The Late Show
Seen it?1977 | 93 min | Mystery, Crime, Comedy
Saturday Specialearly ratingWhy it’s a Saturday Special
Critics loved it (94% on Rotten Tomatoes), despite soft box office. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for crime fans, anyone who likes to be kept guessing and anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved Knives Out or The Naked Gun, start here.
- The mood
- Light and funny, tense.
- The pace
- Breezy, at 1 hr 33 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
- Made in 1977: an older pace and style.
An over-the-hill gumshoe in Los Angeles seeks to avenge the killing of an old pal, another detective who was involved in a case concerning a murdered broad, stolen stamps, a nickel-plated handgun, a cheating dolly, and a kidnapped pussycat.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
94% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsSolid
Nominated for 1 Oscar.
- Reach & staying powerBelow par
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 34K people sought it out in the past year, and interest is climbing
Trailer
More like this
Foul Play
Sunday Safe BetAlso stars Eugene Roche, in another detective comedy, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Knives Out
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed detective crime comedy.
Mr. Monk's Last Case: A Monk Movie Sunday Safe BetAnother detective crime comedy, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
The Naked Gun Saturday SpecialAnother detective crime comedy, and a Saturday Special.
Who's Harry Crumb?
Weeknight WatchAnother detective crime comedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Robert Benton
- Art CarneyIra Wells
- Lily TomlinMargo
- Bill MacyCharlie Hatter
- Eugene RocheRon Birdwell
- Joanna CassidyLaura Birdwell
- John ConsidineLamar
- Ruth NelsonMrs. Schmidt
- John DaveySergeant Dayton
- Howard DuffHarry Regan
- Ray PourchotTheatre Patron (uncredited)