.
David Neidorf (Platoon, Best Shot aka Hoosiers) is Detective
Sheffield Hauser who along with female cop Laroux (Jennifer Jason Leigh)
infiltrate the high school drug scene.
Things take a surprising turn when evidence points to a
baseball team member that Hauser has befriended. Is he responsible for the
other cop’s death?
Following an excellent showing in Best Shot (UK title for
Hoosiers) and a brief but noteworthy appearance in Platoon, Neidorf takes the
lead in this Golan-Globus production. What he lacks in charisma he makes up for
in charm as he easily falls into the role of awkward teenager despite his
appearance.
“How many high school students do you know that are bearded
and balding?” yells his LT at the initial suggestion of the assignment.
Jennifer Jason Leigh (Single White Female) also puts in a
competent turn as Hauser’s undercover partner.
After a string of TV shows and movies Neidorf quit acting
altogether in 1995 making this a one-off. I had fond memories of it from back
in the day and it still works reasonably well today. Neidorf is very watchable
and the dependable Barry Corbin (No Country For Old Men) also turns up as the
local Sheriff.
Under Cover is showing on TCM in the UK now.
Ric’s Rating: Good.
