Disorderlies
As not-quite-orderlies who're downright Disorderlies, rap-music favorites The Fat Boys rule. Playing the freewheeling caretakers of the frail Dennison, they stir up a comedic culture clash in Palm Beach society that only proves laughter is the best medicine this side of a tax refund.
The film earned $10.3M at the global box office.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Disorderlies (1987) exemplifies precise story structure, characteristic of Michael Schultz's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 26 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.3, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes The three orderlies - Markie, Buffy, and Kool - are established as well-meaning but incompetent healthcare workers at their current facility, causing chaos through their bumbling antics.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 10 minutes when The nephew deliberately hires the three incompetent orderlies to care for his wealthy uncle, hoping their poor care will hasten his death so he can inherit the fortune.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 21 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This illustrates the protagonist's commitment to The orderlies commit to genuinely caring for Albert despite their lack of skills. They enter the world of the wealthy estate and begin their unconventional caregiving approach., moving from reaction to action.
At 43 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat False victory: Albert shows remarkable improvement in health and happiness. The orderlies believe they've succeeded, but the nephew realizes his plan is backfiring and escalates his schemes., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 63 minutes (73% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, The nephew's scheme reaches its peak, putting Albert in serious danger. The orderlies are exposed, discredited, or removed from their position. Albert's health appears to take a critical turn for the worse., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 68 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 79% of the runtime. The orderlies discover evidence of the nephew's plot or realize their genuine care is what Albert truly needs. They synthesize their street smarts with their newfound confidence to take action., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Disorderlies's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs systematic plot point analysis that identifies crucial turning points. By mapping Disorderlies against these established plot points, we can identify how Michael Schultz utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Disorderlies within the comedy genre.
Michael Schultz's Structural Approach
Among the 5 Michael Schultz films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.3, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Disorderlies represents one of the director's most structurally precise works. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Michael Schultz filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional comedy films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Michael Schultz analyses, see The Last Dragon, Carbon Copy and Cooley High.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
The three orderlies - Markie, Buffy, and Kool - are established as well-meaning but incompetent healthcare workers at their current facility, causing chaos through their bumbling antics.
Theme
A character suggests that genuine care and good intentions matter more than polish and professionalism, foreshadowing the orderlies' eventual success through heart rather than skill.
Worldbuilding
Setup of the orderlies' incompetence, their job loss, and introduction of the wealthy millionaire Albert Dennison and his scheming nephew. The nephew's inheritance plot is established.
Disruption
The nephew deliberately hires the three incompetent orderlies to care for his wealthy uncle, hoping their poor care will hasten his death so he can inherit the fortune.
Resistance
The orderlies debate taking the job and arrive at the millionaire's estate. They are overwhelmed by the mansion and uncertain about caring for the wealthy, sick old man.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
The orderlies commit to genuinely caring for Albert despite their lack of skills. They enter the world of the wealthy estate and begin their unconventional caregiving approach.
Mirror World
The relationship between the orderlies and Albert begins to develop. Albert represents what they lack - wisdom and experience - while they represent what he's lost - joy and vitality.
Premise
The fun and games of the orderlies' unorthodox care methods. Their chaotic approach paradoxically improves Albert's health and spirits, including physical comedy, music, and bringing life back to the mansion.
Midpoint
False victory: Albert shows remarkable improvement in health and happiness. The orderlies believe they've succeeded, but the nephew realizes his plan is backfiring and escalates his schemes.
Opposition
The nephew intensifies efforts to sabotage the orderlies and harm his uncle. The orderlies face increasing obstacles, complications, and the nephew's machinations threaten their success and Albert's wellbeing.
Collapse
The nephew's scheme reaches its peak, putting Albert in serious danger. The orderlies are exposed, discredited, or removed from their position. Albert's health appears to take a critical turn for the worse.
Crisis
The orderlies face their darkest moment, believing they've failed Albert and themselves. They must decide whether to give up or find a way to save the man they've come to genuinely care for.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
The orderlies discover evidence of the nephew's plot or realize their genuine care is what Albert truly needs. They synthesize their street smarts with their newfound confidence to take action.
Synthesis
The finale where the orderlies expose the nephew's scheme, rescue Albert, and prove that their unorthodox but heartfelt approach was exactly what he needed. The nephew is defeated and Albert recovers.
Transformation
The orderlies are celebrated and validated. Albert is healthy and happy, surrounded by genuine caregivers. The image mirrors the opening but shows transformation - competence through compassion rather than technique.