Watch The Cheap Detective

The Cheap Detective is a 1978 American comedy film directed by Robert Moore and starring Peter Falk, Ann-Margret, and Eileen Brennan. The film is a parody of classic film noir detective movies and features Falk in the lead role as private investigator Lou Peckinpaugh. The film is set in San Francisco during the 1940s and tells the story of Peckinpaugh as he investigates a series of murders that seem to be connected to a mysterious woman named Georgia Merkle (Ann-Margret). Along the way, Peckinpaugh meets a cast of eccentric characters, including a French waiter named Marcel (Dom DeLuise), a nightclub singer named Betty DeBoop (Louise Fletcher), and a corrupt police detective named Lieutenant DiMaggio (Sid Caesar).

As Peckinpaugh delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of deceit and double-crosses, with each twist and turn leading him closer to the truth. Along the way, he falls in love with Merkle and must decide whether to stay true to his profession or follow his heart.

The Cheap Detective is a clever and witty parody of classic film noir detective movies, with Peter Falk delivering a standout performance as the bumbling yet endearing Lou Peckinpaugh. The film is filled with clever one-liners and satirical jabs at the genre, with references to classic films such as Casablanca and The Maltese Falcon.

Ann-Margret also delivers a strong performance as the seductive and mysterious Georgia Merkle, with her chemistry with Falk adding a touch of romantic comedy to the film. Eileen Brennan is also a standout as the wisecracking nurse who assists Peckinpaugh in his investigations.

The film's production design and costume design are also noteworthy, with the film perfectly capturing the look and feel of classic film noir movies. The San Francisco locations also add to the film's authenticity, with the city's streets and landmarks providing a perfect backdrop to the story.

Overall, The Cheap Detective is a hilarious and enjoyable parody of classic film noir detective movies, with Peter Falk's performance and the film's clever script making it a must-see for fans of the genre.

The Cheap Detective is a 1978 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.